I can fully understand the unhappiness expressed by some
Singaporeans over the elected president contest as they feel that they have
been deprived of choosing a President of their choice (“Lack of presidential
contest disappointing; September 13, 2017, MediaCorp TODAY newspaper).
A contest would have been good as it would have given
Singaporeans the opportunity to vote for someone whom they believe in – and can
represent them here and on the world stage. Some of our people were upset with the process of
the EP and as rightly observed by ESM Goh Chok Tong, this election was
unpopular.
However, now that a decision has been made, we need to respect that, and give
Madam Halimah Yacob a chance to prove herself.
A dynamic politician or leader is someone who shows compassion and empathy and is
willing to speak up on any subject no matter how thorny the issue is. To the best of my knowledge, I know that this
lady is one such person. Madam Halimah has often spoken out passionately on
workers welfare and providing support for the marginalised in our society. She
did this during her tenure as unionist, minister of state and member of
parliament – and has always been a humble person.
Having served 6 months as a volunteer on the management
committee of Club Heal – a Muslim Voluntary Welfare Organisation, Madam Halimah gave her time to be Patron of this VWO where a tireless advocate and locum doctor Dr
Radiah Salim helped set up Club Heal for the pupose of reaching out to Muslims and also other races grappling with mental health
issues, I could clearly see that she feels so much for those facing challenges
and adversities in their lives. Despite her busy schedules, she would always
find the time to attend to Club Heal events where she would mingle freely with
the patients and their family members. As a MP, she rendered unflagging support to
her residents and that is why they adore her. Give her the opportunity to widen
her support to the whole of Singapore.
Madam Halimah is undoubtedly a people’s person as she is
humble and mixes well with Singaporeans from all walks of life, irrespective of
their status in society. With such
positive energy, I have every confidence that Madam Halimah will also be able
to become People’s President. Can't we give her a chance?
The other two candidates who are successful businessmen, Mr Mohamed Salleh Marican , the founder and chief executive officer of second
chance properties and Mr Farid
Khan Kaim Khan, chairman of offshore marine service provider Bourbon Offshore
Asia both of whom mentioned earlier that
they wanted to serve all Singaporeans but expressed disappointment of not being
able to contest the presidential election can still serve Singaporeans by
considering to set up a charity each to help the needy in Singapore. They can work with President -elect Madam
Halimah on this matter, and I am sure she will appreciate the gesture. And so,
will all Singaporeans.
It is so true that we are living in a very uncertain
world with terrorism striking anytime and everywhere plus the threat of war
breaking out as North Korea intensifies efforts to build nuclear bombs and
carry out missile tests.
Closer to home, there are many people who are unable to
cope with the stresses of life and manage their temperament. Online venom is
damaging lives and I am glad that Judicial Commissioner Aedit Abdullah chided netizens for disparaging
online comments directed at a 22-year old intern who was raped. Then there was
a fighting incident in St Hilda’s Secondary School and a naked man that was
filmed walking around in Tampines, leading netizens to pass insensitive
comments without realising for one moment that the man could be grabbling with
a mental issue that has gone untreated.
It is no easy task for our government and the community to tackle these and
worldwide problems. But I have every confidence that we, as a cohesive society,
can overcome these challenges if: (1) We stay united as one people, one nation,
Singapore (2) Trusting in the power of prayer because practicing a faith helps
a great deal (3) Help the government by being active citizens in proposing
useful and workable suggestions to build a better society. This is where the
forum editors of newspapers should lend support to writers who submit their
thoughts/views (4) Embracing graciousness and positive energy. Perhaps a
campaign on this can prove useful.
I offer my heartiest congratulations to Madam Halimah Yacob on her appointment
as President of Singapore. Although she has limited powers, with her compassion
for the less fortunate in our society, I am sure she can advise and influence
the government to lend support to this group who are in dire need of support.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
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