Singapore, just like many other countries
in the world faces huge challenges in an uncertain world, and it is impossible
for any government (Our country included) to resolve every problem.
The ordinary man in the street who mingles
in the community can see things much more clearly, and with the right attitude
and mindset will be in a good position to churn useful suggestions and ideas
that can so easily help the government to make Singapore the best home to live
in.
While there will always be people who
criticise everything and anything, there are also citizens who have a burning
desire to improve the lives of all Singaporeans, especially the less well
off.
When constructive ideas are used by the
government of the day, our nation can take on the toughest challenges. Clearly, the recent budget announced by
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat has taken into account useful feedback from
ordinary Singaporeans, and it is heartening to note that some of these opinions
have come through from several forum letter writers – with the unflagging
support of the Straits Times. We must
build on that and promote active citizenry. To stifle creativity will be doing
a great disservice to Singapore.
So, let’s rally around the government
and all Singaporeans to build a far better Singapore and not be discouraged by
people who do not believe in active citizenry, bearing in mind what the late
Martin Luther King once said: “Our lives begin to end the day we become
silent about things that matter.”
Taking the cue from King who has always
inspired and motivated me, I drew up a proposal which I carefully analyzed and provided
concreate solutions to stamp out misused of funds obtained from anyone in
future. A case in point was the funds
that was obtained improperly by some leaders of the City Harvest Church who
were eventually convicted. Here’s my proposal:
Implement civil forfeiture
laws to seize back money and assets obtained through criminal breach of trust
(CBT): A public suggestion to the Law Ministry and the Singapore Government
My proposal was sent to Mr Shanmugam, our Law Minister on 6th February 2018. I am glad that my views/suggestions to the Minister for Law submitted on 6th February 2018 was well received following a reply I got from a Jeremy Yeo Shenglong from the Ministry of Law on 15th February 2018. Yeo mentioned that the government is reviewing the law and will take my feedback into consideration.
Raymond
Anthony Fernando
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