Forum: Need to be empathetic to some of these rule breakers

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter gets published today, Thursday 14^th May 2020

 

 

Two people who disobeyed the circuit breaker measures have been remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (Woman held for assaulting cop, refusing to wear mask properly, May 11).

 

Are there more to come?

 

Not everyone can cope with stress and isolation. Not everyone who is out of work or facing intense financial distress can manage their troubled minds.

 

The way that officers enforcing circuit breaker measures approach a person who does not wear a mask is critical.

 

It would be prudent to train them in how to deal with people with mental health issues.

 

They need to have the tools to respond to tense situations, so that they are able to de-escalate them in a safe, effective and caring manner.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

 

https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/forum-need-to-be-empathetic-to-some-of-these-rule-breakers

11^th May 2020

 Ms Josephine Teo

Manpower Minister (Singapore)

Dear Josephine,

Seeking approval for the government to help her citizens to withdraw some of their CPF savings during COVID-19

An elderly citizen, Mr. Dendroff Terance William wrote to the Straits Times Forum Page on 1^st May 2020 appealing to the government to allow CPF holders to withdraw $5,000 to help Singaporeans during the COVI-19 outbreak.

In his letter “Allow $5,000 withdrawal from CPF to tide us over crisis” Mr. William cited several valid concerns why he is making the appeal and also how our neighbour , Malaysia has allowed its citizens to withdraw their savings from the Employees Provident Fund.

I fully agree with the views of the writer.

The said letter Josephine can be retrieved from the ST archives, and I trust from Mr William’s salient points along with mine, you can adapt and exercise some flexibility. 

 Many people have told me that they are struggling to cope with hardships during the stringent Circuit Breaker (CB) measures. These include SMEs, market stall holders, hawkers and individuals.

Additionally, there are also sick people who need to pay for their medications and transport to go to hospitals and clinics. The government needs to show compassion, empathy and kindness to the needy.

The true test of leadership is when a crisis take place – and how the leaders respond in a calm, collective and supportive manner.

That said, Josephine, I urge you to rally around needy Singaporeans and give your approval to allow citizens in dire need of financial support to withdraw some of their CPF savings from anything of $4,000 to $5,000, perhaps on a case-by case basis.

Together, we can all pull through this crisis stronger than ever.

I appreciate a reply from you, Josephine, and if it takes some time for you to give your approval, an interim reply ought to be forthcoming.

 Thank you, stay safe, stay healthy.

 Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

Reply from Josephine Teo on the same day is encouraging

 Dear Raymond,

Thank you for reaching out.

My colleagues are looking into your suggestion, and will be in touch with you.

Stay safe and healthy too.

 JT

1.  
   Lovely Recovery:
   A get-well message specially dedicated to Mr. Low Thia Khiang
    
   Dear Mr. Low,
   Like many Singaporeans, I am saddened that you’ve fallen ill after you fell on your head
   We are all collectively praying for you
   For it’s clear that you’re as good as bread
   Both you and your loved ones are going through some difficult times
   The challenges you all face can be trying
   But through the power of collective prayer, you will soon be fine  
   Hang in there, for all Singaporeans are deeply concern for you
   For an outstanding politician like you, Mr. Low, come but few
   Life is full of ups and downs – often like a roller coaster ride
   Your work in and out Parliament you undertake Mr. Low is done with much pride
   I hope that you will soon be on the road to recovery
   And when you are up and about again, Mr. Low
   Hey! brother Wouldn’t that be just lovely!
   Sincerely,
    
   Raymond Anthony Fernando
   @copyrightraymondAfernando3May2020