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