Break the silence on inequality

28th December 202 The Cabinet of Singapore Dear PM Lee & Ministers, The Singapore Forward conversation: Break the silence on inequality Compliments of the season! In helping to build a better Singapore, I would like to present my candid views on the delicate subject of inequality here in Singapore. At the centre of challenges in life’s journey is the power of love that can unite people of all races and religions. We must therefore never be cynical about love. Despite broken dreams, empty promises, inequality, love is still a splendid virtue, so let’s embrace it and transform lives, shall we? The government needs to be open to constructive feedback and allow a free flow of ideas – without suppressing it or allowing the media to block useful suggestions. Look at today’s Forum Page in The Straits Times and you will read complaints and complaints. ST is becoming a complaints bureau. I do not take too kindly of a doctor – Dr Lim Ee Koon who suggested that abusers be castrated. His letter got published in The ST yesterday. Forum: Consider castration as an alternative to raising caning age limit | The Straits Times. As far as I am concerned, such a punishment is barbaric. Sex education, rehabilitation, and intensive counselling can help. Let’s not go back to the stone- age era. There must be equality at all levels – including gender equality. Why is it that some employers of maid have committed hideous crimes against maids and they are not caned because they are females? While it is helpful that some constituencies have rolled out programmes where needy residents are gifted with Chinese New Year cookies and ‘ang pows’, why is it that other needy folks in other constituencies do not get these. There must be better teamwork within each ministry and across the civil service where no one is left behind, in many cases through no fault of their own. One way is for the better well-off constituencies to team up with the well-off constituencies so that all estates can enjoy the fruits of labour. For example, in my SMC constituency, MP Yip can team up with the Teck Ghee constituencies for this purpose. After all, Teck Ghee is a GRC. If this can materialize, you also secure teamwork. Needy Singaporeans come from all parts of Singapore. And they include those with diabetes. Which is why I proposed to Health Minister Ong to have the meter reading devices made available at all polyclinics and private clinics at discounted prices if such equipment can be given free of charge. If we are concerned about taking control of this deadly disease. Here we have cases of inequality staring right at our faces, and it is not good in building a cohesive society where some will benefit and some will not. Let’s not deepen inequality, but take steps to narrow the social divide. Let us be gracious enough to welcome change and accept ideas, even radical ones if it can build a more cohesive society. I fondly recall former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s words of wisdom when he was asked by the media if Singapore will ever be a gracious society. Lee’s simple reply hit the nail on the head: “Not in my time”, unquote. Think about it. I appreciate a reply to my proposal, and if it takes time to respond, an interim reply will be gracious. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando LIVE LIKE A LEGEND