Public suggestion: Beneficial for Singapore when the government is open to alternative voices

 

The frank assessment by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on the results of the General Elections sends a clear signal that many Singaporeans desire to have alternate voices/views in Parliament (PAP spells out reasons vote fell below expectations, July 18, 2020, The Straits Times).

With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s magnanimous gesture to provide the appropriate staff support and resources to Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh, the government can take further steps to embrace alternative views and suggestions, which in the long run will be beneficial to Singapore and her people.

Given that COVID -19 will take a long time to go away and with the worry that a second wave will occur anytime, it is prudent to strengthen the COVID-19 Ministerial taskforce by inviting Dr Paul Tambyah who is an expert in disease management to share his knowledge, wisdom, expertise and directions to tackle the virus which is causing havoc.  Dr Tambyah is the first Singaporean to head the International Society of Infectious Diseases and his knowledge needs to be valued and appreciated. Let’s not see him as a member of the opposition, but one who can make a healthy contribution to this pandemic.

If the government views other political parties as partners rather than adversaries, then Singapore will see far better days.

Finance Minister and DPM Heng Swee Keat

Despite the close contest at the General Elections in July 2020, I am encouraged and impressed by Mr Heng’s compassion and care for all Singaporean, especially the vulnerable in our society. This is the kind of leader Singapore needs to take our country forward – and we must all, in big and small ways record our love and support for Mr Heng. It is no easy task having to produce several budgets in a space of 3 months, more so when he has recovered from a life-threatening   stroke.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

Public Suggestion: Have money remittance companies operate on 2 shifts at the end of the month

 

It is the norm for the Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) to send money back home at the end of the month (Coronavirus: Safe distancing concerns over crowds at Lucky Plaza, 2 June,2020).

 

See the ST report here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-safe-distancing-concerns-over-crowds-at-lucky-plaza  ).

 

I wrote to The Straits Times Forum page to provide some workable, practical suggestion, but as expected, my article was rejected-again.

 

We have to understand that these FDWs leave their families behind to earn better wages here in Singapore to provide for their families who are poor.  They only get their salaries at the end of the month and are only given rest days on Sundays.

 

I have seen the queues at Lucky Plaza and the safe-distancing measures put in place including temperature taking by the safe distancing ambassadors and they are indeed, orderly.  Bear in mind also that it is tiring for these personnel to stand long hours undertaking these tasks. Therefore, we should not be overly anxious.

However, to give greater peace of mind to all concerned, we can always improve on the measures by encouraging all the remittance companies to operate on two shifts at the end of the month.

This means one shift starts at 8am and ends at 5pm and the second shift begins at 5pm and ends at 9pm or 10pm.   This can be done from Fridays to Sundays at the end of each month when people traffic is high. This will allow the FDWs the opportunity to remit money much easier without much anxiety, and at the same time allows crowds to be spread more evenly. 

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 My website:  https://www.raybeacon.com/?fbclid=IwAR170HbgWR8ENxfN_YfgxfnB_DL_IUpDap0hw_c8n0QD1l7OiMU2FWdoy_k

 

 

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
    
    
    
    
    
    

With rebates, telcos can help people stay at home

In anticipation that The Straits Times will once again reject my press letter, I wrote to DPM Heng Swee Keat & the COVID -19 Ministerial Task Force on this value-added idea. Take a read, folks:

Dear DPM Heng & Ministers,

Do consider this. I appreciate a reply.

Tks

Raymond Anthony Fernando

With rebates, telcos can help people stay at home

Given the rise in the number of COVID -19 cases, it has become necessary for the government to roll out more stringent measures to tackle the virus.

We cannot deny that social distancing and self-isolation will be a challenge for many people. This is because humans are by nature innately sociable. More so because from history to the modern day we’ve lived in groups – in villages, communities and family units.

It is a fact that social isolation can have a negative impact in our lives, both for the young and the old.

One way to better manage self-isolation, especially for the elderly lonely and the vulnerable groups is to use the phone or technology. Where feasible gather a group of people to stay in touch with the elderly lonely and vulnerable groups.

With technology, staying at home helps us to stay in touch with one another with minimum loss of connectivity. Those with smartphones can use the video capabilities because seeing someone’s facial expressions can help increase connection where support, care and love during a crisis makes a big difference.

Singapore Power and the Town Councils are standing alongside the government by providing rebates and waivers for between 1.5 to 3 months.

That said, I urge the telcos to do the same as phone charges and internet usage can be rather costly, especially for the middle and lower-income groups.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

The Minsterial Task Force on COVID -19: Provide support such as meals for lower-income citizens during a lockdown

18th March 2020

Dear Ministers,

We should all need the advice and wisdom of Mr Lawrence Wong who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force set up to deal with the coronavirus by not travelling as this stage as it is not is not a priority. More so with a new high of 27 new patients being infected with the coronavirus.

There needs to be good support measures in place to manage the possibility of a lockdown (“Coronavirus: Singapore will not rule out lockdown, but not on the cards for now, says Lawrence Wong”, March 18, 2020, The Straits Times).
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-will-not-rule-out-lockdown-but-not-on-the-cards-for-now-says

With people unable to move about freely during a lockdown, how will citizens – especially the lower income and vulnerable groups get their meals?

During the lockdown will markets and food centres be closed?

Will food companies like GrabFood or Foodpanda be allowed to operate?

For the higher income group, it will not be an issue to buy meals if the food delivery companies are allowed to continue with business.

If markets and food centres are permitted to open, only one person per household can be allowed to buy cooked and uncooked food.

In preparation for this move, perhaps the grassroots leaders or the armed forces can be mobilised to help distribute meals for the period when the lockdown is in force. This is one way for these two groups to rally around the taskforce to help manage a challenging issue.  In doing so, panic buying can also be significantly reduced.

In a support measure to workers who are not allowed to work during the lockdown now taking place in the Philippines, President Duterte in a public address appealed to business firms to give their employees their 13th-month pay even if it’s pro-rated, or even half of their monthly salaries for them to survive the possible loss of income during the “enhanced community quarantine” period.

This can be done here in Singapore as well if a lockdown is required.

 

I appreciate a response, please. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando