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To be, or not to be: that is the question.

Hi all,

Pleasant day!

This morning as I was reading this online article: Not all grassroots members are disgusting reminded me of some things I encountered.  As I have mentioned before, I have wanted to volunteer for Tampines Grove Resident's Committee and I have only attended a meeting as an observer last year.  My initial thought of volunteering is to understand if there is anything I can do about the housing issue that my family is plague with, as well as contributing to the community.  Perhaps the core motivation is for the sake of my family, as one would refer me as mentioned in point 3 of linked article, the hypocrite who wants to gain something in return. [The personal advantage: These people join grassroots for the perks.]  Frankly, my experience at the meeting was a neutral one.  I am certain that a lot of people among us, think for the future and prepare for the rainy day, that is what exactly I was trying to do.

When my parents finally become aware of our housing issue, living in a Studio Apartment with a total lease of 30 years; annual rental fee of about $2,000.00 they decided to alert me and make a trip to the MPS at Tampines Street 21, hoping to meet ex-Minister of National Development, Mr. Mah Bow Tan.  Unfortunately, he was not present and I wonder if he actually attends MPS usually.  I chanced upon another article: The 'Doctor' is in so that I can quote and unquote accordingly and to be unbiased, "Mr Mah said yes, he attends every session. As long as he's in Singapore, he would be there."   I shall give ministers the benefit of doubt based on the following reasons:

#1. They are not solely MPs who represent residents in their constituencies but are also ministers assigned to take care of a particular area/agency;

#2. They may be required to travel quite frequently;

#3. It was during the campaign period and therefore, ex-Minister Mr. Mah was at the MPS weekly (article was dated 29th March 2011); and

#4. Article was reported by The New Paper and therefore possibility of myopic media content.

Considering the abovementioned reasons, I try to balance my thoughts.  The helper whom I met on that fateful day was an individual in the law profession.  He gave a couple of meaningful suggestions which I will not deny but after some discussion with my parents, we have decided on an alternative plan to work through our situation.

With the General Elections over for about a month, I do not want to take things as they were before.  I do not want to remain as an ignorant Singaporean.  The General Elections has truly marked a turning point in my life.  It caused me to turn back time and relate the present to history, how history affects us now and most importantly, what we can do for our future generations.  I'm aware that significant changes take time and on my part, I am willing to participate actively to aid in this development (if I can find the avenue to do so).

Contrary to the relatively reasonable MPS I had experienced at Tampines Street 21, I had a little bit of confusion when I visited the Blk 140 Tampines MPS recently.  The helpers made me question are they actually PAP members or otherwise.  A friend has feedback to me that they could be friends, PAP members, RC members or even volunteers who don't belong to any party.  Why the need to question?  Because both the helplers seemed to be clueless about the policies intact for Studio Apartments.


To be, or not to be; that is the question.
Shakespeare's opening phrase for Hamlet was: To be, or not to be; that is the question.  Hamlet attempts to reason out whether the unknown beyond of death is any easier to bear than life.  I find the line very apt for this season of my life, in relation to my view of politics.  I believe that at this point, it is the best time to observe the different political parties; do not be too quick to judge (as I have urge myself), keep an open mind and be thankful that people of varied perspectives are willing to share.

Pam Petite
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