The Road Ahead for This Citizen

For the sake of some closure for the Singapore 2011 elections and my two previous posts, here's my final installment. (I promise!! ;) )

Firstly, I think I need to clarify some things regarding what's in it for me.

I received some helpful advice how I can spend my baby bonus even if I do not send my children to child care. That would be through medical claims for sending my children to the poly clinics. Actually, I have that covered through my husband's job perks which includes medical subsidies for myself and my children. So I actually am not in need of government assistance, by the grace of God, despite our family of 7 presently relying on my husband's income.

So why was I talking about grants from the government??

I was not speaking for myself, per se, but for this whole class of Singaporeans who need more recognition, and indeed, some DO need financial help! They have been unhelped and unsung heroes for too long. I think the point was more that the government needs to recognize all Singaporeans whether or not they contribute to the workforce or not. And this translates in a very tangible way through policies how this group of people can be extended help by the government in recognition of their sacrifices in order to help others.

Secondly, I hope I did not come across as a disgruntled, anti-government hag. Actually, I have been counting my blessings, and indeed, in the last five years, government money well spent in my vicinity has given my family and me better quality of life. A beautiful park and playground 3 minutes walk from my house, the new water play place by the reservoir, the park connector bicycle tracks....very importantly, the new Khoo Teck Puat hospital in Yishun (ok, not government money but government planned, they saw that the north of Singapore needs a hospital). That has been a tremendous blessing, since already, two elderly of my family have had to be admitted there and the convenience of visiting them is really a great blessing.

Having said that, the work situation (work load) became heavier over the last 5 years for my hubby and I still lament that there is no work life balance in Singapore. As a family, we are in the process of rectifying that and seeking other areas of income in order for hubby to be home more. (Will talk more about that real soon. :) ) You can already see the adsense banner on the side column of my blogs? ;)

This is not directly the fault of the government but again, government can choose to not make the GDP growth their top priority and make the quality of their citizen's lives a greater priority. I'm sure it can be done in a more meaningful way than the once a year eat dinner with your family movement. *big groan

So... the road ahead for me.

Like many Singaporeans my age (post '75ers) there has been a political awakening through the course of this elections. The excitment of having so many parties contest PAP all over the island in all constituencies really gave us much to think about our stake in the continual making of our nation.

Many protested the perceived arrogance of our incumbent government for pushing policies without first consulting the people. Some protested either by voting for the opposition or by spoiling their votes. I believe in voting responsibly and not recklessly. I would not vote the opposition to protest the PAP if the opposition candidates are not credible at all. I will not play around with my vote. 

This election, I found no reason to protest by spoiling my vote either.

I am glad that the PAP is waking up to the fact that the ground is not happy with their perceived arrogance. I do hope that they will really do what they say and meaningfully listen to the voices of the people. Afterall, their survival at the next polls will depend on how they show they are listening in the coming five years. The tide is changing but I believe the people do want to believe in the PAP and work with them.

Hitherto, I had believed that government is government and I, as a christian, should not voice out to them if I disagree but rather petition God. This is of course, still the best and most powerful means available to the child of God because the hearts of men, politicians, leaders, and kings are in the hands of Almighty God.

However, since we have been given channels to feedback to the government, I feel that it is only fair that I do give my honest and constructive feedback (humbly) because it is going to affect the way I vote in the next elections, when I see the outcome of how the government governs.

Just as it is bewildering for a husband who is given the silent treatment by his wife and he doesn't know what on earth he has done wrong to anger her. Us citizens (wives) ought to be fair and give the government (husbands) the chance to hear our grievances and either give the government a chance to rectify the problem or explain their course of action. Commmunication is key to building good ties between the government and the people.

The prophet Nehemiah makes his request known to the King:

Nehemiah 2:1-5  And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

 So, for me, if there is an avenue, and if I feel led by the Lord and have the permission of my husband, I will take opportunities to speak, respectfully and humbly. Let us build a better Singapore for ourselves and our children after us.

1 Timothy 2:1-2  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

But praise God, as children of God, we are sojourners and we look for another city, a heavenly one.

Hebrews 11:8-10  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

God bless Singapore.

Comments

[Ed]

Hi!
I came across your site because I was looking for more information on homeschooling since my 3 YO only goes to school for 2 hours. Anyway I recently went to a dialogue session with Mrs Lim Hwee Hua for SAHMs to see how else the govt can support us, and I think work-life balance for everyone is going to be key moving forward. Unfortunately she ain't in charge no more so I'm not sure where we go from here, or I'd have brought it up to her and volunteered some help! Lol.

Thanks for sharing on your site :)

[Suwei]

Hi Ed,

So happy you dropped by and thanks for dropping a note! :)

I guess Singaporeans are really watching in great anticipation to see if the newly elected government with the new mandate to listen will really be different from the old.

Blessings,
Suwei

(3 yr olds.... let them play lah... :) )