Date : 2 February 2009
TODAY - United, we stand out
02 February 2009
Leong Wee Keat
weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg
HERE’S how Singapore should stand out from other countries in this global economic crisis: By responding more cohesively than others, helping its people more effectively, and preparing for the future more resolutely.
This was the call made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night :at the Teck Ghee Lunar New Year Dinner, as he urged the community to have confidence in the country’s future and do its part, even as the Government offers support.
With Parliament to sit tomorrow to debate Budget 2009, Mr Lee said he was encouraged by Singaporeans’ positive responses to the state’s $20.5-billion Resilience Package.
While households are getting more assistance – through various rebates and doubling of GST credits – Mr Lee called on the community to work together to reach out to every household. The Government stood ready to help voluntary welfare and grassroots organisers with more resources.
"Whatever it is, one way or another, we will make sure that anyone who needs help, gets help," said Mr Lee, citing help for :poor pupils who cannot afford school fees or lunch money, and for retrenched workers to ge re-trained and re-employed. "Anyone who makes the effort to help himself and his family, we will make sure to help him or her."
In the same vein, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at a separate event said the helping hand could not come from the Government alone. "Family members who are better off should help out other members of the extended family," he said.
In countries such as France, Russia, Iceland and the United Kingdom, the financial turmoil has sparked unrest and protests in the past week.
On Saturday, Defence Minister Teo Chee said Singaporeans had reason for confidence as the political stability and social harmony here "allows us to focus on the economy and helping Singaporeans without the situation being made worse by social and political turmoil and struggles".
Yesterday, Mr Lee said investors knew Singapore was different from other countries, in "the way we solve problems, the way we work together, the way we focus what is worrying us now, and the way we respond to this crisis".
Singaporeans must work together to ride out the economic storm, he urged, "so that when the sun comes out again, we will emerge stronger, readier and more competitive and do even better for our children, for our future".
(With thanks to TODAYonline.com)
Note : No reproduction or downloading of this article is allowed in any medium. Permission has to be obtained from TODAY.
02 February 2009
How volunteers and grassroots leaders are helping on the ground
By Sue-Ann Chia & Goh Chin Lian
FAMILIES struggling to cope with the downturn have been receiving help from their MPs and community organisations.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said more was being done for residents in his Teck Ghee constituency through donors and volunteers.
'This is the way we get through the crisis - by all of us working closely together,' he said at the Chinese New Year dinner in his ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC.
For instance, more hongbao were given to needy residents this year. More subsidies were also given to poor families with pre-school children, and 20 per cent more bursaries were awarded to students.
His grassroots leaders are also working with stallholders of markets and hawker centres to provide subsidised food to poor families and needy elderly.
'This is our duty...because we are all in the same boat,' said Mr Lee.
Such help is extended not just in Teck Ghee, but all over Singapore.
At Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's Marine Parade constituency, more than 100 needy residents were treated to a Chinese New Year lunch at Roland Restaurant yesterday.
They joined hundreds of other residents at the lunch which Mr Goh described as a 'big family reunion' which draws people closer together.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said his Pasir Ris West constituency's grassroots organisations have been helping the needy through its welfare fund, which is supported by generous donors.
Some 1,400 students received Edusave awards worth a total of $405,000 last month, he told residents at a Chinese New Year dinner on Saturday.
Job fairs have also been held by the North East Community Development Council for residents, he added, with two more planned in the next three months.
At Aljunied GRC, religious as well as voluntary welfare organisations have chipped in to help residents in need.
Foreign Minister George Yeo recounted attending a church event which provided free food for the needy regardless of their religion.
'If we can develop this sense of solidarity, I believe this crisis will make us stronger,' he told reporters at a community event yesterday.
His fellow Aljunied GRC MP Cynthia Phua, who also attended the event, said the number of people seeking help due to shrinking salaries in this recession has increased by about 15 per cent.
Her grassroots leaders are also identifying families who need help.
Even as MPs are tackling the current concerns of residents, PM Lee said the Government will continue to focus on the future by investing in education and infrastructure and improving housing estates.
HDB upgrading projects will continue, he said, noting that there are six upgrading projects in Ang Mo Kio GRC and the single-seat ward of Yio Chu Kang, whose MP is Mr Seng Han Thong.
In Teck Ghee, lift upgrading will start this year for blocks 471 to 476.
'We've waited for some time for this, and residents have often asked me when is our lift coming to stop on (our) floor...I hope the residents will appreciate it,' said Mr Lee.
Teck Ghee resident Wong Jee Koh said he would try to make ends meet before seeking help. The former technician, laid off last July, has been doing odd jobs.
His wife is a school bus attendant, and his two teenage daughters are in school.
'I'd need help most with finding a job, said the 58-year-old.
(With thanks to SPH - StraitsTimes.com)
Note : No reproduction or downloading of this Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) article is allowed in any medium. Permission has to be obtained from SPH.