One of the longer evenings at MPS for some time.
1) Had spent quite a lot of time trying to explain to a lady why I felt her appeal didn't have strong grounds. We often ask for waiver or appeal for subsidies and grants when families are financially strained. But I have also come to learn that it is very relative term. It was clear in my mind that the individual family was probably in the top single percentile of the population, but still felt that their situation warranted asking for waiver.
This is one political sensibility that I haven't quite learnt or come to terms with as yet. As an MP, I will write in with their appeal and seek to represent their views and concerns...but should I try to explain and point out to an individual why an appeal was not warranted and run the risk of getting the individual angry and losing their support (especially since you are writing in anyway)? Or should I just say no problem, we'd write in and try and leave it at that?
I have largely tried to do the former as I believe it is the right thing to do. But I think there is a cost. Oh well...we continue to learn.
2) A gentleman came to see me. He was clearly unwell but the first thing he asked me was about my health. He was on public assistance and said that he was comfortable with what he had been given, though he needed some rations this week. I asked after the family and he teared. He had a younger brother but clearly one who did not bother. He shrugged and said he had come to terms with his condition and lot in life a long time ago. I felt proud of his resilience but also somewhat sad. Family must surely count for something. But I have come to realise that it doesn't always.
3) The last story is rather quirky. An old lady stayed all the way till the end of the MPS. It was nearly 1am+ I think. She couldn't sleep for a few days and wanted to tell me in person. One of the heavenly gods appeared in her dream to warn me that I needed a change or something will happen. She is a dear old lady whom we have been helping. One could see her deteriorating over the years but she remains kind and caring.
4) As always, thanks to my People's Action Party activists and non-party volunteers who come by weekly to provide a listening ear, write up petition letters, help carry groceries back for the elderly and infirmed, and who follow up on weekends to further understand their issues and concerns. Nothing could be done without all your help!
Tan Chuan-Jin
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/TanChuanJin1/posts/892053534170756