Working the Ground 

Today was a long day, especially surviving for over 14 hours with only 3.5 hours of sleep. But it was insightful. In the evening, we went to the Buona Vista for a “Meet the MP Session”. (For non-Singaporeans or Singaporeans living under a rock, that is a weekly time where residents in constituencies get to air their complains, grievance, ask for help from their elected Minister.) It’s also called grassroots outreach, or “listening to the ground”. In this case, the Minister was Mr Lim Swee Say.

The first thing that striked me was the same thought I get everything I see a Singapore politician. They look so much older and tired than their pictures. And more white hairs. That is the most telling evidence that their job is super stressful and takes a major toil on them.

The second thing that made an impression was seeing and interacting with some of the residents in the area. That area has some of the poorest of Singaporeans, whom I know in theory exists, but seeing it first hand is jarring. These Singaporeans have to worry about survival of themselves and their families. Basic needs like food, water, education, utilities, etc have not been met.

The third thing that stayed in my mind was how each volunteer officer would painstakingly write down every single worry and request by the residents in a letter to be sent out to various government agencies and agencies. Then, Minister Lim would come, talk to every single resident and also edit and write the letter, which will later be typed up and personally signed by Minister. I’m impressed. I get annoyed just having to write anything more than 1/4 of a page.

Overall, the visit was a good one. Saw a side of Singapore that is seldom revealed. Makes me appreciate what I have right now, which also includes the nice iMac that I am writing this post on. And my cosy bed. And my Snowy. And And And… ok, list too long. I’m just thankful for everything.

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