Mano Sabnani, Chairman and CEO at Rafflesia Holdings Pte Ltd, and the Former Editor-in-Chief at TODAY shared a video on Facebook yesterday where a group of Indian workers were seen to be burning paper offerings.
During the Hungry Ghost Month, burning offerings for their ancestors are burnt, and these offerings usually take the form of paper money, houses, cars, technology or even paper clothes.
Probably in jest, Mr Sabnani said, “This is the month of the hungry ghosts. Activity among Chinese Singaporeans slows down. So it could be natural to outsource work”.
https://www.facebook.com/mano.sabnani/videos/10156012986924541/
Joss paper is usually burnt to exude filial piety and respect for one’s elders and ancestors.
However, in the case where the foreign workers were made to burn the offerings, Mr Sabnani said, “Done by workers from the Indian subcontinent. So who gets the protection and benefits?”
Those who commented on Mr Sabnani’s post asked if the offerings could be burnt on behalf of someone, or if the benefits would be recognized.
Many others chided the boss of these workers for tasking their staff to do prayer offerings.
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obbana@theindependent.sg