Young graduate remains jobless for nine months after allegedly being pressured to resign from first job

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November 1, 2019

jobless-PMET1 — Photo for illustrative purposes only

A young Singaporean has said that she has been unemployed for nine months after she was allegedly pressured to resign from the first job she got after graduating.

Writing to Gilbert Goh, an activist who runs the transitioning.org website that offers support for the unemployed and the underemployed, Evangeline wrote that she was bullied at her last workplace and was “pressurised/threatened” by her superiors to resign after nine months of working there.

Revealing that she received little help from her ex-company’s Human Resources (HR) department, who allegedly only have her superiors a verbal warning, Evangeline said that she has been having difficulties finding a new job and suspects her former bosses may have slandered her.

Sharing that the incident and her inability to find another full-time job has left her feeling isolated and depressed, she wrote:

“Dear Mr Gilbert, I have been unemployed for 9 months and have been reading your website for encouragement. I’ve finally worked up the courage to email you – I would like to receive a copy of your ebook if possible, and also join a support group. It can be very isolating and depressing.

“As a recent graduate, I was bullied at my first job and unexpectedly pressurised/threatened by my very young bosses to resign after nine months. During the trying time, I had reported to HR about my situation. HR appeared sympathetic and apologised, saying their behaviour was unprofessional, but apart from a verbal warning to my bosses, nothing else was done for me.

“I have since experienced great difficulties securing a full time job because most companies conduct background checks, and I suspected my ex bosses may have slandered me.

“I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to you and your team, for establishing this website for unemployed persons like myself. Looking forward to hearing from you.”

Earlier, in May, another Singaporean told Mr Goh that he was bullied by his foreign colleagues at his previous workplaces due to his mental condition and that he was jobless after being fired by two companies in a span of months.

Revealing that he is desperate for a job due to his dire financial circumstances, Feng Ping wrote that the loss of his jobs from the two companies “was traumatic to my emotional health.”

He added: “I was a victim of workplace bully by the “foreign talents” in my previous companies. I was outnumbered by the foreigners and the management didn’t manage (sic) to help resolve this issue. This has resulted in further worsening of my mental condition which was just a very mild case previously.”

Sharing that he had actually recovered from his mental condition and had been leading a fulfilling life after graduating with a degree in accounting and finance prior to the workplace bullying, Feng Ping wrote that the bullying worsened his mental health.

He revealed: “Currently I am jobless and couldn’t find a job despite sending my resumes to many employment agencies and even the government sector. This has caused traumatic blows to me and I am in emotional distress. I locked myself up at home everyday hoping to get calls for job interviews.”

Appealing for help, Feng Ping concluded: “My family is very poor and I couldn’t find a job, I need desperate help.”

According to preliminary data gathered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the third quarter of 2019, the number of retrenchments and the unemployment rate has continued to rise. Overall, the unemployment rate went up from 2.2 per cent to 2.3 per cent while the unemployment rate for Singapore residents (including permanent residents) went up from 3.1 per cent to 3.2 per cent.

Number of retrenchments and unemployment rate continues to rise: Latest MOM labour market data

Jobless PMET was allegedly bullied by foreign colleagues due to his mental condition

Unemployed and underemployed Singaporeans share their stories as photo of “jobless graduate” goes viral

Graduate underemployment climbs, causing concern among analysts

Kate Middleton wants to patch things up with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

By

Lydia Koh

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November 1, 2019

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sussex — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are living in the US now. Picture: Instagram

Kate Middleton is reportedly doing her best to resolve ‘difficulties’ between Prince William and Prince Harry.

Phil Dampier, royal author said that the Duchess of Cambridge is trying to “bring the couples together” after “feeling sorry for Meghan”

Speaking to the Express, he said: “Behind the scene, I’m told Kate is doing her best to bring everyone together and help Meghan.

“None of them want to let the Queen down so Kate is trying to patch things up in private.

An ITV documentary titled Harry & Meghan: An African Journey was aired earlier this month and is said to have sparked Kate’s attempts.

Tom Bradby of ITV followed the royal couple during the tour and he interviewed them separately.

Meghan explained: “Look, any woman especially when they are pregnant you’re really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn – you know…

“And, also thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I’m OK. But it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”

When Tom asked Meghan if it was a struggle, Meghan looked emotional and answered “Yes.”

Tom asked Prince Harry if Princess Diana’s death was still painful as he continued her work.

He asked: “Do you feel at peace in a way yet? Or is it still a sort of wound that festers?”

“I think probably a wound that festers,” Harry replied.

“I think being part of this family, in this role, in this job, every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash it takes me straight back so in that respect it’s the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best.

“Being here now 22 years later trying to finish what she started will be incredibly emotional but everything that I do reminds me of her.

“But as I said with the role, with the job, and the sort of pressures that come with that I get reminded of the bad stuff, unfortunately.”

The topic of the brothers’ relationship was also highlighted by Tom during the documentary.

“We’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers — and we’re certainly on different paths at the moment,” he said.

“But I’ll certainly always be there for him as I know he’ll always be there for me.

“We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we’re so busy.

“But I love him dearly and the majority of the stuff is created out of nothing. But as brothers, you have good days, you have bad days.”

Condominium management is the biggest problem when it comes to altercations involving security guards, says security supervisor

By

Jewel Stolarchuk

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November 1, 2019

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In a forum letter published by the Straits Times on Tuesday (29 Oct), security supervisor Sivarajah Nathan said that the main problem security guards who encounter abuse face is “the condominium management”.

Pointing to the recent case in which a condo resident hurled vulgarities and berated hapless security guards who simply told the resident that his guests need to pay parking fees as per the condo rules, Mr Sivarajah said: “As a security supervisor, I have encountered such humiliation, had vulgarities hurled at me and even been issued threats to get me out of the workplace.”

Mr Sivarajah said that the main problem guards usually face, however, is the condo management. Noting that the management is “afraid of the residents,” he said:

“When an incident arises, instead of calling the resident and investigating the case, the management issues a warning letter to the security officer or even takes him out of the assignment.

“The condo managing agent is afraid to lose its job and takes the shortcut. Agencies that employ us do not bother to offer any assistance and simply transfer the security officer in an incident to another site. These agencies seem to want only to collect their monthly income from the Management Corporation Strata Title.”

Asking what is the purpose of the condo committee since council members “distance themselves” and do not assist when security guards are harassed, Mr Sivarajah said that the police also offer little help, often advising guards to bring up the matter to the condo management since altercations take place in private properties.

Calling on the authorities to help security officers work in a safe environment, Mr Sivarajah said: “I would like the police, the security union and security associations to come up with concrete measures to help security officers work in an environment without humiliation or harassment.”

On Friday night (25 Oct), a video of a man verbally abusing a hapless security officer went viral on social media. In the incident, which reportedly took place at the Eight Riversuites condominium in Bendemeer, the man hurled vulgarities at the elderly guard after being told that guests visiting his condominium needed to pay parking fees.

Despite the security guards’ explanation that they are simply enforcing the rules, the condo resident continued to berate the workers. In his expletive-ridden rant, the man bragged to the security officers that he bought his condominium unit for S$1.5 million. He exclaimed: “I buy your f****** property for S$1.5 million you know.”

Netizens subsequently identified the condo resident as Ramesh Erramalli, an India-born naturalised Singapore citizen who works at global financial services company JP Morgan in Singapore.

As the video went viral, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam publicly slammed the condo resident’s “sense of entitlement” and praised the security officer for dealing with the situation in a dignified and professional manner. He wrote on Facebook:

“What this resident did and said was wrong — at so many levels. It is these examples of modern-day bigotry and a sense of entitlement that the light of Deepavali seeks to dispel.”

Labour MPs Zainal Sapari and Patrick Tay also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider covering all private security officers under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), regardless of their worksite. POHA currently does not cover security officers working in condos and private establishments since they are not considered public service workers.

The Union of Security Employees and two security agency associations also came out to condemn the condo resident’s rash behaviour.

Irate Singaporeans are JP Morgan to sack the condo resident and have him deported back to India, in the wake of the incident. A petition calling on JP Morgan to terminate Ramesh’s employment has garnered over 30,000 signatures on change.org:

More than 27,000 Singaporeans sign petition hoping to get J.P. Morgan employee sacked and deported back to India

-/TISG

Better education on job contracts, watchlist for companies with unfair contract clauses needed—Zainal Sapari

By

Anna Maria Romero

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November 1, 2019

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59305989_2399093753442826_8605821714682609664_n — FB screengrab/ Zainal Bin Sapari

Singapore—In his latest blog post entitled “Sign Die, Don’t Sign Also Die!,” Labour MP Zainal Sapari highlights the incidence of employers who put unfair clauses in their employment contracts, which leads to the abuse of the vulnerable position workers find themselves in.

In the blog post dated October 30, Mr Zainal, who is also the Assistant Secretary-General of the NTUC (National Trades Union Congress), wrote about how employers may sometimes resort to unfair practices “due to the challenging business environment” that could be detrimental to employees.

In particular, the Labour MP highlighted the inclusion of unfair clauses in employment contracts, noting how unethical this is, “as they abuse the vulnerable position the workers might be in.”

Mr Zainal listed those unfair clauses, as well as gave examples of how they occurred in real-life cases.

Liquidated Damages Borne by Workers in such service industries that outsources its workers, like cleaning and security agencies.

He pointed out that “according to MOM’s website, salary deductions for liquidated damages should not be made even if consent has been obtained from the employees, as it is not to the benefit of the employee. If reported to TADM, employers must reimburse deductions arising from the list of liquidated damages to the employees.”

2. Penalties and Conditions for Termination of Contract. In the cat that Mr Zainal gives as an example, the employer added a clause that caused an employee to pay a penalty of “$50 per calendar day from the date of the termination notice till the one-year term.”

He added, What is even more incredulous is the penalty is payable even if the termination was initiated by the employer!”

3. Non-compete / Restraint of Trade Clauses

Even PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) have not been spared in cases of unfair clauses. One new graduate signed a contract wherein she was obligated “to pay a liquidated damage of S$100,000 to the company, should she resign and work for another company in the same industry.”

She was told this was a “standard” clause in employment contracts.

To address these kinds of situations that leave employees vulnerable, Mr Zainal pressed for better education for employees as well as employers.

At present, there are guidelines that people can consult as well as advisories on the website of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) to ensure a fair job contract. NTUC Union Members also have resources where they can get help.

Mr Zainal also suggested that reaching out to people to help them understand employment contracts can begin even while they are still studying at the post-secondary level.

He added a suggestion for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). “Perhaps, MOM may also want to consider a “cooling off period’ (perhaps up to five working days) that will allow workers to rescind the employment contract they have signed, without penalty.”

Furthermore, he said that a watchlist could be started for companies that use such unfair clauses in their contracts, with corresponding penalties.

“To discourage such underhand tactics, MOM or TADM may also want to consider starting a watch list if companies are found or reported to have unfair clauses in their employment contracts. Administrative penalties should be imposed on companies on this watch list.”

Mr Zainal ended with a word of caution for both employees and employers.

“Regardless of how excited you are in securing that much-needed job, you should always read your employment contracts and keep a lookout for key employment terms before signing anything.

Employers can also do your part by ensuring your employment contracts take reference from industry norms or best practices.” -/TISG

MOM: Rise in unemployment rate due to ‘mismatch in the labour market’

Another delay in RTS with no decision by the Malaysian government on the project

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The Independent

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November 1, 2019

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Singapore JB causeway — Picture Source: Wiki Commons, the Singapore-Johor Causeway

The Malaysian government is not deciding on the Rapid Transit System Link project, risking a possible hefty compensation payable to Singapore.

According to The Star, Malaysia is seeking another six-month extension to review the RM4bil project. This is the third time the Malaysian government is requesting a delay.

The initial six-month grace period approved by Singapore expired on Sept 30 and was followed by a one-month extension.

On Oct 16, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the final details of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) will be settled by the Malaysian Cabinet by the end of Oct 2019.

He said Malaysia’s federal government will discuss the details of the RTS in order to meet the Oct 31 deadline.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport had previously requested another month’s extension to finalize the details of the project without additional costs.

Construction of the RTS link has repeatedly been suspended following unsettled financing and operational agreements.

The Star was told that the latest request for a six-month extension was made known to Singapore on Monday – 48 hours before today’s deadline.

The delay may be due to the Transport Ministry not being able to resolve certain issues on its side, prompting the need for more time for the review.

These issues include the relocation of the RTS depot, currently proposed to be in Singapore, and the rail system to be used.

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System or Singapore–Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is a planned cross-border rapid transit system that would connect Woodlands, Singapore and Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, crossing the Straits of Johor.

It is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

On the other hand, Malay Mail today said Putrajaya is set to announce today that it will finally proceed with the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System.

It said after several postponements since the project was first inked in January 2018, things are going to speed up.

The online portal said the deal, which was originally drawn up between the former Barisan Nasional administration and the Singapore government, is crucial not just in terms of connectivity between the neighbouring country and Malaysia’s Southern Economic Corridor Iskandar Malaysia, but is expected to help solve another major issue: long-standing traffic congestion on the Causeway. -/TISG

Ex-SPP member has not joined WP but personally supports Yee Jenn Jong in his Marine Parade campaign

By

Jewel Stolarchuk

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November 1, 2019

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qlib96 — Photos: Yee Jenn Jong FB. Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss FB

Ex-Singapore People’s Party (SPP) member Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss confirmed with The Independent that she has not joined the Workers’ Party (WP), in response to questions that arose after she was spotted walking the ground at Marine Parade GRC with WP member Yee Jenn Jong and his team.

Ms Chong-Aruldoss – who had been an SPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) member – announced her resignation from the SPP on 4 Sept – the same day that the party indicated that 84-year-old Mr Chiam will step down after 23 years at the party’s helm to make way for new blood. ‘

Ms Chong-Aruldoss later told The Independent that she decided to resign from the party “after considering all the implications of my decision” and that she does not plan to join another political party.

On whether her resignation from the SPP marks the end of her political career, she said: “There are many ways of serving in politics and I hope to continue serving my country and my countrymen in one way or another.”

Photos shared on Facebook by WP politician Yee Jenn Jong, however, show that Ms Chong-Aruldoss accompanied him and other WP members during walkabouts at Marine Parade GRC recently. Ms Chong-Aruldoss was seen wearing blue, the WP’s party colour, like the rest of the individuals on the walkabout.

Revealing that she has not joined the WP, Ms Chong-Aruldoss clarified that she is supporting Mr Yee in her personal capacity as she wishes to help him win the Marine Parade ward she lives in, in the next General Election.

On why she is volunteering with Mr Yee’s team, Ms Chong-Aruldoss told The Independent that she believes in stepping forward and volunteering for a cause she believes in. Noting that alternative parties need all the support they can get, Ms Chong-Aruldoss called on Singaporeans to pitch in and volunteer with opposition parties:

“I live in Joo Chiat, which was an SMC in GE2011 and which subsequently become a part of MP GRC for GE2015. WP contested Joo Chiat SMC in GE2011 and MP GRC in GE 2015. WP’s Yee Jenn Jong lost his bid for Joo Chiat by a very narrow margin in GE2011. Yee Jenn Jong led the WP team which contested MP GRC in GE 2015. I have supported WP/Yee Jenn Jong in GE2011 and GE2015.

“In the run up to GE 2015, it was very difficult for candidates of alternative parties to meet condo residents. I live in a condo. To help him connect with my neighbours, I organised a gathering at the BBQ of my condo in Aug 2015 to give my neighbours the opportunity to meet YJJ – see links.

“As a resident, I would like to see WP to win my constituency in the next GE, so I am lending my personal support. It is good people that people take an interest in what is going on in Singapore. But it is even better to step forward to volunteer for whatever cause one supports or believes in. The alternative parties need all the support they can get. I hope more people would come forward to help the alternative parties as volunteers.”

This is not the first time Ms Chong-Aruldoss has expressed her support for Mr Yee. In 2015, even as she was busy preparing for that year’s election in which she contested Mountbatten SMC under the SPP ticket, Ms Chong-Aruldoss organised a social barbecue for Mr Yee at the Mandarin Gardens condominium.

Drawing from her own difficulties in getting access to condo residents in Mountbatten, Ms Chong-Aruldoss hosted Mr Yee to introduce him to Mandarin Gardens residents. She wrote then: “I think it’s only right that I help where I can for a person I deeply respect (Mandarin Gardens is now part of Marine Parade).”

On why she respects Mr Yee so much, Ms Chong-Aruldoss had said: “At GE2011, my elderly father was frail and not well but he insisted on casting his vote. So my brother had to devise a way to take him in his wheelchair to vote. My dad was greatly satisfied to have cast his vote (thanks to my brother), and I will always be proud of my dad for his determination.

“I respect JJ for inspiring my dad’s determination. JJ lost by 388 votes – but it would have been 389 if not for my dad’s vote. After the election, JJ visited the residents to thank them for their support. My dad was very touched by his sincerity. Proud to introduce this sincere, personable and caring man to my neighbours.”

Ms Chong-Aruldoss is well-versed in the difficulties opposition politicians face in between elections.

Unlike defeated ruling party candidates who are made grassroots advisers in the wards they lost and made relevant to residents, opposition members must canvass for support in their spare time often using their own resources. Many opposition politicians do so while juggling full-time jobs and their family commitments.

“It is a mockery of our democracy” – WP politician on defeated PAP candidates having power over taxpayer funds

Ex-SPP CEC member spotted accompanying Workers’ Party members on walkabout

Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss has “no plans to join another political party”

Drip bag supposedly used by singer JJ Lin for sale

By

Lydia Koh

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November 1, 2019

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From reports of chopsticks and wet wipes used by celebrities going on sale, now, we have a drip bag used by Singapore singer JJ Lin that has been offered for sale online.

38-year-old Lin was in China’s Zhenjiang city in Jiangsu province last Saturday (Oct 28) for the latest leg of his Sanctuary 2.0 World Tour.

The local weather had a toll on him and Lin was admitted to Zhenjiang First People’s Hospital after his concert and he was put on a drip.

Later on, one of the medical staff of the hospital who is also a netizen started selling the drip bag and syringe online.

A photo showing the Chinese character ‘Lin’ and room number on the items were uploaded for sale.

Potential buyers were urged to message him or her on WeChat.

Netizens condemned the action, with some calling for disciplinary action to be taken against the staff.

It was then reported that the drip bag and syringe were ‘taken by a fan’ and it is not the first time an item used by celebrities were sold online.

A pair of chopsticks used by Canadian-Chinese singer Kris Wu and wet wipes used by actress Angelababy was also on sale online.

It is reported that the bed used by Lin at the hospital brought joy to the staff. There is a video online showing nurses and hospital staff taking turns to lie down and roll on the bed.

The hospital announced on its Weibo account on Monday that the staff involved in the incident was suspended and would be dealt with soon.

Investigations showed that the medical waste has been discarded according to regulations.

JFJ Productions, Lin’s agency said in a statement that it deeply regretted the leaking of personal information by individual staff who ignored their professional ethics and added that it is confident the hospital will deal with the incident appropriately.

It also called for a boycott of all actions which infringe on an artist’s privacy.

Baghdadi’s death significant to Singapore’s fight against terrorism

By

Gemma Iso

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November 1, 2019

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isisScreen Shot 2019-10-29 at 5:09pm — You Tube screen grab from Bloomberg Politics

After being chased by a tenacious K-9, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, a leading terrorist associated with ISIS is now buried at the bottom of the sea.

Viewed as a significant development, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees the death of Baghdadi as a boost to the campaign against global terrorism.

Commenting on the killing of the Islamic State leader in a US operation, MFA said terrorism remains a serious threat across the world, including in Singapore.

“As a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Singapore remains committed to fighting global terrorism, including by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria,” MFA added.

The ministry added that Singapore stands in solidarity with global efforts to tackle terrorism and the perpetuation of extremist ideologies.

Who is Abū Bakr al-Baghdad?

An Iraqi-born leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Baghdadi was considered a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States and his group was designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN and the European Union and many other individual states. In June 2014, he was chosen by the majlis-ash-shura representing the ahl-al-hall wal-aqd of the Islamic State as their caliph.

Rising to prominence in ISIL after his imprisonment with Al Qaeda commanders at the US Camp Bucca, Baghdadi became directly involved in ISIL’s atrocities and human rights violations. These include genocide of Yazidis in Iraq, extensive sex slavery, organised rape, floggings, and systematic executions. He directed terrorist activities and massacres. He embraced brutality as part of the organization’s propaganda efforts, producing videos displaying mass crucifixions, sex slavery and executions via hacking, stoning, and burning.

Singapore vs. terrorism

Singapore has continuously committed itself to the fight against global terror. To counter the terrorism threat at its source, the SAF has been part of the international coalition against terrorism. The SAF was in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013 against Al-Qaeda, with close to 500 personnel deployed. Since 2015, the SAF has also deployed units as part of the multinational coalition efforts against ISIS. These deployments included Intelligence Fusion Officers, Imagery Analysts, and a SAF medical team in Iraq. Singapore has also stepped up its information sharing and intelligence cooperation with other countries. The SAF has offered the assistance of its Information Fusion Centre in Changi Naval Base to the Trilateral Sea Patrol in fighting terrorism and curbing kidnappings.

Missing 85-year-old man found thanks to the efforts of hawker who provides free food to the needy

By

Jewel Stolarchuk

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November 1, 2019

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qlib90 — Photo for illustrative purposes only (Source: Mummy Yummy FB)

An 85-year-old senior citizen who was missing for about three days was found thanks to the efforts of a hawker who regularly provides free food to the needy.

Mummy Yummy, a vegan hawker, has been offering affordable meals for low-income workers and free cooked food for the underprivileged for some years now. The hawker even delivers the free meals straight to the doorsteps of those who need home-cooked meals the most.

The group of four women who started Mummy Yummy have been providing door to door food distribution to rental flats in Singapore since 2013. Since December 2017, they have been distributing free food to at least 142 rental blocks in the whole of Singapore.

On Sunday (27 Oct), Mummy Yummy explained why it is so important to them to go straight to the doorsteps of the needy to deliver the cooked food and recounted the heart-rending story of Grandpa Raja – an 85-year-old senior citizen who lives alone and keeps his door unlocked at night, being afraid to suddenly pass away alone at home:

“Grandpa Raja as we called him is living alone in his flat and doesn’t mingle around with his neighbours most of the time. He seldom leaves his flat and everyday he will be waiting by his house gate sitting on the floor waiting for our food to reach him.

“He never closes his wooden door even at night when he goes to sleep as he is afraid he will die inside alone and nobody knows. Grandpa is 85 year old. When our meals to him went uncollected for the first day, we were already putting him on our alert list.

“When the meals were left hanging at his door for 3 consecutive days, we immediately went down to his flat and called the police for assistance because we know something is wrong.”

The police arrived and activated civil defence personnel to break into the flat, where they found that Grandpa Raja was missing. The police promised to contact Mummy Yummy as they investigated the case.

Six hours later, Mummy Yummy received a call from Grandpa Raja who had been found by the police and returned home. Grandpa Raja then told the hawker what happened to him:

“We asked grandpa what actually happened to him and he said he got no money to take bus home and he couldn’t walk back home. During the few days his mobile was switched off and uncontactable because of flat battery. He is also scared of asking money from strangers thinking that he might get caught and sent to jail for it.

“How the police managed to locate him, we honestly don’t know. But a big salute to them for being so effective in serving the people. It might just be one old folk gone missing but it will definitely take more than one policeman to find him. Not to mention giving him a ride and sending him safely to his home.”

Asserting that their service to the needy is more than delivering food and that they deliberately ensure that they extend constant follow-ups and a human touch to the needy residents they serve, Mummy Yummy said:

“Incidents like this make our daily interactions with the beneficiaries worth all the efforts. It might not happen daily but once in a while, someone will go missing for different reasons. It’s not just about a packet of food anymore for us, it’s the constant follow ups and human touch given to them. Prevention is always better than cure and Mummy Yummy’s idea of disaster prevention on our beneficiaries is through this packet of food.

“With this initiative, we can better monitor what our beneficiaries is going through daily and when incidents do happen, we are able to response quickly and efficiently. End of the day, grandpa is back safely and continues to wait for our food at his house gate but this time with a broad smile! Mission accomplished.”

Mummy Yummy relies partly on donations to keep their public service mission going. To contribute, kindly follow the instructions below:

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SDP says about CPF: “present generation of PAP leaders have turned the scheme into a nightmare for Singaporeans”

By

Obbana Rajah

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November 1, 2019

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Singapore-Chee-Soon-Juan-Singapore-Democrat-Party-2015-900x540-1 (1) — Photo: AFP

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) shared that a 72-year old man’s case – where he has to drive a taxi because of insufficient payouts, yet still has to contribute to his MediSave – “sums up everything that’s wrong with the CPF system”.

In a post on their website, the SDP wrote, “The current system manipulated by the present generation of PAP leaders have turned the scheme into a nightmare for Singaporeans, and Clifford Theseira’s case highlights the problems”.

Mr Theseira had withdrawn a total of about S$140,000 over 17 years from his CPF savings since turning 55. 72-years old currently, he and his wife own a fully paid up 5-room HDB flat.

To supplement his retirement savings, Mr Theseira says he drives a Grab taxi. He also has more than S$50,000 in his Medisave account but is forced to continue to contribute to it, failing which his Grab driver’s licence will not be renewed.

The SDP also questioned, “To date, the Government has refused to provide data on how many individuals squander their savings and turn to the state for help. Does the number warrant a blanket punishment for the vast majority of retirees like Mr Theseira who are responsible and astute managers of their own funds and lives?”

“Another crucial question that the PAP must answer is why at the age of 72 must Mr Theseira and others like him continue to work to support himself and his wife?

The answer, if the PAP cares to admit, is that many retirees are now asset rich but cash poor. In simple words, Singaporeans have had little choice but to use their retirement savings during their working years to pay for their HDB loans.

These loans are often stretched to 25 to 30 years because of the inflated prices of the flats. When they now have to retire, they find themselves with insufficient savings”, they added.

They wrote that because of “distortions in the CPF scheme”, many elderly have to fight for their survival, and promised that “the SDP is determined to rectify the problem when we get into the next Parliament”. /TISG

Young graduate remains jobless for nine months after allegedly being pressured to resign from first job

Kate Middleton wants to patch things up with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Condominium management is the biggest problem when it comes to altercations involving security guards, says security supervisor

Better education on job contracts, watchlist for companies with unfair contract clauses needed—Zainal Sapari

Another delay in RTS with no decision by the Malaysian government on the project

Ex-SPP member has not joined WP but personally supports Yee Jenn Jong in his Marine Parade campaign

“In the run up to GE 2015, it was very difficult for candidates of alternative parties to meet condo residents. I live in a condo. To help him connect with my neighbours, I organised a gathering at the BBQ of my condo in Aug 2015 to give my neighbours the opportunity to meet YJJ – see links.

Drip bag supposedly used by singer JJ Lin for sale

Baghdadi’s death significant to Singapore’s fight against terrorism

Missing 85-year-old man found thanks to the efforts of hawker who provides free food to the needy

“Grandpa Raja as we called him is living alone in his flat and doesn’t mingle around with his neighbours most of the time. He seldom leaves his flat and everyday he will be waiting by his house gate sitting on the floor waiting for our food to reach him.

“He never closes his wooden door even at night when he goes to sleep as he is afraid he will die inside alone and nobody knows. Grandpa is 85 year old. When our meals to him went uncollected for the first day, we were already putting him on our alert list.

“When the meals were left hanging at his door for 3 consecutive days, we immediately went down to his flat and called the police for assistance because we know something is wrong.”

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