The Singapore Democratic Party posted a TikTok video on one of their longest-serving member, Surayah Akbar, as they highlighted several key issues that she has raised over the years.
The video, titled ‘Six things you should know about Surayah!’ was first posted on TikTok before it was re-shared on their Marsiling – Yew Tee Facebook page.
Introduced as the party’s treasurer, she has been with the SDP for at least 16 years. Surayah has spoken against child and women trafficking at Hong Lim Park in 2011 and raised concerns about providing a social safety net to assist single mothers.
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In 2011, Surayah represented the Women Democrats as a speaker at a Slutwalk event that was organised to condemn violence against women.
“As a parent myself, the relationship between a mother and her child is as good as the truth. A mother means the world to a child, and by nature, protects, nourishes and bestows her child with love and care. My love for my children knows no boundaries,” said Surayah during the event.
Being a mother of three, these issues will definitely be close to her heart as she can empathise with them and hope that more can be done to help those that are in need.
Since then, Surayah has been at the forefront of the party’s voice for women in Singapore, and she hopes to see more being done for those that have been left out in certain policies announced by the government.
“According to the MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) website, the baby bonus cash gift, parenthood tax rebate and working mother’s child relief are not extended to single unwed parents,” shared Surayah.
“These policies should be looked into and amended to provide assistance to single unwed mothers on a case-by-case basis. After all, they are a part of our society, and they do contribute to the community in their own way.”
She is currently active serving the Marsiling Yew Tee residents with other party members as they make regular house visits to hear their concerns on the ground. While they may not have parliamentary representation, the party does follow up on some of these issues with the relevant Town Council.
“Some of the common ones raised were municipal issues such as not having enough sheltered walkways, wheelchair access and estate cleanliness. But residents usually worry about the high cost of living. Many are anxious for their children and their future. Some even think with the trend of the ever-increasing price tag on our HDB flats, it is almost impossible for the future generation to own a flat.”
Having been with the SDP for more than a decade and seeing how it has grown over the years, Surayah feels that it is about time for the party to have a presence in parliament again.
“I hope to see several MPs from the SDP in the next parliament from either the SMCs, GRCs or maybe both. We have not been there since 1997, and it is time for us to be given another chance to serve the people. We will work with all the other parties who want to help Singapore progress on all fronts.”