14 year old Singaporean vows to leave Singapore if PAP is not voted out by the next general election
Dear TR,
After reading mails from Ms Melissa Quek, Mr Devoran, Ms T.Rajendran and Ms Judy Eng, I’ve decided to stop idling behind the computer screen waiting for change to happen. I’m writing in hopes that I can reach out to people whom may read and perhaps relate to what I have been experiencing as of late.
First off, I’m a 14-year-old Secondary School student. My family aren’t rich, but we are staying in a 4-room HDB flat. Even though I’m 14, I understand the things that are happening.
A little about my current family position. My mother has cancer and she has to go for check-ups regularly.
Early last month, about 8 hours after my mother had left for a checkup at Singapore General Hospital, I went with my father. It was 11pm then, and we both were worried about her. There was no reason for a checkup to be this long. So we went, but we didn’t know which block she was at. I called her by phone.
Turns out that she was at the emergency block, Block 1.
A little of a back-story. A doctor who removed the tumor in her right lung claimed there was no need for chemotherapy. However, she still complained of pain in her right chest. It turned out that the cancer cells had already infected her lymph nodes and it wasn’t detected then. Now it’s too late though. The cancer cells are slowly eating her life away.
Now that when I recall this incident, I feel disgust and hate towards this medical standard. Is this acceptable? Why should a check-up, in the EMERGENCY block, end up being 8 hours long?! How on earth did that doctor think that chemotherapy was not necessary? I had no idea what happened. By the time my mother had received the report and we reached home, it was almost 2am. I missed school the next day as I was too fatigued.
What is the government doing? Did they even CHECK? Where’s our money going?!
Obviously that greedy geezer and the famiLEE.
This really angers me. My mother also has very little money left in her bank. She cannot go to work, and now I’m also trying to save as much as I can so she doesn’t have to give me too much allowance everyday. GIRO doesn’t help much either. Luckily, my now married sister and brother, who have their own families, are helping. But that doesn’t even amount to much. It’s still a hard road to walk, but walk it we must.
Other than this beyond disappointing medical incident, I also have a school life. It’s not very enjoyable either.
MRT, public buses. I’m sure everyone knows that it’s crowded as heck, and my gigantic monster of a school bag doesn’t help either. Going my car isn’t any better. The road is congested as hell in the morning. In the afternoon, it’s better. But I occasionally have a couple of PRs sitting in the seat before me, talking loudly non-stop. Even the earpieces blasting my ears to deaf doesn’t help.
In school, sometimes we have CME or PG lessons and the teacher gives the class a worksheet which sings praises about what PAP has done for the people. One I recall from memory, was roughly,
“Every time I see old folks gathering recyclables from a garbage can on the street, my heart laments for them. The people these days are lacking filial piety…” …. “…I am glad that the government is helping the needy with assistance schemes. The government is doing a good job.”
Obviously there is something very wrong there. I thought to myself, ‘if the government is doing a good job, then why are these old folks gathering and selling recyclables?’ I asked the teacher so, but he just shrugged and replied that he doesn’t know why.
He’s probably another brainwashed PAP dog, that’s why.
Also, 4 china students transfered into my class during the past month. They are always getting the praises and 1st place for tests/exams. They are leeching the motivation out of everyone. No one really mixes with them. The whole class might as well be a class for PRs instead! I cannot really express myself too well with words, but every time I see them, I can’t help but hate their attitude. I know not all of them are bad, but with all these incidents like then acting all big and mighty, or talking loud and sometimes insulting us behind our back loudly, really left this impression on me.
The government loves them too. They bring money with them. They are also cheaper, faster, better. The way I see it, they are cheaters, liars, asses. Again, I know not all of them are bad. I am referring to the ones that really gives the impression. I have seen it too many times. It’s easy to tell.
I also sometimes worry about my future if I were to continue to stay in Singapore. No doubt the population density would get really dense, and at some point, buying a house would blow a million dollars. Everything sucks you dry. So therefore I arrived with this conclusion. If nothing is done right to change is broken system, then I’m moving to another country. Living here is as good as being in a lifetime debt to the government, and that is the same as being on a leash.
I feel so much rage for this greedy government. Leeching our money, which they then throw them in a well praying a genie would come out. I vow, if PAP is still not voted out after the next election, then goodbye, Singapore, I’m moving onto another country once I am able to stand on my own.
By the by, there’s more mind control worksheets I’ve done.
“Do you feel proud to be a Singaporean? If so, why?”
No. The government is ignorant and greedy, that’s why.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I feel better getting these off my chest. You may do whatever you wish with this.
Kristine Tan
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Hi, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. You must be going through a really tough time right now and my greatest sympathies goes out to you.
But you cannot blame PAP for everything. Singapore’s health care and transport system is already top notch and your mom shouldn’t have gone to an ER for a check up as emergencies are priority there.
Secondly, if you’re not gonna stay in Singapore, where are you gonna live? Australia? Australia’s health care system in on the verge of collapse, their transportation system is horrendous, their cost of living is so high. The United States? A bullying suicide case just came on the news a few days ago in the US. Would you really want to build a family where you are/feel a minority? No way.. Singapore has its faults, but I feel that it is the best place to live in. Sure things may be rough but it is home. Plus, if you want to stay in Asia, Singapore is one of the best countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia? Living conditions there will be worse!
What can the new government do for us that PAP has not already done? So what if a new government takes over? Does this mean that we will expel all the foreigners in Singapore? no.. there is no way any government will do this due to economic reasons. Change the health care system which has been in place for the past few decades and seems to be doing well (compared to other countries)? Such change cannot happen immediately.
And what if change is bad for Singapore? Singapore is a city state. It only takes one bad move for our country to be in ruins! You will understand this better when you grow up.
Thanks for you time.
In reply to Kathi-Lyn:
You do realize, my dear, that things work differently in other countries? What we hear might not be what is real there, for example the bullying suicide case might not apply to everyone. It’s just how you look at things- the boy/girl who committed suicide didn’t think before he/she acted. It doesn’t mean that it will definitely happen. Kathi-lyn, please open yourself up to possibilities and don’t be so biased against other countries. Like Malaysia, for example. In Singapore, things work “in the benefit of Singapore” way. In Malaysia, things work “in the benefit of MALAYSIANS” way. See the difference? What right do you have to speak of the living conditions in other countries? You’ve lived there before? No! So why are you not looking at things from an objective point of view? Just because you can keep your rice bowl doesn’t mean others can.
Seperate issue (duhh.):
And as for the writer of this article, I have to admit you’ve got guts to do what many people desire to but can’t. Like seriously can’t. But before you even act so rashly, my senior (ok maybe not senior but whatever), it would be good to think about the consequences of your actions. Having a complete change of environment and trying to adapt to it will take time and effort, and also to integrate into the society.
Lol?
In any case, as long as it brings the point accross and gives us something important to think about, it’s worth a read.
Brilliant piece of work! I salute thee! OAO
Your feelings and perceptions towards the foreigners in your own country is no different to the treatment you will experience and receive when you live in another country. Migrants to other countries have no choice but to turn a blind eye to things that are negative if they want to survive. Mentally and emotionally, they have to be tough. I may have left Singapore – for personal reasons – but I will always love Singapore and you will never find a government who actually works for the country like the PAP – given that Singapore has absolutely nothing to begin with.
Well, it depends where you go. I’m in an up and coming city in China for a couple of years now and I’m treated like VIP most of the time. Yes some of the stuffs might not be as good as Singapore but life is slower and housing is 5 times cheaper than Singapore. Easy to work as English teacher or translater but I’m starting my own small business here which is almost impossible in Singapore due to the high rental and raw material cost. Weather is cooler here too.
Hi Mary, I think there are issues which have been overlooked by the current government, no matter what they choose to say, and that includes the injustice of senior folks left to “work in dignity”, with things such as scavenging for cardboard boxes, working outside toilets as cleaners, or at foodcourts. Do they technically have that much to pay off anything and even feed themselves? The answer is more often than not, very VERY obvious as a NO. Don’t get me wrong here. Singapore was indeed a very good place to live in years ago, but it has definitely become very hard now, and even as a Singaporean abroad who studied in North America and came back and am probably leaving to work overseas again in time to come, I witness a lot of injustices hanging around which are not addressed and are brushed under the carpet. The foreign talent issue is another one, where stats are used to brush aside the high probability that a lot of locals have to settle for low-paying jobs outside of their original field and then be under the thumb of foreigners who might not even be that qualified(lying about qualifications in Third World countries is very very normal, and once, my mother had a woman from China–again no offence at mainland Chinese since those who do stay over in places in canada and the USA are very affluent and highly educated compared to those who come here–trying to sell her her “counselling packages”, at some place in Lucky Plaza en route to promoting her electro-magnetic head massage packages. This is so basically an attempt to try ripping off Singaporeans, whom they think are stupid. She had no prior proof of experience or certification in counselling and was just trying to say that she had read a bit of psychology in order to educate herself! I was like, thinking at the back of my mind, in countries like canada, you can NEVER get away with that, because you have to declare your qualifications and PROVE it instead of claiming that you read this and that.
Sorry, but I disagree with Kathi-lyn. Like this 14-yr-old boy, I feel the same. That’s why I made the decision 20 yrs ago to migrate. Life in Australia is totally different from S’pore. The Govt really looks after its own citizens despite taking in refugees every year. They don’t have money-faced politicians & the opposition in parliament are not afraid to question any dubious acts passed. Likewise the media there are constantly looking to dig up any attempt at coverups to give maximum exposure. Although the country is rich in minerals, they don’t fritter away their reserves as they are answerable in parliament. As for medical attention, they have world-class facilities which is available to rich or poor. Being a retiree, everything from bus fares to hospital care is subsidised. There is no need for the jobless to collect cans from the rubbish, sell tissues or fold cardboards to make a living. The elderly here retire with their dignity intact. Although there are sporadic acts of racism, these are short-lived. Being a minority, I’ve experienced worse in S’pore ! I really feel sorry for those in S’pore who don’t have the choice to move out from S’pore, what with it’s oppressive environment where the ordinary Joe is treated like dirt. Where the politicians behave so arrogantly knowing full well that nobody can shake them from their iron rice bowl. Where they denigrate the very citizens who voted them in with names like “daft”. Where when they made serious mistakes, do not take responsibility despite being paid million-$ market-rate salaries & are not required to step down eg. LKY, HC, WKS, etc. I wish all the best for this intelligent 14-yr-old & hope he makes it to the other side !
God Bless Singapore.
[...] This comment appeared under the article: 14 year old Singaporean vows to leave Singapore if PAP is not voted out by the next general election… [...]
@Poontang As for the ordinary Joe being treated like dirt – amen to that.
Sad to say Kathi-Lyn sounds very much like another brainwashed Singaporean as mentioned by the 14-year old’s article
I was a Singaporean once and now I live in Scotland with my parents and sister. Life here is so peaceful compared to life in Singapore. Education system is not stressful and I can manage my studies buy although I miss the culture in singapore. However I would prefer staying overseas because it is much more easy, but it depends which country you are willing to go to. I suggest you go to places like the UK, USA, Australia…etc. You should go to countries where they speak English language. Buri have to admit migrating to a different environment is not easy either but it’s worth it.
[...] This comment appeared in the article: 14 year old Singaporean vows to leave Singapore [...]
Those people who always think Singapore is a good place to live in, have they really lived overseas before? Why always say other countries are no good? By reading from news or have you actually lived there? I lived in Hong Kong for the past 13 years and liked it much better there than here. I am only back here because of my parents and very old grandmother. The local Singapore Chinese newspapers expecially like to comment and point out other countries are no good, crimes etc. but hey have you really lived there, news do not mean everywhere is like that. You think Singapore has no crimes? Just when I got back to Singapore, I saw a crime happened, a lady was robbed in bright day light. In the past 13 years, I never seen any robberies in HK. Everyone says the housing in Singapore is cheaper than HK, etc. But living in HDB expecially if you have neighbours next door to you who are Chinese PRC’s or Chinese workers who are so loud and noisy and busy body and think the world belongs to them, living in HK is much better. For one thing, though HK belongs to China, for the past 13 years, all my neighbours are HK born citizens, you won’t hear of Beijing style mandarin buzzing in your ears loudly at all. And the things in Singapore are not cheap compared to HK, I went around Singapore and compared the prices, hey I can find many things cheaper in HK. Besides their salary is much higher than us. Here due to foreign workers, our pay are still so low are these 13 years. So what has the PAP done? Nothing, they cannot keep relying on cheap labour to boost economy, they never consider the noise pollution, frustrations, unhappines of pure Singaporeans who have to suffer due to these PRC’s. When, I wonder will PAP be gone, when can a government who really loves Singpaore come up?
Migrate. Go for your future!
I agree with you completely. Go to another country and you will experience true freedoms. There is no more use for the kind of Policies except to keep the ruling party in power and fatten their bank accounts tremendously. Compare Singapore to what you can get in other countries. Singapore thinks of itself as so amazing…laughable. It is nothing more than a city. They act as if they are running a country so expansive. Only one city to worry about and all contained on one island…even easier! Look at your neighbours,they are giant countries by comparison, singapore would have all the same problems as them if it were the same size or maybe even worse. Maybe would be more like their best friends, the generals of Myanmar. A1 country that is.
When you migrate to another country, does the citizens of other country really view you in a favourable light? Singapore needs to be competitive in order to retain its success, it is not as big and rich in resources like Australia or Canada. The government may not be perfect, but so far it have been making prudent decisions that generated and sustaining the success in Singapore. Going in the path of a welfare state will only ruin Singapore with unsustainable debt as seen in many European countries.
I am so happy that I am going to UK soon, and once everything is done, my life will set in uk, I’m ready to go!
Staying in a country like singapore is really suffocating .. I am unable to voice out my opinion; as a singaporean, I even have trouble speaking about local politics in public places; likewise singapore had made us people like a fool, price are hiking, singaporeans are being treated like dirt, and what is worse, the competing with foreigners.. I see no reason why a local like me can have to undermine the jobs I want to pursue.
Having CPF to be taken at the age of 65? gosh, I wonder if singaporean really do survive that long, the govt get big money, seat back relax; as for the people, work till 75(still promoting senior citizen to work) and still have to go on working! gosh, give this retiree a break! they freaking expect old man to work till their death bed!
Everything comes from our own money, and the govt is smart enough to play with leverage, by having our money to be spent on things they want and their pocket, never did they realize that be it CPF or MEDISAVE; it is still OUR MONEY! I see no benefits being a singaporean, what I see is that all the money given from the govt are still MY MONEY!
Singapore is a country meant for the rich and the intelligent, if you are not beyond that line, you’re no difference from a dead fish. If you try to voice out, police will come to arrest you, if you’re not satisfied; the govt can just sent you to jail for no reason, protest can never happen, as before you protest; you have already been arrested. It’s total BULL SHIT!
If its say that singapore is a democratic society, why do I have to apply a license for speech in the speaker’s corner? Well; the govt said as to prevent people from talking about sensitive issue, like religion and race, but at this century? where everyone is educated? and why is that america is able to adopt such freedom of speech, and why not singapore? hmm ~ I believe we all know the reason. THE SENSITIVE ISSUE IS ABOUT THE SEAT IN THE PARLIAMENT! Democracy? that piece of bull shit too.
Recently I saw a lady being fine for sucking a sweet in the MRT, she was fine $30! what the heck? The lady claim that she will have motion sickness and would vomit, but the reason don’t seems to be accepted, and she was fined! Well, is the govt blind or what? I really wonder what happen if the women puke on the train, will she be fine for littering?
Singapore govt always think that they’re doing the best for the country, Yes; they are. But I wonder why wouldn’t the govt likewise focus on the people? Why not the govt have a feel of what us singaporeans are feeling, rather they spent time seating in the office all day and only going through reports and pie chart to conclude what the people want?
The reason PAP won the election in the past is because they show the will and sincerity to provide people in singapore a better place and a better society. Well, at that time; people are not very much literate. Now that majority of singaporeans are academically incline, why not start the change of system rather than keep forcing singaporeans to pay and pay? I don’t see the reason of increasing of Tax will improve life in singapore. It just make people like us suffer and people like the govt happy!
Still, thank goodness I am leaving this damage place.
Good for you. PAP has made Sg hell for locals. Everywhere we turn all are FTrash. Hate this place
It’s all about the environment people live up in. If u ever realise, those who blame the PAP are those who are poor, desperate, practically those who don’t make it in life. They blame the government because they think the government does not help them. Ever wondered, if the PAP doesnt even exist, do you even have HDB flats to live in? Would you even have fresh water? And if you think about it, if you father is hardworking and capable person, does he even need to rely on the government? We are living in a meritocratic society by the way. I’m not saying the government shouldn’t help you all at all, but the government has in fact does what it can. It’s does not only operate for you, and moreoever, if you really want to migrate/leave singapore, pls do. Singapore does not need useless whiners like you who blames the government just cause your environment sucks. Instead, you should strive hard and prove the PAP wrong if you think the PAP is wrong in the first place. But never forget, the PAP subsidies your education. And if you say you pay taxes, think about the people richer than you. They pay more, but argue and whine less, and they contribute to society.
May I say that Anti-(Anti-PAP) = Kathi-Lyn Ong?
Of course, you two haven’t been in the boy’s shoes, so you can’t fully feel the effects of having to endure such hard times.
One word to describe PAP Bootlickers: Unsympathetic.
Wow.. You truly are the epitome of free speech. I admit your argument has a few good points. Some of the systems set up by the PAP might have some flaw, but as a whole, The goverment still manages to give good lives to many Singporeans. I, too am a Secondary student, and can emphathize with your situation, sometimes school life just aint so great. But we get to have regular meals and our lives are’nt threatened by bombs to a large extent. Not saying that we should not complain for change, but removing the PAP is not going to solve anything. There is no garuntee that the next ruling party will be better. Certainly we must spurn more changes as to improve our standards of living, but removing the PAP is too drastic. Instead, why dont you just help suggest and create new laws to help improve lives of others such as yourself. Instead of trying destroy what the PAP have built throughout their rule.
I AGREE WITH SOMEONE. sry i got too emotional on the other post.
I beg to differ by saying someone that blame PAP are poor; I myself come from a well to do family.
I realize people that support PAP are actually people who just want a simple life for themselves. Yes, PAP do give Singaporean bread and butter. But before you see all this happening; have you ever wonder, does PAP make Singapore a democratic society? What about those that have a opinion to make Singapore a better place? Look at France, the people are able to rally and protest of the change of retirement age. What about Singapore? What happen if people like us want a protest or to tell the government of how the people feel? Well, before protest even happen, you will see yourself in court and facing Fine and Jail term, that is what Singapore law is good at, by inflicting Jail and Fine, to make its people wary and worry.You call this democracy?
Anyhow; Singapore is the only country that run by one party! oh yea, we do have a pathetic opposition on a seat. Still, what is shows?
Before siding with PAP, or thinking they provide you with food and place to stay; do think again! Without their amend of laws and regulation; will you excel better? Do they REALLY give you food and place to stay? Or you’re actually feeding your own?
If you’re complaining, why don’t YOU yourselves go and make changes to your current lives? If you can’t, stop complaining. At least PAP’s making an effort, you aren’t. You’re just shooting your mouths off.
Life and death isn’t ours to control anyway. Quit dwelling on it and move on.
Me had not live in any other countries and had only visited a ouple of countries for periods no longer than a fortnight.
As a working senior citizen, actually not that very old but unfortunately looks older than actual age, many foreigners working at the worksites used to ask ‘uncle, how old are you, how come you are STILL working?’.
They, from China, India, Bangladesh, told me that their parents do not work on reaching age 50, at most they work up to 55, if they are very poor. THEY TOLD ME THAT, IN THEIR (own)CULTURES, THE CHILDREN ARE OBLIGED BY TRADITIONS TO MAINTAIN THE WELLBEINGS OF THEIR ELDERS. What can i say to them.
And truth be told, me lower secondary educated and belonging to the lower income group with parents and three children, eldest born in 1976. How much saving and cpf can i have? Luckily for me, my spouse worked and is working to help out.
The children are on their own now and despite having higher educational qualifications than me, are not affordable to have me retired. They too, like all other Singaporeans are competing with FW and Foreign Talents.
There is a friend from Taiwan, each time he arrived at Changi Airport, he will call Singaporeans sinners, the reason is simply because he cannot bear to see the elderlies working as toilet attendants, shopping centres, foodcourts and coffeeshops cleaners, which of course are seen everywhere in Sin.
Naturally, we got to see family members, relatives, colleagues and neighbours warded and or needed medical cares and are having problems footing their bills. The long waiting time and medical tests that patients have to undergo are all too familiar to everyone.
Personally, me avoids seeing doctor unless i suffer unbearable pain and i knew of people who did not see doctor because they did not have the fund to do so.
To cut it short, me looks forward to any change in the political leadership, for one who had lived some yeras under the British Rule, me much prefers the good old days as many born before the sixties. My conclusion at this point in time is that the local leaders have lost their visions for the country and the people because they are only concerned with their personal ambitions of power and wealth.
It is also my personal view that the coming election is the only and final chance for the people to kick start a change to our future wellbeings. And to start the ball rolling, Singaporeans have to vote in as many opposition politicians in as possible nor matter their qualifications and calibres.
patriot
This might be a bit laggy, but I thought I should add my 2 cents worth to this vibrant discussion about the thoughts of a 14 yr-old.
Frankly, it is pretty distressing hearing about how the teenager feels with regards to the state of medical care in particular and governance in general.
But above any beyond any academic or intellectual examination of his sentiments, I would say to the teenager that he should give himself more time to grow up and experience more of the world before jumping – rather hastily, if you ask me – to conclusion about where his lifelong country of stay will be. I think the young will appreciate some dose of honesty from the older ones, and thus I did not deem it fit to indulge in his rather erroneous link between his negative encounter with the unidentified doctor at SGH and the broader state of politics in SG.
On another note, he mentioned he wishes to leave the country. I think Kathi-Lyn raised a few pertinent points in her reply, but sadly, as is seemingly the custom on cyberspace, her rationale reply was greeted with sarcasm, unnecessary cynicism and wholly unconstructive reactions (I half suspect mine might generate similar expressions… but I cross my fingers).
I would like to repeat the most basic question the teenager must consider before he unwisely draws a conclusion on where he should live, work, marry in and raise his children in, in the future: if he were to leave singapore, where would he want to go to, and why?
I am currently in the city of Philadelphia, pursuing my post-graduate studies. I did my undergraduate course in the UK. I think this allows me to speak with some authority about, loosely speaking, the Western cities we are sometimes so wont to comparing (and contrasting) Singapore with.
First, whatever we read about other countries (or Spore, for that matter as well), we must take with a pinch of salt. Life on the ground in another city is often starkly different from the headlines. And as with ANY system in the world, regardless of ideology or geography, there are flaws and there are the disenfranchised groups.
Second, are you sure you will not find yourself being in one of those groups in another city, when the forces of xenophobia is arguably stacked more against you than back in your home country?
Third, we should always steadfastly remind ourselves not to prescribe – to the tee – to others that migration is the way to go just because it worked for you. Consider the many silent voices of unhappy migrants, both Singaporeans and foreigners all over the world. Do you give enough credit to their legitimate woes, or are we lost in the self-reinforcing chorus of complaints prevalent on cyberspace government-bashing?
Last, I wish the teenager’s mother a speedy recovery and that hopefully, with more time and age, he will reach a better conclusion, be it to stay or to leave. It must not be made at a tender age of 14 when, in brutal honesty which cyberchat must surely advocate, he is way too young and ill-informed to decide about the rest of his life. I hope the older ones will indeed point this to him and not hijack the thread to further ideas and thoughts which are purely their pet topics.
Just my 2 cents worth!
[...] Singaporeans First if you have not done so. Thanks for visiting!Number of View: 1Thomas Yip says: December 3, 2010 at 12:21 am This comment appeared in the article 14 year old Singaporean vows to leave Singapore if PAP is not [...]
Mate, sorry to hear about your mum. I really am.
Kathi-Lyn Ong, you need to really open your eyes sister. It ain’t all good in Singapore and you know it. Not getting on the bash Kathi-Lyn bandwagon, but you need to seriously open your eyes.
I was one of the annoying little gits in secondary and primary school who refused to say the pledge because from an early age I knew there was something wrong with our system. I think it was the Western influence that educated me at an early age about racial discrimination. I din’t know what it was in primary school, but I knew that something was not right.
I dreamt of living overseas having lived in New York, New Jersey, Maryland after my o levels and reluctantly returned to Singapore to start on my A levels at a centralised institute. I knew going into a CI would give me a 10% fighting chance to pass my A’s, but I did it anyway.
To cut a long story short, I’m now living in New Zealand pursuing what I love which is sports. I’m working with a well known organisation in my last year of my studies and it has been a dream so far. But I had to work hard for my dream to happen.
I kinda agree with Thomas Yip on a number of things. Medical care here is alright, except for foreigners, it is really really expensive. And not only that, doctors close on weekends. Less than a handful open during the weekends. Secondly, being a Malay mixed, I have brown skin. I’m always being mistaken for a Pacific Islander (ie. Samoan, Tongan, Niuean). The good thing about that is it means that I’m pretty, but the downside is they think I’m lazy, unreliable, useless. Pretty much the same stigma I face back home about being a Malay in Singapore.
What I’m trying to say is every country has it flaws. The grass is not always greener on the other side. However, sometimes it is. Maybe the 14 year old is justified in saying that because when I was 14, I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew that I needed to get out of Singapore.
Look kid, I understand what you’re going through cos I had to watch a loved one waste away. But if you really want your wish of migrating to come through, work hard for it. Its not going to be easy, but its worth it.
Sorry if I don’t make sense. Its 442am here.
Read this late. My heartfelt apologies to this 14 year old girl. Her post should really be in the Straits Times. I hope things are getting better for this 14 yo girl, she is so matured for her age !
Civil service isn’t what it was before. Addmittingly it has degraded. I too am thinking of emmigration. But whereto? Any advise?
At 7 years old, My parents brought me on a holiday to Perth and on the way back, I told them I will live in this country when I am older.
At 19, we visited Melbourne and when we had to leave , I cried my heart out saying they are ruining my life. At 21, I studied in Adelaide for 5 years, Doing a degree after degree trying to prevent from going home.
At 25 , I received my permanent resident.
At 27, I finally moved to Melbourne, married a European and thought, maybe we should try going back to Singapore to live. During 4 years of our lives together, we went back to Singapore 6 times, and we tried to find a job and see what sort of lifestyle can we expect and what did we find out?
1. Pay is peanuts in Singapore, we wont be able to cope with it
2. Any sort of Electricity or Gas bill monthly is 3 times our monthly bill in Australia
3. I am starting to not recognise the Singaporean majority population in Singapore.
4. My friends cant even meet up and have coffee with me on Saturday evenings, they are still tied up at work
5. I have NO cpf and as my husband is a foreigner, I cant get a HDB unless we get him to register and be there for 6mths.
6. Everyone is angry and overworked and upset with foreign workers.
7. My sisters kids are going mental at schools, unable to cope with the crazy education system
8. Almost everyone has a maid- making them lazy and abusive to their home helpers.( what will our future generation be in that kind of environment?)
9. My parents are homeless as they are retired and have gone above quota of buying any HDB, I cant even help them as I am living overseas, married to a foreignor and not 35. ( went to HDB like 4 times without avail)
10.I don’t want to spend at least 60K on a crap car and be on debt for 10 years and then to see my car being salvaged!
I thought i was being rebellious as a kid to not want to live in Singapore all my life, but what is currently happening now in Sg, I know that my instinct kicked in even when i was at 7 years old. Do not think a 14 year old cannot think.
Now at 33, I am happy working 2 jobs which both my companies know about. I am able to protest for higher pay as the union backs me up and have an automatic increment according to inflation rate to cope with living. I am still studying as i love universities here, doing my 4th degree PART TIME as well. In regards to racism, I do not feel any way abused or being looked down upon as a coloured person. My workplace have more than 15 different people from every part of the world and lastly, I am not being monitored by the government for any rebellious actions. I am also covered by the govt for any hospitalisations and care. IF i live till 80, I will not worry about who is going to pay for my bill. Its inclusive. DONE DEAL.
THIS IS LIFE. THIS IS MY HUMAN RIGHTS. I say, if you want to go, nothing can stop you. All you need is believe and hardwork.
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You are a quitter. I wonder how many people in this strawberry generation is like you?
If you don’t like what’s happening, change it! Be a politician get you strawberry group together and kick out the rotten government which you claimed!
Dear 14 yr old.
My deepest sympathies to you ..We all at some time will have to endure such trauma as the one you are going through .Illness and death Not an easy one to cope with.
my take on this is what can you do about Your current problem. No point blaming at this stage . If the facilities are overloaded it is something we have to look into .Are we as a nation becoming more unhealthy?
So …where do you want to go to ?What can you contribute to your new society? Otherwise don’t bother.The western world is a competitive place ,so is India and China. You have to be well equipped.Be a global citizen.Learn new life skills/languages stop wasting time with petty things
Im sorry to hear about your mum, and my heart goes out to you and your family.
Life is always greener on the other side. Ive been studying in Canada for a few years now, and I have plans to eventually settle down here, but I still miss Singapore. It is just as competitive here, just as hard to get a well paying job, the healthcare and transport systems here are definitely inferior and taxes are ridiculous. If you dont like the presence of PRCs in Singapore, well they are everywhere, including Canada.
It is only human nature to praise wherever youre at currently and give yourself more reason as to why you left Singapore. There are pros and cons to living in any country! I feel an unfortunate culmination of events has left you feeling this way, try to enjoy the best years of your life now, and if life takes you overseas in a few years then good for you (:
How to leave singapore? It is not as easy as ABC. Despite me wanting to leave, i still stuck here. Any advise?
Hi serene, the best advice in wanting to migrate is through the migration agencies. They are the ones who can provide you with accurate informations. Usually, the first consultation is free. Perhaps, you would like to try that out?
Hi all, I just came across this website. I am a singaporean studying in australia at the moment. I have been here for 2 years now and will be graduating next year. So, if u want an idea of how is it like in sydney and melbourne. I hope these few points will help any of you.
-There is no meal that will ever cost you less than $5 over here. A plate of rice with a plate of vegetables and 1 meat will cost you at least $10 in australia. That is also in AUD.
-If you think HDBs are expensive and prices keep rising as compared to other countries, think again. Average housing prices over here is 1.3 million AUD. Hence, most australians aspire to have a place under their name and proudly say that this is their home.
-Pay being peanuts in Singapore?take a look at the tax rate in Australia. No doubt that their after retirement pension is good, it is only enough to cover your rent(Of course unless you have made it to become a rich person, most people are still renting till their death)Moreover, earning more that 120,000 a year?every extra dollar gets you taxed 45%.
-Cars are cheap here. No COEs of that sort. What you pay as road tax in singapore is more than enough for a luxury car over here. But please do not complain about the ERP. Tolls are $3.80 over here(for every time you past the gantry)
-Peaceful life?it is more peaceful here. Education system is not as stressful. That is a fact.(However, I must add that they have found out this could be main reason for Australia having one of the highest suicide rates in the world)
-Traffic is bad in singapore during peak hour. Traffic in Sydney and Melbourne, it is probably worse.
These are the few points I can come up with. It is personal preference whether you think Singapore is a good place to live in or not. But may I note’ For people who keep complaining about life in Singapore and hate to live there and will be happier elsewhere, please do leave the country because there are people who like it there. You cannot say something is good or bad because it is really down to your own personal preference.’
Seriously, to all the posters criticizing the kid. Think about this for a second. It is a child who is going through a very hard time in their life asking for advice now.
It isn’t helpful to simply say “If you don’t like PAP do better then” It isn’t right even if it may be the case that the government has done what it can. If you’re a pro-government supporter now is not the bloody time to sell politics.
The child is going through a hard time and regardless of your political viewpoints; as humans we should all empathize.
All I can say is, whatever you chose in life lass, it won’t be an easy road. I do wish you all the best in it and there are always avenues you can go down if you keep an eye out. Life isn’t easy anywhere at this level. But you know, sometimes you just might do better in another culture. Who knows? We’re all individuals. All the best wishes in life. What its worth on a comment page anyway.
Choose wisely though, in terms of overseas countries. And do your research. In the meantime, try to do things you enjoy if you can. Any music you enjoy? Get a cheap MP3 and listen to it in the crowded transport.
It ain’t great, but you have to find small joys in life where you can. That’d be my advice having bounced around the United Kingdom and Australia for a decade now. It was the worst of times… it was the best of times.
Take care.
Whatever it is, the kid should be empathized with. He is going through a very tough period of his life. And the government’s nonchalance towards such families always gives one reason to wonder what they are doing inside their offices, with all the bureaucracy up there. Even the current government is admitting that they find it very hard to get candidates from the private sector, and most of their candidates are high-flyers from the public sector.
Not every country, no matter how rosy it looks on the outside, is necessarily that much better than Singapore though. There are challenges to be met everywhere. But it has little to do with the “grass being greener on the other side”, but rather whether you can develop yourself and your talents best in Singapore or elsewhere. A lot of Singaporeans are perhaps leaving the country because they feel they are not using their gifts and talents or abilities best in Singapore, and can only do so overseas now in this literally over-saturated economy with so many foreigners and Singaporeans vying for the same small number of job positions. The fact that we are always told to keep quiet in schools as students is not even helping a lot of Singaporeans to their advantage, until they learn to speak up for themselves in this context.
Now aday youther are weak and can’t face hardship just like this 14 years old. The problems are that they never been through the time in the 50 and 60 period, when we are like her age had to fight to survice day to day living. Migration? never heard of it. Please go to whatever county you fancy and don’t regrate it.
Hi Kristine, I totally understand how you feel right now.
It’s always easier to blame the government! However,if you really think about it, it’s the screwed up hospital fault!! I have taken my mom and grandma to government hospital before and they are really inefficient! Doctors take their own sweet time and nurses are buried in their work that they are too busy to attend to us. But I don’t blame you for blaming the government if you still feel it’s their fault. It is partially their fault. They should not privatize health care sector and from time to time, they should have a team to assess their efficiency…. Anyway, I feel for you as my mom who was advised to get her liver scanned from our GP was given a 3 months later date from TTSH. 3 freaking months!! My mom still joked that by then she might not be around. As we were worried sick, we went to a private hospital and the bill was x4 times!! So in Singapore… it is better not to fall sick. OR be rich. Not saying we are rich but we simply couldn’t take the risk to wait.
AND that is why.. piece of advice from me. Work hard in your studies, don’t give up! DO your parents proud! Get a good job next time, earn a lot of money and if you really still want to migrate, you can take your parents anywhere you want
I’m sure your parents are really proud of you for being such a sensible daughter.
All the best to you and from the bottom of my heart, I wish your mom will recover asap.
I haven’t been home in ten years, including the times i spent in Britain pursuing higher education. Sure I pop by for a visit every other year or when there’s a wedding or family gathering to go to, but I am well informed of the state of things in Singapore since all of my middle-income family are there. And I must confess that of late those things have become worrisome news, not easy on the ears nor heart. It is sad to learn that the place I was born and raised in, loved going to school in (even though the workload was ridiculous and competition is mad stiff from an early age), and where all my loved ones are, is slowly becoming a place governed by those so vociferously in denial of the many problems affecting its people and choosing instead to hide behind the guise of a supposedly utopian model of what a modern Asian nation should be.
Every country has it’s perks and of course the dodgy bits; but for Singapore- or rather those who run it- to think that attempts at glorifying the island nation as the epitome of perfect governance and model behaviour by the people (which carries the label ‘oppression’ in some countries)is an agenda which is head and shoulders above addressing the real needs of those very people, then it really doesn’t deserve to be held in high regard by other nations or whoever else it wishes so desperately to impress.
It has to be said however that it saddens me to know that a child could write about such things. I was his age when I left Singapore. Something I vividly remember protesting against. I was very happy where I was and did not concern myself with problems which even then were prevalent. As mentioned earlier it has been ten years since I left, and in those ten years I have learned so much and developed a greater appreciation of the most basic and fundamental of rights- freedom. Freedom of speech is sort of taboo in Singapore. I say this not least because a cousin of mine- a political science student in a good Australian university, wrote a letter to the papers a year ago to make his grievances known, particularly with regard to the influx of foreign ‘talent’. After giving his two cents worth, he was hounded by calls from several MPs who wished to talk to him over the phone to ‘discuss’ certain things which according to them were inaccurate allegations. Their botched attempts at delivering their words of wisdom over the telephone resulted in a couple of them showing up on his front door, wanting to make nice. All that trouble, for just one opinion.
So, good on you, kid… for doing something most adults wouldn’t have the courage to. Then again, the best advice anyone can possibly give you is this: study as smart and as hard as you can. Work towards building a better life for yourself. You gotta start somewhere and if it is in Singapore, hey it’s better than a lot of other places I can think of. Know which direction you wish to head to and in time you will be able to make a smart decision on whether to stay or leave. But one thing you should never do is forget about Singapore. It has and will always hold a special place in my heart, because afterall, it is home.
Best wishes to you, your dear mother and your family.
I don’t know how other countries’ healthcare or financial systems, such as Australia or Canada’s are on the verge of collapse. @Kathi-lynn, do realize too that a lot of the media here do tend to portray other countries overseas with a fair dose of the “Singaporean advantage”. But then, to begin with, are we Singaporeans literally any better although we are not “on the verge of collapse”? I think such comparative statements which sweep other countries under the carpet as if they are lousy while we are not is simply a red herring argument.
So sorry to read this from a 14 year old – so young and already feeling the pressure.
Truth is : Singapore is good for the elite : if you have the money and means, this is the place for you. For the average Joe, I am not sure anymore. Used to be that I consider it home, but nowadays, there are just too many foreigners everywhere.
I am fortunate to find work overseas – could not get a job in Singapore now – so I do have some doubts now if I want to go back to retire…..I could be better off selling my HDB and buy a small house in Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam, by the beach and enjoy the sunset. No need to push and shove on MRT, think abour ERP, and the FINE FINE country…….sigh!!
It is a big step for someone so young – but I admire your courage. Do take the necessary steps before you move because wherever you go, there is PROS and CONS. Read up and check those places out. Then make up your mind. The world is your oyster.
So, I wish you all the best.
I feel just like this 14-year old. I’ve lived in Singapore for over 3 decades, and it’s only recently I’ve started to feel like this is not home. This is my parents’ home, and the Government is only interested in enriching itself.
Dear Kristine Tan;
So now that the PAP has won, are you preparing to leave Singapore? Lets put some action to words. Start researching the CIC website for Canada, the IMMI for Australia, etc…
Start reflecting on what job you want to do when you graduate. Do you want to be a doctor, lawyer, architech etc…research where is the best place to graduate from, to be able to do the job or career you aspire to.
Convince your parents that Singapore has disillusioned you and them too actually. I know moving out is hard to do, as I have done the same and it was difficult to say the least.
But I am in Australia now and I am loving every minute of it.
@ M. Amin
I suspect that Kristine’s dilemma is similar to what many Singaporeans from their 20′s to 40′s are thinking while they are still within an age range and ability to migrate while they can, especially if they realize that they do not like the current system and party. Amin, how long have you been in AUS? Singaporeans who have yet to go there either want to go there, or if not, fall into the other camp which says that Australians hate Asians, but well, I hesitate to even try believing all Australians fall into the 2nd camp, since it is such a big country to begin with. Friends from Singapore who moved there enjoy their lives there and I can imagine why, even despite the stiff job market there. But as the saying goes, “The world is your oyster.” We all just have to try our best at finding a place that wants us and accepts us, and it need not necessarily Singapore at that.
Leave, there isn’t any reason to stay. Yours is a horror story. You went to a&e and the cancer wasn’t detected? Since when is cancer not an emergency? There are many pro party dogs here and they only know how to snap and bite when the masters are being attacked. Not one of them are looking out for you here. When locals are second class and healthcare is skyrocketing, as you have found out, why is there any reason to stay. Suffer another 5 years for a maybe better result? Get treatment in Malaysia it’s cheaper even without any subsidy. Frankly in the long run it will be the only affordable option. My condolences and my prayers go with you
Like the publish, it’s pretty to ruminate any person as expectant about shot and hustle over I am!
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It is a wise decision to leave Singapore, and don’t look back!
@PAPRegime Out, I think this kid should plot her own ticket out of Singapore. As for the others who cannot leave though, they should seriously consider means to change this country for their own sake and the sake of their children!
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