JUNE 19

JUNE 19, 2003
CHANGING MINDSETS
Govt must change its mindset first

I APPLAUD the many proposals highlighted in the article, 'Remake S'pore? Start with yourself first' (ST, June 12). The first was a call to 'set up a council to look into how self-help community groups can work together'. This is a great idea - if only the Government would change its mindset first.

How often have we been asked to change? We are constantly reminded that there are 'no free lunches' and that whatever taxes we pay do not quite belong to us even in bad times, as that would deplete the surpluses of Singapore Ltd.

Thus, many Singaporeans, albeit a rather small proportion, embark on volunteer work with no government subsidies or funding, but simply out of personal interest, passion and compassion.

One group started collecting and distributing perfectly good bread that would otherwise be thrown away. Another group decided to collect and distribute to the needy old but usable home appliances, auctioning the newer items to raise funds for other essentials.

Yet another group helped to care for, sterilise and manage strays but, in one fell swoop, the Singapore's OK committee undid the work these volunteers have done - and all because the direct recipients of their kindness are stray animals.

What many failed to see is that the indirect beneficiaries are the residents living in well-managed estates. With the stray-cat population kept in check through sterilisation, the natural, nocturnal pest controllers help to keep the number of roaches and rats down.

The Government's dictum that people should help themselves, should start with themselves, is all fine and dandy provided it doesn't undo what has been started. Volunteers, self-help groups, the community at large, all should be consulted before a decision is taken.

And in consulting the various groups, it should be open to new ideas and fresh perspectives and not go through the motions, having already made up its mind. Many bread-and-butter issues can be resolved in a way that is beneficial to all.

In providing alternatives, volunteers and self-help groups are not political parties opposing the Government just for the sake of it. They are simply trying to make Singapore a better place.

CORINNE GOH LEE CHENG (MISS)