An eye-opening video produced by a team of citizen journalists in Penang. Courtesy of Obnoxious 5xMom’s blog.
Great work by these citizen journalists in putting a human face to the street people, who are often “invisible” to passers-by. The scary thing is that more people could be forced on to the streets as retrenchments soar and people are unable to pay rentals or housing loan repayments.
It should prompt us to ask what kind of social welfare or security system we have in place and whether it is enough. These street people are periodically rounded up by the authorities – but where are they sent to?
The video reminds me of the haunting lyrics of Ralph McTell’s ballad ‘Streets of London’:
Have you seen the old man
In the closed-down market
Kicking up the paper,
with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
And held loosely at his side
Yesterday’s paper telling yesterday’s news
So how can you tell me you’re lonely,
And say for you that the sun don’t shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of (George Town)
I’ll show you something to make you change your mindHave you seen the old girl
Who walks the streets of (George Town)
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
She’s no time for talking,
She just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
Really touched me. Thats all i can say, i have to admit that I have not taken into account this sector of society when doing work for the rakyat though I always think of this group of people and donate to them. But its not all about money, its more than that. I will discuss with my youth group to initiate a similar to Food Not Bombs programme in Penang, yes we already have plenty of such efforts around, but if possible, something special for them, counselling, love, taking them for a drive, and so many other things. This is not a 1 or 2 days job, it is going to be a long term effort. I want to say sorry and apologise to this group of the society that Yes, I have neglected them to a certain extent and after watching the videp, my heart is broken, I plead for another chance.
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Hi Anil
Your post reminds me of a streetperson I got to know
when I was a student in Baltimore, USA. There was this
guy who begged for money everyday near the train station.
I gave him 25 cents everytime I passed by him (partly
because he had his hair in the Rastafarian style and I am a fan of
musician/social activist Bob Marley).
One day, he gave me a photocopy of a poem he had written
about homelessness, his plight, his feelings etc. It was quite moving.
Would you like to share that poem with us, Kai Lit? – Anil
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Dear Anil
It’s more than 15 years ago and
unfortunately, I don’t have a copy of his poem with me now.
As things get worse, I hope that ordinary citizens would pool resources together and help each other out. And also pressure those in power (including PR state govts) and in the bureaucracy to help those who are in need.
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thanks for putting this video up, anil. 5 of us malaysiakini’s citizen journalism trainees were involved in the interview/filming, walking the streets of georgetown (a staff of malaysiakini was present too with his video camera. yes, this was filmed by him but edited by lilian). lilian interviewed the 2 chinese while i interviewed the indian muslim. we are going to have a follow-up soon, so watch out!
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btw, vincent, the welfare officer of the lighthouse interviewed in this video, you can get to know more about the lighthouse by clicking on the link.
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Always good to hear Ralph McTell. I personally believe a nation can’t call itself ‘developed’ until it makes a Cost of Living Allowance available to every one of its citizens. On the other hand, the people sleeping on the streets of UK towns are often not claiming the benefits available to them. They’re not on the streets through financial mis-management alone – their problems are as likely compounded by mental health issues, substance abuse, reckless optimism and not helped by ignorance of options available to them. The role that charities and NGOs play in helping rough-sleeping people back to a healthier lifestyle in the UK is enormous. There are two things ordinary citizens can do: lobby for greater state support and transparency where the very poorest are concerned and contribute time or money to NGOs and charities.
As someone who spent a spell sleeping in a locked public toilet in Aberdeen City Centre (the safest, warmest place) 20 years ago, I can tell you the open-air hotel is closer than you think!
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> I personally believe a nation can’t call itself ‘developed’ until it makes a Cost of Living Allowance available to every one of its citizens.
I disagree. You can’t just simply give out free money to those who are not deserving. We should help only those who are willing to help themselves, and avoid providing taxpayers money to those who seek to abuse the welfare system.
There are however some basic necessities that the govt can provide. Free healthcare for example. Temporary accommodations. And most importantly, job and welfare agencies to get this people back on their feet, by providing job retraining, and possible alternatives for them to get a job and be in a situation good enough that they can be independent and be free from living on the streets.
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Dear Anil
Please allow me to post one more comment.
Here is a good article on how the state of the
economy can affect the health of the public:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/11-2
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“those who are … deserving”
Is a failed Malaysian policy Observer. Abusing the current welfare system is, on the other hand, one thing a few Malaysians can truly take pride in.
Selecting people to reward doesn’t work – anywhere. If you’re going to give money, you have to chose between charity and patronage. Patronage divides people into those dependent and those resenting.
Additionally, government provision of non-cash necessities is a license for the providers to print money. You have to give cash and let the needy decide who will benefit from it. Malaysia is choked with people and organisations creaming off public money, and you have the most unequal distribution of wealth in South East Asia. It’s time to let go of the money.
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The welare state will need to have its limits, lest we overstretch limited resources. The basics like education, food, clothing, accomodation and healthcare are the most important. These people have nowhere to turn to but leave their fate in the hands of a strangers’ sympathy. I have had friends who have had to borrow money to tide them over the last few difficult months with no light at the end of the tunnel. Really, they have everything on the line and it is so heart-rending to see them struggle so. Then a son ahd to be involved in an accident…. and suffered a broken collarbone and an ankle bone….
The economic slowdown will put even greater strain on our resources. The corrupt politicians will be draining them even more. Those politicians at their AGM even turned down Penang’s suggestion of a fund to help the retrenched workers in these difficult times…..
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The Government should help them. I don’t understand why Malaysia is so worked up about the homeless in Bosnia, Gaza, South Thailand, etc and trying to help them, when we have such problems right at our doorsteps. I also believed most Malaysians can’t even point out Gaza or Bosnia in the map and also understanding the politics behind.
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Anil, can’t see/access to the video, any other link that I can check/go for?
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The Government should help them.
Absolutely – but it’s not that straightforward. There’s a small matter of traditional practices involved (family obligation) but also of public image. Any government initiative on the worst kinds of poverty would be admitting that there’s a problem.
Something has to be done, but it’s hard to say exactly what, except that whatever it is, it has to be colour-blind. My personal favourite is a flat tax-credit to everyone (even the super-rich!) old enough to legally hold a bank account in their own name. It would encourage people to open bank accounts, register with the tax authorities and learn how to manage their finances. Additionally, it would put money in rural areas, which would reduce the flow of desperate people to cities.
It needn’t be a lot of money. I am terrible at estimating these things in Malaysia, but I would think RM1000 per year (but paid more frequently) would make an enormous difference. A rural village of 100 adults could afford to employ builders, a taxi driver, a teacher, a doctor, perhaps even a couple of shops that would not otherwise be viable. Into the bargain, they would be developing their own skills, both as canny consumers and entrepreneurs.
It’s not that expensive even, is it? What is it? RM8bn / year (adult:child ratio)? Cheaper than subs or stimulus packages! And almost certainly more productive in the long term.
I have to apologise for using ‘reward’ in my previous comment. That’s a plain error. The highest rewards should always go to the most deserving, obviously. Incapacity can strike any one of us at any time however, so a plain geometric relationship will not do. There must be a lower limit to how far we allow our fellow citizens to fall.
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From what I gathered, this same thing is happening on the streets in KL and the soup kitchen run by the various religious bodies cater to all faiths. The numbers in KL is a lot bigger than in Penang.
I believe these people are overlooked because they don’t contribute anything and the public generally have very bad impression of them. So, there isn’t enough effort to give them a better life, by way of giving them a place to stay, train them for some light works and most important of all, give them counselling and emotional support. Well, we live in a broken world and many do not have time for them. So, my respect goes to selfless individuals like Vincent (the welfare officer in the video) and people like him who spent their nights and days co-ordinating things for the welfare of these people.
I think what these people need most are not meals and shelters but our understanding that they did not choose to end up this way. In the interview, some told me they regretted their past misdeeds but it is too late to turn back time. The whole filming took about 3 hours but I had to edit to less than 10 minutes to fit it online.
Thanks Anil for the link.
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Lilian and lucia,
Can you please translate Hokkien dialect? I don’t understand Hokkien. I miss out everything what that man is speaking after Jalil. Anyway, a commendable effort to hightlight the plight of the forgotten people.
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Penang is really blessed that there are kind souls like Lilian, Andrew and Lucia who are willing to give of themselves to help those who are less fortunate. There will always be street people, no doubt, and many are there not entirely through their own fault. Most are seemingly down and out, but can certainly recover if their dignity as a human person is restored. Money and meals help, but its often the understanding heart that can tilt the balance.
In any case, isn’t it our duty to assist a fellow human being where we can?…..and isn’t a country often judged by how it treats its less fortunate citizens?.
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I think this country is not helping the poor at all. The welfare officer said try to give them jobs and the problem cannot be solve.
When i visited South Korea , there is a huge place for old folk where they will get Free Food everyday. This is part of the thing Govt could do instead of asking them to work some more. But our nation have million of dollars to help other countries first. Shame on the govt.
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At least the homeless in the States are given tents
http://crooksandliars.com/2008/03/19/welcome-to-tent-city-america-style/
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Your interview with Jalil and the rest of the homeless really moved me to the core.I did report on Ah Heng the homeless beggar 30 years ago as part of my USM assignment as an undergraduate then when the homeless roamed Penang Road.
Today,the same problem persists with more homeless being thrown out and roaming the streets.Would the fast food chains like KFC or McDonald be able to absorbed those homeless but able-bodied people like Jalil to work as part-time staff to ease their burden?
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Gadfly
I will check if Youtube can let me replace the video. I did put the translation of what Mr. Teoh said but found out the subtitles missing in the production. One of those technical glitches.
Basically, what Mr. Teoh said is :
1) I asked him where are his baggages and he said he keep them at a friend’s home because it is very embarassing for him to be seen roaming around town with a luggage. It is not like he is a tourist having a holiday. Friends will avoid him when they see him. He used to be a coffee shop owner but his business failed.
2) He said life is like that, no one has compassions on people like them and they also do not need their compassion. But if people help sincerely, they will not reject.
3) He cannot get welfare help because he has sons and wife (whom had abadoned him and went overseas). He regretted certain misdeeds in his past but he said it it hopeless now, the children certainly will not want him back. I ask him to have faith and he said he prays every night but things are not positive. Without being preachy, I assured him to keep hoping and certainly, something good will result eventually.
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Kensan,
I think that is a good idea and I believe if our friends on the streets are given a chance to work and earn their own money, they will take it.
Maybe we should get an interview from this organizations in our coming follow up on the Homeless.
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Lilian,
Thanks very much for the translation.
Not everyone is lucky and men are not born equal. To those who fall through the system, what are the safety nets? Do society provide the opportunities for them to start all over again?
Our society is still backward in this aspect. Too much time and energy and resources has been chanelled to protecting the regime or raising racist issues rather than the underclass – the invisible and the forgotten.
Whether we are emphatic or angry towards the poor or the socially excluded depends very much on what are our beliefs on the causes of poverty. If we think that it is the victims’fault, we will be angry at them and will not be prepared to help them out. If poverty has structural causes, then we expect the government to plat a bigger role. Clarity on causal attribution of poverty helps us to see what is the source of our emotional attitude.
3 hours of filming has been reduced to 10 minutes for You Tube. This means much data could not be presented. Perhaps, an article with thematic analysis would be better for enlightening the readers.
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This paper ia an interesting paper and should be read by all,
POVERTY IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM – CHALLENGES FOR MALAYSIA
By
Dr. Sulochana Nair
http://www.devnet.org.nz/conf/Papers/nair.pdf
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Dear Anil,
Malaysia badly needs “Role Model” established Leaders & Politicians of HONOUR with Calibre, Maturity & Tolerance without Fear or Favour & NOT Political OPPORTUNISTS – on BOTH sides of the Political Divide.
Further this nation Desperately needs Intelligent, Time Proven Pragmatic Successful modelled, Financial & Politiical “SOLUTIONS” NOW on BOTH sides of the Political Divide, to MITIGATE the IMPENDING Political & Financial fallout.
The British educated & trained Intellectuals, Professionals, Economists, etc (Oxford, Cambridge, etc).
- In 1957 FINALLY gained our Independence from the “Colonial British Rulers” through the citizen’s “concerted” struggle & the Leadership of our Bapa Merdeka Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malayan cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Westminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law in 1957,
That was the old UMNO (led by Tunku), MCA (lead by Tun Tan Cheng Lock) & MIC (lead by Tun Sambanthan) under the banner of the “Perikatan/Alliance” government.
Is not that the “Better & Smarter” choice by the Leadership of our Bapak Merdeka Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malayan cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Westminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law in 1957….
Through INTELLIGENT POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS & INTELLIGENT POLITICAL SOLUTIONS leading to a “Bloodless” handover & the Independence of Malaya!
It proves a point that Educated, Intelligent, Smart & Wise leaders do not have to resort to Threats, Militancy & unnecessary Battles with collateral damage & bloodshed to the citizens!
I was there at the Dataran Merdeka to witness the occassion on 31st August 1957 – the joy, tears & jubilation of Tunku, his cabinet & every Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc citizen of Malaya !
I hope we can accept the fact that our forefathers suffered but persevered & did not give up the struggle for Independence…., until it was achieved !
Yes, Tunku & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS, EARNED the RESPECT, TRUST & SUPPORT of ALL the Malayan citizens.
It was in 1969 our Bapak Merdeka/Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Westminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law was “Betrayed” with the “13th May 1969 BLOODY “coup d’état”…
- some of those are still “Alive, Kicking & Mentoring ALL the New Ketetuanan Wannabes.”
This great nation, its assets & its Anak Bangsa Malaysia have been abused for the last 40 years by these “Moronic Idiots & their Goons” through “Gutter Politics” & the “Law of the Jungle” ala Kindergarten style.
Desperate People, at Desperate Times, will RESORT to Desperate Henious Actions even if it means “Destroying” their “Honourable Family Legacy”, All our nation’s Institutions, Pillars of Democracy & Justice, their own party “UMNO” beyond “Redemption”, their own Kind, this country & its Many People !
- The “Common Denominator” in the scenario = ALL the UMNO/BN Leaders & Candidates they “Nominate” within their Party & at ALL the Institutions, GLCs & Corporates are Not Selected based on Merits….
- From top to bottom, MOST are NOT….
- The Right candidates for the “Specific” jobs…
I had the honour of meeting & sharing a discussion with the late Tun Tan Siew Sin & Tun Hussein Onn prior to their passing & their words & statements still ring clear in my ears….
“There is no more Honour left amongst our new leaders unlike during our time with Tunku!”
Gone are the days of the Established, Honourable Malaysian TUANS of our Bapak Malaysia Tunku & his 1st Cabinet Minister’s VALUES.
Party promotions based on “nepotism, patronization, money politics, etc” without “Meritocracy and Proven Successful Track Records” leads to “Leaders” that UMNO is inheriting….
- “Elite, Ketuanan UMNO” with their “Gutter Politics” & their “Law of the Jungle” ala Kindergarten style….
- “Quarreling with PR & Anak Bangsa Malaysia whilst still playing with Jaguh Kampung “MARBLES”….
- When all the other nation’s PM & FM are “Strategising & Synergising” on the International Political, Economic & Financial “CHESSBOARD”….
PRESENTLY our UMNO/BN Leaders “DO NOT EVEN Cross Talk” amongst themselves….
Nov 2007 Our new dawn was achieved – The citizen’s Yellow wave protest march to petition to our Agong.
The 8th March 2008 elections offered us an “Alternative” to the UMNO/BN Autocratic Government.
In 2009, We are ALL Anak Bangsa Malaysia in SYNERGY with RPK & His Barisan Rayaat Bloggers, Haris & his Anak Bangsa Malaysia, the Anti ISA Group & the many other Defenders of Truth, Justice, Equality, Human Rights & Freedom with our struggles to achieve our 2nd Independence….
Not from the British Administration, BUT from our own Autocratic Ketuanan UMNO Baru, MCA & MIC) regime.
YM RPK & MT including All the Pioneer & Mainstream Bloggers have achieved the “Impossible” with their “Provocative, Uncensored & Investigative Journalism to “AWAKEN, ENLIGHTEN & THEY HAVE STIMULATED” a large majority of Malaysians, Politicians on both sides of the divide, etc and with a Worldwide exposure….
Further, our RPK & his Barisan Rayaat Group, Haris & his Anak Bangsa Malaysia Group, Zorro & his fans, all the other groups & our “Defenders of Truth, Justice, Equality & Freedom” including all of you have done everything that is “Humanly” possible…
All Anak bangsa Malaysia share your “Despair” but we must accept the fact that not every Anak Bangsa Malaysia are as “Priviledged & INDEPENDENT” like some of us….
To do more than what they can “Volunteer to Support” with their tight budget, family & school going children with the impending Financial Tsunami….
I have been involved with many Charitable Organisations, Lions International Clubs, Rotary International Clubs, etc to see, learn & CONTRIBUTE my services, time & funds for many years….
To be the SILENT one to LEAD….so others may FOLLOW & EMULATE… VOLUNTARILY!
Let us all SHIFT our “Ketuanan, Racial, Religious, Personal, Selfish, Etc PARADIGM”…
To now think about “OUR GREAT NATION MALAYSIA for ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA”…
Inline with the original “VALUES” which our Bapak Merdeka Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra together with his first cabinet adopted – From TOP to BOTTOM.
With the impending Financial & Political Tsunami meltdown…
- FORGET about the Politics & what ANYONE is saying…
- NO one can SAVE this nation nor its ANAK Bangsa Malaysia NOW…
- Be PROACTIVE with our God Almighty’s gift of Intelligence, Ilham, Akal, etc to us all…
- Only WE can save OURSELF & OUR FAMILY & every man for himself….
- So please consider repositioning yourselves & family financially (mortgages, Loans, children’s educational expenditures, etc)…
- Rentals cheaper than >50% loans repayments; downsize your mortgages, cars/loans, etc.
- reposition your profession, career, jobs, etc;
- Remember every dollar is precious & “Cash is King”,
- As such…my frenz….“Pleez Fasten your seatbelts tight” to safely rideout this “Double Whammy” Financial & Political Tsunami!
Do keep up your “Prayers” to God Almighty in your own way for “Sanity, Human Rights, Justice, Freedom, Equality & Peace to “Prevail” over “EVIL.”
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Dear Anil,
I would also like to share this very touching & down to earth article with you & your readers: A Must Read…flyer168
Fwd: FW: Letter from Lee Kuan Yew’s Daughter -
SLUMP TIME HAS ARRIVED
by Lee Wei Ling
Quote:
“In 2007, in an end-of-year message to the staff of the National
Neuroscience Institute, I wrote:
‘Whilst boom time in the public sector is never as booming as in the private sector, let us not forget that boom time is eventually followed by slump time.
Slump time in the public sector is always less painful compared to the private sector.’
Slump time has arrived with a bang.
While I worry about the poorer Singaporeans who will be hit hard,
perhaps this recession has come at an opportune time for many of us.
It will give us an incentive to reconsider our priorities in life.
Decades of the good life have made us soft.
The wealthy especially, but also the middle class in Singapore , have had it so good for so long, what they once considered luxuries, they now think of as necessities.
A mobile phone, for instance, is now a statement about who you are,
not just a piece of equipment for communication. Hence many people buy the latest model though their existing mobile phones are still in perfect working order.
A Mercedes-Benz is no longer adequate as a status symbol. For
millionaires who wish to show the world they have taste, a Ferrari or a Porsche is deemed more appropriate.
The same attitude influences the choice of attire and accessories. I still find it hard to believe that there are people carrying handbags
that cost more than thrice the monthly income of a bus driver, and
many more times that of the foreign worker labouring in the hot sun, risking his life to construct luxury condominiums he will never have a chance to live in.
The media encourages and amplifies this ostentatious consumption.
Perhaps it is good to encourage people to spend more because this will prevent the recession from getting worse.
I am not an economist, but wasn’t that the root cause of the current crisis – Americans spending more than they could afford to?
I am not a particularly spiritual person. I don’t believe in the
supernatural and I don’t think I have a soul that will survive my
death. But as I view the crass materialism around me, I am reminded of what my mother once told me:
‘Suffering and deprivation is good for the soul.’
My family is not poor, but we have been brought up to be frugal. My
parents and I live in the same house that my paternal grandparents and their children moved into after World War II in 1945.
It is a big house by today’s standards, but it is simple – in fact, almost to the point of being shabby.
Those who see it for the first time are astonished that Minister
Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s home is so humble.
But it is a comfortable house, a home we have got used to. Though it does look shabby compared to the new mansions on our street, we are not bothered by the comparison.
Most of the world and much of Singapore will lament the economic
downturn. We have been told to tighten our belts. There will
undoubtedly be suffering, which we must try our best to ameliorate.
But I personally think the hard times will hold a timely lesson for
many Singaporeans, especially those born after 1970 who have never
lived through difficult times.
“No matter how poor you are in Singapore, the authorities and social groups do try to ensure you have shelter and food. Nobody starves in Singapore.” (This is the essence – flyer168)
Many of those who are currently living in mansions and enjoying a
luxurious lifestyle will probably still be able to do so, even if they might have to downgrade from wines costing $20,000 a bottle to $10,000 a bottle. They would hardly notice the difference.
Being wealthy is not a sin. It cannot be in a capitalist market
economy. Enjoying the fruits of one’s own labour is one’s prerogative and I have no right to chastise those who choose to live luxuriously.
But if one is blinded by materialism, there would be no end to
wanting and hankering. After the Ferrari, what next? An Aston Martin? After the Hermes Birkin handbag, what can one upgrade to?
Neither an Aston Martin nor a Hermes Birkin can make us truly happy
or contented. They are like dust, a fog obscuring the true meaning of life, and can be blown away in the twinkling of an eye.
When the end approaches and we look back on our lives, will we regret the latest mobile phone or luxury car that we did not acquire?
Or would we prefer to die at peace with ourselves, knowing that we have lived lives filled with love, friendship and goodwill, that we have helped some of our fellow voyagers along the way and that we have tried our best to leave this world a slightly better place than how we found it?
We know which is the correct choice – and it is within our power to
make that choice.
In this new year, burdened as it is with the problems of the year
that has just ended, let us again try to choose wisely.
To a considerable degree, our happiness is within our own control,
and we should not follow the herd blindly.” Unquote.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute and Lee
Kuan Yew’s daughter (Lee Kuan Yew is the former Prime Minister of
Singapore ).
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