As a Singaporean, I'm terribly fond of complaining. While other countries term their criticism as constructive, as a civic duty, or even a way to engage the government, hold them in check, remind them where the power base truly is, our Singapore leaders, as forward thinking as they are, have subtly carried out the branding strategy of the decade. Nay, perhaps the past century. By patenting our voices as complaints, and adding something 'uniquely Singapore' to our culture. As if that wasn't enough, to cast us aside as complaining children who must be chided by their elders, they have successfully cultivated that very 'you-against-progressive-singapore' mentality. Instead of drawing 'I agrees' on basic principle or rights, whiners often incur the wrath of compliant citizens who go for the 'armchair critic' assault.
'So why aren't you doing anything about it? Stop complaining, do something! Or else your issue is invalid/irrelevant/unreasonable. Isn't Singapore doing enough for you yet? Stop demanding more. If not, go join politics/unions/social organisations.'
The agreeable Singaporean that I am, I've exhausted my options, short of joining radical organisations, tapping upon REACH, or writing to the Forums (funny how you need a third party to engage the powers-that-be, actually). [As of today, I've tried that too. Holding the authorities to ransom - hardly a tasteful thing to do for me]
But I have sent emails to my MP, my Town Council, and even answered their new media call (One @ Boon Lay - now that's dandy). And I'm glad to see that instead of attending to a pressing question, they'll rather spend time writing on FB walls and broadcasting their events. Nothing went answered, so I'm down to this, yet again. Whining. Like a vuvuzela.
I can't promise readers anything, except that maybe you can level the armchair charge at me, if that floats your boat. Previously, this form of soft policing has made me step down many times, preferring to vent it through obscure quotes. But when you tire of being pushed around or answered with silence, enough is enough.
A few months ago, one of my neighbouring blocks did a Tower of Pisa. A bit of the walls cracked, and apparently it was quickly boarded up, and then fixed. The larger problem of structural integrity seemed unsolved, so the best way of fixing things - wall up the area with danger panels. Too bad the cracks still show. And that's the second floor. I'm no engineer, but if the base goes, the top will too right?
Last I checked, green masking tape can't hold a block together. Looks like more cracks appearing?
Being similar blocks, I had to voice my concerns. I posted on One@Boon Lay's facebook page, emailed my dear MP, and was met with total silence. Then I emailed my Town Council. Ditto. Nothing on completion date of repair, what the heck they were doing. Oh dear, so anyone can just waltz into the estate now knocking over walls?
Just this month, we got our facelift too, along with the previous block. Still no word on what they're doing, when they'll finish. No assurances on the solidity of a 34-year-old flat.
C'mon, don't be shy, smile a little.
In case you're wondering, these are similar blocks, with similar faults. Within each block, there are 110 clueless households.
I figure I'm not owed an en-bloc. But an explanation for all the residents is way overdue. Should I move out of my house now? If anything rumbles, do I hide under the table, or run for the stairs? It's safe? Then just tell me, dammit.
2 comments:
send an email to temasek review. they seem to get a lot of viewership and are increasing being noticed by the mainstream media these days.
I doubt it, unless i'm really hard-pressed to reveal the issues at heart.
Their brand of negative journalism and dirt-digging would probably bury the point of my point alone. and the problem with singapore media (both mainstream and alternative) is that most prefer to see themselves as balanced, due to the entire ecology out there, and not their own publication alone.
Which leaves us in a quandary. If the mainstream media doesn't publish, you don't have much of a choice. Should you risk diluting your point and going to TR, or TOC?
It's a tough break.
Post a Comment