Dear The Real Singapore,
I refer to the article: "Make Singapore more attractive to lure back overseas citizens."
After reading this article, I really don’t know how overseas citizens can yearn to return after comfortably settling in a foreign land that is far more conducive than the current Singapore which has deteriorated beyond believe.
Even western foreigners, who had visited, loved and sing praises of the old Singapore that it once was, find it difficult to understand how such a beautiful island can get to a deplorable state where the friendly smile no longer exist among its residents. There is so much angst and people are so self absorbed that can only be defined as a society of soulless people, loud and rude.
15 years ago, I was very proud of Singapore for its achievements but today I cannot say the same. The fast pace of progress somehow did more harm than good for Singapore and its citizens.
Here is a recount of what I heard a few days ago, not once but on several occasion with similarity, while having lunch in a restaurant in Sydney CBD.
This is their story:
There were 3 people sitting next to us, apparently on was a Singaporean Eurasian, his wife an Aussie and his father in law, and they were enjoying their lunch of Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Char Kuay Teow and Nasi Lemak until a question was asked.
Aussie wife asked “Dad, how was your holiday in Singapore and did you have a good one when you last visited 10 years ago”?
The Dad replied,
“ Singapore is so different now. I truly did not enjoy being in the country anymore. There are so many people and everywhere is so crowded. I used to enjoy food court hopping where the local dishes are always mouth watering delicious and the unique charm of these cheap eats were always surprisingly enjoyable. Apart from the long queue and constant shoulders rubbing and tugging, I find it is not worth the hassle. I had plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice for $3.50 and it was shockingly a small portion of rice and 5 little pieces of chopped chicken meat. Look at this plate we are having now, this is a decent portion for a hearty meal. And its priced at $9.00 and I dare say it tastes better”.
These days in Sydney, there many Singaporean/Malaysian restaurants but they don’t offer Mee Rebus in their menu..that is ashame.
Eurasian son in law interjected,
“Dad apart from their local food, how was your trip”?
Dad replied,
“Don’t get me started. I will never visit Singapore again even if it was a short stop over. You know at the airport taxi stand, a Singaporean couple had the nerves to make their 7 or 9 year old child to cut the queue between me and another American guy, with her charm, thinking we will allow her to do so while her parents were looking from about 10 people behind us...What audacity and upbringing!
Eurasian son in law interjected,
“Sound like PRC…”
Dad continued,
“And everywhere at the taxi stands in the city, people are always seen queuing….there are endless queues everywhere and people are just standing very close to each other in the sweltering heat. It is not really a pleasant experience especially when everyone is sweating under their fine garments….”
Eurasian son in law, haven’t been back to Singapore in the last 10 years asked, “But Dad, why didn’t you commute in the MRTC which is one of the most efficient public transport system in the world”?
Dad said,
“ I did just once it and it is just too trying and miserable. You will never believe that I used to enjoy travelling by the train 10 years ago. Not now…..did you know people are like herd of cattle waiting for the train and when it arrives, people are pushing and rushing to get in the train. You would be so lucky to find a seat but I was not. While the train was heading to Chinatown, that noise, that unbearable noise. It is not a familiar local accent. I don’t know what chinese dialect they are talking, certainly not typical Singaporean as they were not only loud but the tone and pitch can just get into your nerves like you want to shout and tell them to shut-up. Like this is not enough. the smell of stale sweat on garments in the train is really overwhelming. I can really relate to Anton Casey’s comment about the smell on the trains, not that I condone his rant and derogatory remark.”
At this stage, his daughter and son in law was getting little confused and in disbelief but were not doubting what Dad was saying.
Dad continued,
“I thought I could enjoy some shopping at Orchard Road and then visit Little India after that riot recently.
Christ ! Orchard Road is populated with so many Filipinos at every corners. It was not like that 10 years ago. And Little India, I am not going there…...Everything is so different in Singapore, it has lost its old charm.”
They were paying their bill and his daughter asked if he going to stop over at Singapore again next month after his trip to the UK next month and he said, “Never, this country is too overly populated and it is not the same as before”.
Akk Sim
TRS Contributor