I decided to pen down my thoughts after seeing the big turnout at the CPF protest.
Before the event, the expectation was that there was to be a small crowd. Ironically, after the big D by PM Lee, it generated interest and publicity for civil society. “Thank you”, PM Lee. Roy made a Queen’s sacrifice that gave a boost to the protest. (Unintended or not, it is up to you to judge.)
It is logical for the common man to be worried. Worried that the money we put into the CPF will disappear right before their eyes. Raising the Minimum sum and that GIC & Temasek not revealing their accounts are good reasons why the common people are in fear. After all, our money is at stake.
Worried that we are facing a Swiss Cost of living, when our wages are not keeping up.
Worried that there is nothing to fall back on, as we are supposed to be self reliant, until to the point where either we are at a total loss, fall into depression or even suicide……It will certainly take a lot of courage to keep going on.
The common argument is that raising the Minimum sum is supposed to help us for our retirement. Everyone, I call on you to ask yourselves the following questions. Especially “龙的传人“. I dare you to search your soul (if you do have one).
1) The CPF was instituted in 1st July 1955. The PAP did not come up with the CPF, the British did. (Textbook knowledge that Sec 2 students should know). What was the original purpose? Was it the schemes we had today? Or was it much simpler than that? One thing is for sure. Our savings are supposed to come back to us by 55 years old.
2) Not everbody has a consistent flow of income. Can you acknowledge that? Not everyone has a good salary. Can you also acknowledge that?
3) The houses that you bought in the past were “cheap”. You do feel rich as the paper value of your houses has skyrockted to a point where you are too happy to say anything. Public Housing, unfortunately is very expensive now. And with the
Minimum sum creeping up, it is a foregone conclusion that any remainder will be locked up. Are you seriously ok with that happening to your neighbour, friend etc?
4) Lastly, you strongly feel that the government takes care of the people. And you view us as people who are a threat to the country stability. If they could sue Roy, an ordinary man like us, do you think they will not sue you?
People of all ages are supporting Roy, to fight against “Pinky”. Do not ignore the fact that people are supporting him, when some people think he is a renegade.
Also, Tan Cheng Bock has shown to be a prime example of one who has served Singaporeans, yet he was uninvited to the Istana dinner some time ago. Does it make sense to you, considering the theme of Constructive Politics?
Fellow Singaporeans, in Teo Chee Hean’s words, what do you think?
Honest Singaporean