Ravi Philemon / Writer
Peter faces difficult choices. Peter, who is a diabetic with a heart condition, barely makes enough money to pay the rent on the 3-Room HDB house that he is renting from a friend of his son, pay for transportation costs and to put food on the table for his family of five.
It is a constant struggle even though Peter works as an Administrative Assistant in Singapore Press Holdings and his wife works as an Administrative Assistant in a secondary school. Together, they bring home $1800 after CPF and loan deductions. Of this, they spend $1200 as rent, $400 for transportation costs and are left with a mere $200 to buy provisions and to put food on the table.
Peter often has to scrimp to pay for the medicine he has to take for his diabetic condition. The medicine costs about $250, but he can only deduct $150 from his Medisave account and has to pay the remaining $100 in cash. Peter has 3 children – a 22-year-old son doing his national service and two daughters aged 13 and 10 still in school.
His problems started in 2005, when he fractured his leg in a motorcycle accident. His employers of ten years had to retrench him. As he was not able to service the mortgage loan that he had taken from the bank, he had to sell his 5-Room flat at a loss of $18,000. As his household income is above $1500, he is not able to rent a flat from HDB. He did not have sufficient money to pay the cash over valuation (COV) to buy another flat from the open market. He went to seek help from his Member of Parliament (MP). After an appeal from his MP, HDB referred him to EM Services, which rented him a 3-Room flat at $1300 per month. It was later reduced to $850 on appeal by his MP.
This September, EM Services rejected his application to extend his tenancy after his contract with them expired. When he reached out to some social service agencies, he was advised that they could help by arranging for his children to stay in a shelter but Peter declined this ‘help’ as it would mean effectively breaking up his family. It was at this point that his son’s friend provided a temporary solution for his predicament.
“My son’s friend allowed me to rent his house for 3 months. It was very kind of him. But what will I do after the 3 months?” asks Peter. “The government should help Singaporeans like me. But nobody wants to hear my story”, he laments.
Peter’s story is but just one example of a new classification of the ‘needy’ in Singapore. Just like Peter, a substantial number of families in Singapore, with dual income are struggling to make ends meet. We are in the midst of a sociological change where a new class of poor is being created. Many families are in the workforce, many even with dual income; but most of it is based on short-term job contracts. These people are the emerging faces of the new poor in Singapore – a nation which was built on the belief that “if you work hard, you can make it”. But the ladder to a better life for some hardworking families seems to be getting harder to climb.
Sarah a 36 year old who works as an attendant in a home for the aged says, “The work is emotionally fulfilling. I feel like I am serving my parents who are not around anymore. But it is financially frustrating.” Her husband works as a taxi-driver and together they have a combined income of about $2300. Their HDB flat was repossessed by the banks for non-payment of loans, and now most of their income goes towards renting a 4-Room HDB flat. “I have 3 children and my husband’s parents stay with us, so we have to rent a bigger house. After paying $1800 for the rental of the house, I am left with very little for food and other necessities. And during festival seasons, it is even more pressing as my children expect us to buy new clothes and gifts like the other children,” she says, “I think I am a failure as a parent.”
The runaway prices of HDB flats have made home ownership out of reach for this “new poor”. Home prices have risen faster than wages for low-to-moderate-income families. While many jobs are still being created, the higher paying jobs are still out of reach for this “new poor” who often lack diplomas or degrees to qualify for such jobs. These people who work as administrative assistants, taxi-drivers, laboratory technicians, hawkers and teaching assistants, seem to be chasing an illusive Singapore Dream for a better life.
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About the author:
Ravi Philemon serves in a community services agency serving the homeless in Singapore. He recently returned from the United States, where he worked in a directorial position for a faith-based community outreach service, serving the homeless.
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This is always the same old problem. Why does couples earning so little gave birth to more than one child?
I think that every society has its fair share of people in financial difficulties. Life is generally not a bed of roses.
That said, I still think that the government is able and should extend its scope of social responsibility. As Singapore hurtles along the path of globalisation at a relentless pace, it is imperative for the government to step out of its fear of welfarism and reorient its policies (housing,public transporation,key utilities,taxation, social help) to better reflect social needs.
A different time calls for a different apporach. While it is true that most developed countries today grapple with the emergence of the “new poor”, the government should not use that as an excuse to assume a hands-off approach.
It is always cases like this that reinstate my belief that the Singapore government, namely PAP ministers, are too rigid and inflexible in their policy planning and execution.
They speak from their ivory towers of luxury and elitism and can barely understand what is poverty and helplessness.
Think Vivian Balakrishnan who asked insensitively, ” Three meals in a hawker centre or in a restaurant?” during a hearing for PA subsidy. These needy folks barely have enough for three basic simple meals.
unique sporeans is reportedly generally quite well travelled.
But do they know or can they explain why sporeans behave differently than any other 1 world citizens of the democracy kind?
unless they only travelled to 3rd worlds most of the time?
So my challenge to self-proclaimed smart sporeans is this.
How 1st world do you really think you are?
How right are you , you think?
Why sporeans in general and especially those who are highly qualified and experienced and influential do not voice up at Hong Lim Park until last Sunday’s gathering for the FIASCO where many may or already lost their entire life savings?
When these people do not voice up for others like transport or electricity hikes, just to name a few, why is it that they expect others to do service for them for free?
Want to pragmatic? So, why should anyone speak up for them? Just question, though.
regards
Grass Rot Lee Der of the Kang type
loop, what are you talking about??? if the protagonists are asked to pay $3000 as rental for a 3-HDB flat, would you still pass the cynical remark that couples earning so little shldn’t have more than one kid? what level is comfortable for you – $1300, $3000 or $30,000?
the crux is: the rental market has spiralled up much faster than the snail-paced growth of the wage market. think: in early 2006, one could actually rent a 2-bedroom CONDOMINIUM for $1500. and 2 years later, you’re asked to pay $1300 for a hdb-room – with the “help” of a MP too!!!
this is obviously part of a structural problem CREATED by the bureacrats running the economy.
what is singapore dream? contrary to the american dream, i think our dream is simply making enuff to stay alive and having a job till we die…
Agreed. Our ministers have been so used to living the good life that they have forgotten what it was like to be poor
Alex (#2), Rachel Chung (#3):
it is sad to noe tt the govt has nt done enuff to cushion the high cost of living in sg. frm the non-action of recent price hike in essential items (transports, electricity, newspaper, phone fixed line). our country, our govt might be financially rich, with temasek holdings and GIC possessing hundreds of billions of fund, but so many of our people are suffering.
our higher ranking officials are mainly made up of elites, many born with silver spoon. they have not been through tougher times, thus do not understand the difficulty of the lower income.
Frogs in a Well of hum (#4):
well travelled, as you’ve mentioned. but to what extent is travelling related to awakening? many might envy the democracy found in other 1st world country, but general mindset is “there’s nothing they can do in singapore”. With political policing, how many people are willing to stand up for their rights?
many of our people suppressed their thoughts and views because they don’t feel their voices heard. as you mentioned on the above case, i believe if Tan Kin Lian has not taken the lead, our people will just let the matter rest as the time passes.
I applaud Tan for his proactive action. But how about other drastic measures passed through recently? Are there other “Tan Kin Lian” who are willing to stand up for our rights?
I found the comments made by loop highly insensitive and regrettable.
If loop had read the story of Peter more carefully, he/she should have realised that Peter’s children are 22, 13 and 10 years old.
May be 10 years ago, Peter is earning sufficiently to support a family of 5 or more. But quite clearly, things are not well for his family 10 years on and have fallen on hard times.
Also, Peter was retrenched in 2005 after an accident. People who have been retrenched before will tell you that it is very difficult to find good paying jobs since the start of the new millenium. And this applies to both blue and white collar workers/professionals.
In life, a person’s financial circumstances will change. If one is unlucky, one may fall on difficult times, just like Peter. When such situation occurs, I believe they deserve assistance from our govt and society.
Of course, if one is already in financial difficulties and continue to have babies, then that is a different story. I will agree that the parents are irresponsible in this situation.
I thought our PM said GST increase is to help the poor. How come there are still so many cases surface. Costs of living have escalated til so high, I don’t think by helping the poor can solve the problems. govt should control the price and not let to market forces. Govt likes to increase the hike for everything, looks like it is incompetent of it purposely suck more from the residents.
To loop…….# 1
“This is always the same old problem. Why does couples earning so little gave birth to more than one child? “………….
So are you saying, if only all ppls. are wise then there will be no problem in this world? Not all humane are make the same , some are less intelligent than other, some are more fortunate than other, some are more discipline than other, etc………… .If you are mature or live with your eyes open you may undersstand(or else you are also consider less observance than other..)
it also consider mentally handicapped,but not physically…….Nobody fault, one cannot choose to born as he or she like…. That is why the words “HELP ” come in.
I need to pay alot more attention n advise to my son ,cos he is very slow in learning n also less smarter than other. I will still continue to help him for as long as i live.. reason is very simple , I am his father….. Likewise, we expect the country do same to the citizens.
ordinaryman (#1):
“I need to pay alot more attention n advise to my son…… Likewise, we expect the country do same to the citizens.”
when our country pay more attention (road congestion, oil price increase, transport fare structure, etc) and gives advises (increase in ERP, EMA approval to increase electricity tariff, PTA approval to increase transport fare), our people suffer, when the relevant parties earn exorbitant profits.
Instead of plainly giving advices and implementing them, I do hope our country can understand our people and consider inputs from our people.
Similarly, ordinaryman, remember to listen to your son.
blade, sure i will…… the very special bond between father n son….. same goes country n citizen…hahaha… nice day. blade
.
What dream ?
We would be lucky if we are able to be gainfully employed till we die at about 85+ (statistics say so lah) so that we can pay off our 1st class (AAAAAAA++++) rated essential services at such at affordable prices offered by 1st class G-linked-here-linked-there companies.
Tew N S (#9):
“I thought our PM said GST increase is to help the poor.”
did our PM really say that?
it doesn’t much sense, since GST is a regressive tax.
Consider 2 families:
Ah Gold with monthly income $20k
Ah Beng with monthly income $2k
With GST of 5%, let’s assume both spend $1050 per month.
Now GST increase to 7%, both would be spending $1070.
To Ah Gold, the increase of $20 is only 0.1% of his income,
but to Ah Beng, it’s 1% increase of his income, 10x more than Ah Gold.
(the case is used to show how the regressive tax works)
9) Tew N S on October 14th, 2008 11.33 am I thought our PM said GST increase is to help the poor.
Read properly. GST increase is to help the poor . . . all papee ministers to think of ways and means to squeeze the blood out of each and every singaporean cos the old man thinks and feels that he owns the entire country including all the things and people that comes with it. In any country where rulers become too engrossed into money and power, the people suffers and these are facts of life in history.
7) blade on October 14th, 2008 11.06 am
There is political policing i believe in any country.
Why singaporeans so special?
Are sporeans not smart enough to improve things?
How smart are they?
Being well travelled without ability to learn from other democracies is an indication of lack of wisdom.
Tell me the meaning of Democracy. either it is or it is not a democracy.
What is wrong with speaking up based on FACTs?
Tan KL speak wisely and clearly based on facts.
Why are the other many more talents not voicing up?
Ok lah then let all be selfish and not help anyone. When you need help, see who will help you! Only wake up when they themselves pocket hurt , lose every cent of their hard earned money. Okay lah, Tan why Tan stand up for these who never voiced up for others? Any explaination from anyone here? helloooo!!??
ordinaryman (#12):
good day to you too.
i hope for this bond between the country and our citizens…
Frogs in a Well of hum (#15)
“Tell me the meaning of Democracy.”
i’m not well versed in politics, nor well literate in such terms. i only know that our voices are left unheard.
“What is wrong with speaking up based on FACTs?”
you’re right. there’s nothing wrong stating facts. our citizens air their views in forums and on papers based on facts, but what is being done by the parties related to the issues?
it’s about effective communication, to put our message through. our people might be highlighted issues to our families and friends. but we need a reputable person to put our message across.
perhaps we are all coward, expressing our views through anonymous means. at least, we leave the views on various issues, exchange these views with others, and come up with proposals for issues sometimes, in the hope that these can be heard by the authorities or another Tan.
16) Frogs in a Well of hum on October 14th, 2008 12.09 pm
Tell me the meaning of Democracy. either it is or it is not a democracy.
True democracy does not need telling. You will know it when our first class economy managed by our first class ministers is match by a first class people who fully understand that the govt is there to serve them and are not afraid to demand the service expected of these servants.
Each poitician is a servant to the people who electted him or her. How can we expect democracy when we treat our servant-politician different from our servant-maids? The former, we pay obsenely to serve us while the latter, with peanuts and abuses.
I am also not very well-versed in politics but hey! who cares for the politicking when my stomach is rumbling and my children are looking at me with mouths open wide and hands stretched out?
Who needs the hear the blueprints for a first-world economy, how to plan for the future etc. when i am dying at your doorsteps? The doorsteps of the servants I employed to take care of my well-being.
We must wake up and realise that we are the employers and the govt our employees. In which organisation do you have employees telling their employers what to do?
I agree with gemami. An elected government is composed of civil servants that must ultimately answer to its people.
This is not to say that we deny their mandate for decisive leadership. Rather, leadership must be to some extent managed by the people themselves; that checks and balances are in place to curb the government’s hand.
A top-down leadership approach that has always been in place is inappropriate in today’s globalized world. It is, at best, boring,callous and uninspiring. It makes our people parochial and self-centered; politically apathetic because national decisions lie largely out of their hands.
Alex, may I just add these to continue with the ending statement of your post (#20).
. . . . . politically apathetic because national decisions lie largely out of their hands. . . . which reduces or even eliminates the need for accountability.
There must be accountability for every action or non-action.
I believe the Majority owe the people a thesis explaining the mentality of THE uniqueness.
‘Unique’ is such a dirty word when used to described Singapore and her people.
Because we are ‘unique’, we MUST have a one-party govt.
Because we are unique, others cannot meddle in our affairs.
Because we are unique, our 1st-class minister gets to keep his job when a 1st- class terrorist escaped, or rather, took a walk out of our 1st-class lockup.
Because we are unique, we must not get to hear dissenting views.
Because we are unique, we must pay our govt top dollars to make fun of us.
Because we are unique, we have members of parliament entering parliaments by the backdoor (coat-tails and skirts ) of glorified superhuman ministers.
Please, I do not want to be unique – normal will do for me.
Another sad case :(
#1) “Why does couples earning so little gave birth to more than one child?”
How many couples who wish to have children but can’t even have 1?
Children is a blessing not burden.
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HDB only look at money, no money no talk, no money sleep void deck, it’s your problem.
“I have 3 children and my husband’s parents stay with us, so we have to rent a bigger house. After paying $1800 for the rental of the house, I am left with very little for food and other necessities. And during festival seasons, it is even more pressing as my children expect us to buy new clothes and gifts like the other children,” she says, “I think I am a failure as a parent.”
Can someone gives this woman a financial literacy course…
Paying $1800 to rent … and after 20years, that is money down the drain..
Why not use that $1800 to pay for the installament of a smaller flat… and after 20 years, you have got a flat that you can sell or whatever you do..
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7
@ gemami
Lol well said.
Because we are unique, we must have our own monies locked up in CPF.
Because we are unique, higher taxation is supposed to help the poor.
Because we are unique, someone has a unique $3.1m pa salary too.
More good years ahead!
Hi isa :D
I read that they’re not able to pay for the “cash over value”, their previous 5-room flat is sold at a loss of $18,000, “HDB referred him to EM Services, which rented him a 3-Room flat at $1300 per month. It was later reduced to $850 on appeal by his MP but EM Services rejected his application to extend his tenancy after his contract with them expired.”
There’s no help from HDB but only add fuel to fire for them.
#28, Izy,
I am talking about the 2nd case… SaRAH
Sorry man, u try sleeping at void deck also will be FINE !
If you are really poor (at their standard) the “competent” depts will help. If your combine faimily’s income is above $2000 k (any one can confirm on this) then you are not poor in their “standard”
I really didn’t know $2000 is still “so big” in current singapore context.
isa, i.s.a. – is your name really isa or are you here as part of i.s.a.’s scare tactics?
30) I speak my mind on October 14th, 2008 3.59 pm
“There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.” – Ayn Rand
Didn’t you hear?
Old fart writing a book.
It’s called: A thousand and one ways to becoming a criminal
Case 1:
1988 a new 5 room HDB flat unit was selling at $95k in Boon Keng, a junior engineer monthly salary is around $800 a month. The ration is 118:1 monthly.
Case 2:
1998 a new 5 rm HDB flat unit was selling at $280k a month in the same estate. A fresh graduate junior engineer monthly salary is around $1600. The ratio is 155:1 monthly.
Case 3:
2008 a new 5rm HDB DBSS flat at Boon Keng was seen quoted at $780k during the launch. A freshly graduated engineer makes around $2500 a month. The ratio is around 300:1 monthly. If the engineer look for a resale unit of 10 yrs old in the same estate, it will easily cost him $480k with COV of at least $25k. Case 2 home owner will most likely be calling this price due to the MRT. The ratio for the resale unit is 201:1 monthly.
From these case studies you can easily spotted that HDB housing are growing a a rate of 120% whereas the fresh grad engineer salary are not growing at the same rate. With the DBSS HDB flat, the jump is even over 200% if compare with unit of the same size 10 years ago.
HDB is suppose to be a public housing stat board building “affordable” public houses. Why come out with so many different scheme to “make more $$$”. Why is there a income cap of $8000 and yet selling HDB units that are priced like a private condo?
To me , all the so call public service stat boards are all making ginormous profit over the last few years including S-Pools. Where have all these “profits” gone? The sinking fund in Town Council are also in gastronomic level of multi-millions. IIf the sinking fund is so high why some of the 4 storeys HDB flat has yet to get their elevators and why are HDB flats that only has elevator that stop at 1-6-11 or 1-5-9-12 still not getting their floor landing lift yet?
The best part of all is the recent 22% electric hike, SPower is not losing $$$, they are making profits. So why the huge adjustment? Why HKG public power can get reduced by 3% and Singapore has to be so uniquely increase 22%?
Why has Singapore becomes so “Expensive”??? We don’t want or need any hand-out since we are still living ok (please do pass hand-out to those not so fortunate families), but don’t make it too expensive for us that we caanot have a ok life living in Singapore.
32) Ayn Rand on October 14th, 2008 4.30 pm
Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them.
You are damn right about this Ayn Rand. The system is made in such a way to make you ppl pay and pay as long as you are alive. If you can’t pay, case goes to court and they slap you now with a court summon, still cannot pay, go to jail becos now you owes money to the court and not the one who brings you to court. See! automatic criminal conversion system.
#29 isa,
Can someone gives this woman a financial literacy course…
Paying $1800 to rent … and after 20years, that is money down the drain..
Why not use that $1800 to pay for the installament of a smaller flat… and after 20 years, you have got a flat that you can sell or whatever you do..
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sorry my mistake earlier.
Their HDB flat was repossessed by the banks for non-payment of loans – so they won’t be able to loan from banks.
Even HDB is willing to loan to them, it’ll be the same as the Yaps case – give you a very low loan amount – take it or leave it (and they’ll need to come out with a lot cash)
Hi Izy & ISA,
Indeed, there’s no help from HDB.
HDB is quick to washed their hands, they had tendered out the rental flats to EM services. Hence, it will be harder to rent flats via HDB in future. Btw, EM Services is a joint venture between the Housing and Development Board and Keppel Land Limited, Hence as a business unit whatever appeal by MP will not work because the interest of the shareholders are more important.
1) loop on October 14th, 2008 9.49 am This is always the same old problem. Why does couples earning so little gave birth to more than one child?
1. because God says so: “I give you dominance over the creatures of the land, sea and sky . . . go forth and multiply . . . “.
2. because PAP says so: “our people are greying and not enough young people to contribute to cpf”.
3. because my grandmother/grandfather says so: need to continue the family name.
4. because the couple say so:
a. “we were hoping for a son but keep getting daughters; or;
b. we were hoping for a daughter but keep getting sons”.
5. because i am greedy: “baby bonus”
#31 , GERM,
“isa, i.s.a. – is your name really isa or are you here as part of i.s.a.’s scare tactics?”
ISA stands for Introverted Singaporean Asshole.
Is my understand of ISA the same as yours?
well, the acronym belongs to you – no arguements if you say so.
“HDB is quick to washed their hands, they had tendered out the rental flats to EM services.”
They keep goreng their pisang from one round to the next and then to the next.
After a few rounds, the pisang will mutate into a piece of black burned piece of charcoal.
If you complain, the pisang provider will claim that they only provide good pisangs. As for getting a piece of charcoal, they will point their finger to the fire.
u stupidly chose people to tekan yourself. ask u to vote for them, u blindly believe in them. now they ask to u eat yourselves, u lan lan eat. u still believe in all their bull shit. serve u right.
Hi all,
I have a suggestion,since Peter is having medical n financial problems,why not all of us band together to help him n his family as much as we can,i know that that there are good Samaritans out there who are more than willing to help Peter,what say you all?
When we talk the talk,lets walk the walk!
Cheers
A7X
41) Please wash your hands on October 14th, 2008 7.06 pm “HDB is quick to washed their hands, they had tendered out the rental flats to EM services
This is exactly the same case when they pass on the service of the independent town councils to managed while these TC are still being run by the PAP MPs working behind the scene as their consultants. Now we know who is responsible for all these TC investing their sinking $$$million funds on private housings instead of using it to help the citizens maintaining their HDB flats, while sametime when citizens could not afford to pay their TC fees, they just penalized them to court. What is happening to Singapore these days? Who can believe such things can actually happened to the Singaporean citizens. Now the question on every singaporeans mind is who can they trust now?
At some point in your life, you have to take responsibility for the choices you’ve made. That’s what being an adult means, that’s what being a citizen means. You failed to anticipate changes, you failed to prepare, and you made bad decisions. Like many Singaporeans, you deferred your better judgement to the experts, maybe because you were scared or didn’t know any better or didn’t bother to try. It happens to everyone, but that doesn’t absolve you of responsibility. Now, you think it does. Now, you want someone else to clean up your mess. You think, ah, but they have so much, why can’t they help me? The minute they do, the principle is broken. No one is responsible for themselves. And when that happens, the someone you appoint to be responsible for everyone, will exercise his prerogative to ensure that you live responsibly. Thus you have the government you deserve.
That’s why we have CPF la. So the poor can afford housing and nonid sleep on streets.
Ravi Philemon, THANK YOU for doing good and helping the poor amongst us. This sandwiched poor middle class “new Singaporean” suffer in silence and shame. With regards to help or advice, they are often vaguely unsure where help can be found in an increasingly expensive and complex Singapore where rules of engagement are dynamically changing. Thank you for being God’s hand and feet and a voice of justice to the poor among us. May the Lord raise up an army of people like you and me to flood this nation with His grace and mercy . . . in these uncertain, turbulent times.
Two weeks ago, I went to the Meet the People Session with an individual who needed help. While waiting for the long queue, I asked two officers whether there were any hard-copy brochures of Help Resources for the Poor with details of contact phone numbers, agencies to call and maybe how much help was given. The reply given was – Go to this and that website (: .
It’s about time Singapore has a comprehensive hard copy listing of family service centres, homeless shelters, ministries, aid-agencies, help groups, organizations, societies or even corporate entities that provide help and assistance to the poor and disadvantaged among us.
BTW – the PAP Meet the People Session Was Efficient, Fast and Good. A Positive Experience I Will Never Forget.
45) roastbird on October 15th, 2008 12.03 am That’s why we have CPF la. So the poor can afford housing and nonid sleep on streets.
CPF cannot pay for rental (flat directly rent from HDB) so where do the poor sleep if they can’t afford to buy a flat (direct or resale)?
Since Peter has medical n financial problems,why not all of us band together to help this needy family,lets walk the walk since all can talk the talk,its more beneficial for Peter’s family.
A7X