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The little that we do

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14 years ago

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It is not my intention, in this posting, to trumpet what we at The Online Citizen do. This post is simply to let you, our readers, know some of the things which we engage in behind the scenes. At times, we have been questioned and even criticized for not doing enough to help the people we feature in our stories.

As Chief Editor, I know some of these criticisms are borne out of a lack of information, perhaps on our part, but it is because those who work so tirelessly behind the scenes do not want their effort to be broadcast or made public. Indeed, over the course of the last three years, there have been numerous individuals here at TOC who did what they could to help those we interview or come across.

And there are many of these very special individuals whom I am immensely proud to work with – and to know as friends – as a result.

The work that we do involve meeting people, Singaporeans and foreigners, from all walks of life, in various circumstances. At times, it is heartrending to hear their stories, or to see and feel the hopelessness these people feel. And it is always a struggle to try and offer whatever little help we can afford, given the scarce resources we have. But we do try.

I would like to mention, for example, the individuals who worked through the night writing reports and editing videos of the plight of foreign workers, the homeless, the elderly and the disenfranchised, so that their stories are told and perhaps their situation and plight are brought to the attention of those who can truly help them.  For example, the homeless who were camped out at public parks and beaches now have temporary homes to live in after we brought their situation to the attention of the authorities. We were criticised by some quarters on the Internet for making things worse for these people, who were harassed by the authorities after we made their situation known.

But how do you not reveal their stories and circumstances when there are children involved? Should that not be the priority?

At times, we offer them help in our personal capacity.

While we will always try and do our part, I would like to ask our readers for their understanding as well. It is no easy task to do these things and they can be overwhelming at times. I know of my fellow TOC members who fall sick doing these things, who are anguished by these stories, but who wish to do more. Behind each story that you read here on this website are, at times, accompanied by emotionally-draining days and nights of speaking with and visiting with the people involved.

But as Chief Editor, my first and foremost responsibility is to the members of TOC and it has always been a constant struggle for me to make decisions which will affect both our members and the people we try to help.

Some of our readers see us as more than just a blog site, although I do not see TOC as such. We are bloggers, volunteers, ordinary Singaporeans who try and do our part to help our fellow Singaporeans and foreigners by telling their stories.

I have always struggled with the question of whether we should extend our help in other ways as well, bearing in mind that we are not a non-governmental organization which is able to have access to funding, for example. And whether we should extend ourselves beyond telling stories.

I am very proud of all TOC members who take it upon themselves to go beyond reporting on these stories – but in the end, there has to be a limit to how much we can and should do.

For now, I would like to say a public “thank you” to all those who have worked their socks off helping those in need on behalf of TOC. You know who you are.

And come Monday, some of us will be delivering packets of rice to some of the homeless folks we know.

This is what we do – the little that we can.

Andrew Loh

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Community

Singapore performer impersonating Sivaji Ganesan dies after collapse during live show

Asokan S/O Muniyandy, a Singaporean performer famed for his impersonation of Indian actor Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on 12 October at the age of 60. Dubbed the “Singapore Sivaji,” he collapsed after a performance. His final rites will take place on 15 October at 5 pm.

Published

2 days ago

on

16 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Singaporean performer Asokan S/O Muniyandy, renowned for his impersonation of Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on Saturday (12 Oct) at the age of 60.

Known as “Singapore Sivaji” for his uncanny resemblance to the iconic actor, Asokan was a regular performer at cultural events in Singapore and Malaysia.

He reportedly collapsed and died at the end of a live performance, leaving the audience in shock.

Videos circulating on social media show Asokan dancing moments before he suddenly collapsed face-first as the emcee spoke to the crowd.

The sudden incident left onlookers stunned.

Seithi Mediacorp reported that Asokan’s final rites will take place on Tuesday (15 Oct) at 5 p.m.

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Animals

Controversy erupts as NParks sets traps for wild chickens following resident complaints

A video showing NParks contractors trapping wild chickens in Yio Chu Kang has sparked online controversy. Many netizens criticize the agency for targeting harmless chickens while ignoring more disruptive animals. They argue that chickens contribute to the local charm and should be preserved instead of culled, raising questions about the complaints received.

Published

4 days ago

on

14 October 2024

By

SINGAPORE: A video showing contractors hired by the National Parks Board (NParks) laying chicken traps has ignited controversy online.

The incident occurred in the Cactus estate, located in Yio Chu Kang.

The video, first uploaded on 9 October to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, shows two men in green vests kneeling on a grass patch and setting up what appeared to be traps for wild chickens.

According to the original post, the contractors were responding to complaints from local residents.

In response to media inquiries from MS News, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management, confirmed that both NParks and the Cheng San Grassroots Organisation had received numerous complaints about free-ranging chickens in the Cactus and Sunrise estates over the past year.

The complaints cited issues related to disturbances caused by the chickens, referred to as “dis-amenities.”

Mr How explained that NParks is currently conducting “population management measures” to address the growing number of chickens in the area.

He emphasized that NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to managing animal populations, including free-ranging chickens.

These efforts include studying the birds’ population ecology, conducting biosurveillance programs, and implementing a variety of management strategies such as public education and habitat modification.

Mr How noted, “There is no one-size-fits-all management approach when it comes to addressing the multi-faceted issues related to free-ranging chickens.”

In addition, NParks collaborates with Grassroots Organisations to promote best practices in population control and engages residents by sharing tips on managing disturbances caused by the chickens, including the removal of eggs.

NParks also reminded the public to avoid feeding the chickens, as this contributes to their overpopulation and exacerbates the problem.

Netizens criticize NParks for trapping and culling wild chickens

Under an MS News Facebook post, many netizens expressed their opposition to the trapping and culling of wild chickens, arguing that they are harmless creatures.

Some users commented that they enjoy the presence of chickens, as they contribute to a “kampong” atmosphere in the neighbourhood.

One user mentioned that it is always nice to see chickens roaming around, helping to create that nostalgic vibe of home.

Another user shared their fondness for the sight of chickens, stating it feels reminiscent of the kampong days.

They suggested that instead of targeting chickens, NParks should focus on managing more disruptive animals like pigeons and otters, which can be a nuisance.

Several commenters questioned why NParks would catch harmless chickens while allowing other animals that pose more significant issues, like otters and pigeons, to remain unchecked.

One user criticized NParks for wasting time on chickens, emphasizing that they do not pose any threat to the public, unlike otters or wild boars that have attacked people.

Another commenter pointed out that chickens play a role in controlling harmful insects and pests, while otters contribute to the removal of pet fish in local ponds.

Others urged NParks to prioritize addressing the pressing issues posed by crows and pigeons rather than focusing on roaming chickens.

Many argued that NParks should aim to preserve nature by leaving harmless chickens alone and managing genuine pests instead.

A frustrated user criticized the authorities for succumbing to complaints rather than making decisions based on what is right.

They recalled a personal experience at Alexandra Village hawker centre, where they admired a group of wild chickens with a Malaysian worker, only to learn that authorities planned to cull them due to complaints.

One user questioned the nature of these complaints, urging NParks to clarify what is so problematic about having chickens in the neighbourhood.

They argued that these animals are harmless, self-sufficient, and do not bother humans.

As urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats, many believe it is unjust to deny them the right to coexist with people in their own neighbourhoods.

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