During the elections, Singaporeans complained that the Government has focused so much on GDP and economic growth, but has done relatively nothing for the poorer people. This is obvious from the meager public assistance monthly handouts to the poor - $260 in 2007, and $400 in 2011. While one may argue that the handouts have increased by more than 50% these 4 years (I can actually imagine Vivian Balakrishnan using this point as defence!), the absolute amount shows the true story.
Recently, a good friend told me that after returning to Singapore from Taiwan for 2 years, she still sees many elderly Singaporeans selling tissue paper at food courts or hawker centers. And she doesn't understand why Singaporeans refuse to help them despite complaining so much that the Government is not doing enough for the poor.
It's strange that we are so averse to helping these elderly people, when as a whole, we donate a significant amount to charity. In 2009, donations to charitable organizations (from individuals only) were S$687 million, up from $381 million in 2001. So why this aversion? These people are not begging - they are selling something. As my friend said rightly, they have pride too.
I must admit that I am one of those who do not buy tissue paper from these people, and I can't explain why either. But what made me guilty was when I lunched with a Vietnamese friend. He saw this old man on the floor selling tissue paper, and without hesitation, gave him $10 and took only 2 packets of tissue.
In this sense, it's so ironic that a foreigner, whom we are generally blaming for stealing our jobs, is more generous than most of us.
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