State's need paramount.

Every Singaporean with basic geographical knowledge would know that the largest constraint of Singapore has to be its physical restriction. Every bit of land has been used to maximize the welfare of Singaporeans economically and socially.

Sometimes back, the government enacted a law to exhumed graves with 20 or more years buried in the ground. Most affected families shifted their ancestors from the graves to the high rise columbrium starkly similar to the HDB block most Singaporeans lived. I presumed this is a bid for the government to increase the land area for development purposes. This is a strong indication that the state's need is paramount and is overriding the society's need. Traditional festival of Qing Ming of visiting the grave and paying respect to the ancestors is now transform to the alternative place decided by the government.

A few days ago, Health Minister Mr Khaw Boon Wan sensationally brought up the idea of settling the old folks in the neighbouring countries. While family values and ties are deeply treasured and promoted in the country, the state has dangle with the idea of sending the elderly to old folks home across state boundaries. This whole concept just reminds me of how state's need is again paramount.

He said: ‘It is mind-boggling. The cost of land and construction cost is so low that my cost of putting up just a polyclinic (in Singapore) is probably more than his cost of putting up a 200-bed nursing home (in Johor Baru).

Is this trying to cut cost for the state?

Mr Khaw added: ‘Of course many visit daily, but quite a significant number visit only during the weekends, so what is the difference in putting them in Johor Baru?’


Is he trying to shift the blame?

What I can conclude from the whole event is that Singapore's government is increasingly selfish and lacks compassion for the elderly. Although it may be much more costly to build medical facilities, nursing homes for the elderly in Singapore, I strongly believes that the elderly who had once fought for the development and progress of Singapore deserved to be well taken care of in their old age. Ultimately, it is the job of the government to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for the citizens. Although State's need is important, the people, being the building blocks, should not be placed down the hierarchy as well.

Mr Brown Show

You know, Singaporeans, when it's to time to choose a nursing home, the gahmen has a place for you.

There's a place, Batu Pahat
Where the old folks can roam free
And this place, very cheap
Got many palm tree
Work whole life, in Singapore
But still broke until teng kor
Dowan you, go and die in another country
When it's time to mati
Don't pay 90 cents for a kopi
Send your dad and mum
They have chewing gum

Chorus:
Send Ah Kong
Find budget old folks' home
Health Minister say got discount across causeway
Since already dying
May as well make space for the living
Singapore too small
Please go to JB

You may think it is far,
sekali bad guy steal your car
Lagi worse if you drive BM or Honda
Don't be scared, not so bad
Just don't stop if tire flat
There's no jam if you choose to go on weekdays
When you go to Johor
You can also do some shopping
Seafood cheap and fresh
You can save some cash

Chorus:
Send Ah Kong
Move to a bigger place
Health Minister say that Malaysia Boleh
There got pirate movie
And power tongkat ali
Why choose Singapore
Better go to JB

Send Ah Kong
If he kena sick
Health Minister say ambulance on the way
Gahmen very caring
It's just an option they are sharing
Singapore loves you
Grow old in JB

Gahmen very caring
It's just an option they are sharing
Singapore loves you
Grow old in JB

For you and for me

Got no ERP

It's cheaper, you see

Go die in JB (Do it for your children)