By 
Singaporeans should put the care of the elderly above petty concerns,
says a prominent local blogger as moves to put up an elderly-care centre
at a Woodlands void deck have drawn protests from residents.
Earlier, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong cited the need to provide more elderly-friendly facilities nearby to help the aged stay active and engaged.
Reasons given by the residents for opposing the centre included spacial constraints, devaluing of property, and the right to enjoy what little space left at the void deck. Another concern is that the area may be considered inauspicious with more deaths or accidents occurring.
In response to the notion of it being “inauspicious”, some netizens called the opposing residents “socially immature” and “close minded”. Others poked fun using an old joke made by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan and suggested that if the residents opposed the idea, they can consider sending their parents to Johor Bahru instead.
But Terence Lee, founder and editor of newnation.sg, had a different opinion. “I don’t think people should be too quick to condemn the residents as they don't really understand their situation. It may truly be the case that the blocks in question are already too cramped.”
He added, “But the government should have also engaged the residents for a consultation before the announcement. Then all this controversy could have been prevented.”
“Caring
for Singapore’s ageing population should take precedence over petty and
selfish concerns of some Singaporeans. Our ageing population has
far-reaching implications - and we must adopt the right attitude and
mindset in meeting these challenges,” said Andrew Loh, Chief Editor of publichouse.sg.
The Ministry of Health
(MOH) has said it will review the plan to build an elder-care in the
area after 53 residents at Block 861 signed a petition against the move
and submitted it to MP for Sembawang GRC Ellen Lee last month. It is
understood that the opposition against the centre was less at Block 860,
Woodlands Street 83. The 570 sq m centre was to be run by Sree Narayana
Mission.
Earlier, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong cited the need to provide more elderly-friendly facilities nearby to help the aged stay active and engaged.
Reasons given by the residents for opposing the centre included spacial constraints, devaluing of property, and the right to enjoy what little space left at the void deck. Another concern is that the area may be considered inauspicious with more deaths or accidents occurring.
In response to the notion of it being “inauspicious”, some netizens called the opposing residents “socially immature” and “close minded”. Others poked fun using an old joke made by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan and suggested that if the residents opposed the idea, they can consider sending their parents to Johor Bahru instead.
But Terence Lee, founder and editor of newnation.sg, had a different opinion. “I don’t think people should be too quick to condemn the residents as they don't really understand their situation. It may truly be the case that the blocks in question are already too cramped.”
He added, “But the government should have also engaged the residents for a consultation before the announcement. Then all this controversy could have been prevented.”
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