Letter To A First-Time Voter Of The 2015 Singapore General Election

9 September 2015

My dearest Daughter


Tomorrow is Cooling Day. This is when everyone drinks herbal tea to bring down the heat of haranguing since Nomination Day afternoon on 1 September.

 

You can’t think properly when you’re hot headed. So it’s good that there is no campaigning tomorrow. It’s good that we can all spend some time to think through the manifestos that each political party or individual has offered to woo our votes.

 

Most politicians have said they want to make Singapore a more liveable place. That’s good. We all want improvements. We want our sons and daughters to live better than us. And you will want your children to enjoy even high living standards, and be able to afford it.


I’m already a half-centurion. In another 50 years, I would probably be dead and gone. But you will be around, and so, too, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Be an involved parent. Give them a good education. Teach them right from wrong. Instill in them responsibility, honesty, integrity, resilience and good work ethics. Remind them there is no short cut to success and excellence demands that they put in 100 per cent effort, not a point less.

 

I want my great-grandchildren to be able to breathe clean air, always have drinking water, appreciate luxuriant greenery and blooms, and have time to enjoy the arts – dance, music, drama – as well as the simple things in life like flying a kite, fishing. I want them to be able to walk anywhere at any time and feel safe and secure. I want them to be able to enjoy eating out as much as they will relish cooking in.

 

Therefore, when we go to the polls on 11 September, we must vote in a team that is capable, a team that will not squander away our reserves intentionally or because they are incapable of management. We must vote in leaders who are understanding, kind, compassionate, caring, have wisdom and foresight. We must vote in leaders who will serve our people selflessly, regardless of their race, language or religion. We must vote in a team that can continuously bring progress and prosperity to Singapore, and make SG100 better than SG50.

 

Love,
Mami: >

You Could Knock Me Out With A Strand of Noodles

SINGAPORE, 30 November 2013. This morning, I hallucinated. I smelled fishball noodles. Not just any fishball noodles, but that served up by Thye Hong Fishball Noodles.


The business that has been operated by Mr and Mrs Ng for 23 years, and which son, Lewis, is carrying on, reopens at the coffee shop at Block 233 Bukit Batok East Avenue 5 on 7 December 2013, after closing at its last location in October.

I’m really looking forward to ordering my usual “1 Big 2 Small” packets of mee pok for my “ang moh kiah” son and I. My son eats 1 Big 1 Small. Not at one go, but he will eventually get around to finishing both packets of flat noodles by mid-afternoon.

It was my father who discovered the stall at Bukit Batok East Avenue 4. He brought my son there. Mr Ng was amused that an “ang moh kiah” (Caucasian child) enjoyed the pork crispies that came with the fishball noodles, and gave my son an extra spoonful. From then on, every time my father ordered fishball noodles for my son, he would tell Mr Ng that it’s for the “ang moh kiah” – my son of German-Chinese descent.

While a “Small” portion is enough for me, it’s never quite so for my son. And that’s how I end up ordering “1 Big 2 Small”.

Thye Hong Fishball Noodles was started by Mr Ng’s two eldest brothers at Redhill, near Thye Hong Biscuit and Confectionery Ery Factory Sendirian Berhad, but all five brothers helped to grow the business, which eventually branched out into five stalls, with the ones at Ghim Moh Hawker Centre and Bukit Batok keeping the name, Thye Hong Fishball Noodles, and the other three at Holland Avenue, Redhill and Old Airport Road called, Ru Ji Kitchen (Ru Ji Xiao Chu).

The one at Bukit Batok that my family patronised every Saturday was asked to close by the coffee shop owner because other stalls in the coffee shop could not compete with the brisk business of Thye Hong Fishball Noodles so long as it was open. What a silly decision – because the coffee shop owner, which also operates the beverage stall, must have indirectly benefited from Thye Hong Fishball Noodles customers! If there’s one thing I know about the food business, people will follow their favourite stalls to wherever they relocate.

Anyhow, on Thye Hong Fishball Noodles’s last day of operations, I bought nine packets, intending to slowly savour them until the new stall opens. I can’t remember how many big, how many small packets I bought because all nine packets were finished the following day – by my son and his friends, who are also Thye Hong Fishball Noodles customers. So, I have no choice but to savour just the memory of the taste.

One of my brothers once remarked many years ago: “No matter how full, there’s still room in the stomach for a portion of noodles.” How true this is for my entire family.

There is another noodles stall that I used to patronise until the owner retired in the 1980s. This one was located at “Tai Hong” coffee shop along Upper Bukit Timah Road, and the stall was called, “Tai Hong Teochew Noodles”. The relationship of this stall and I go way back – to about 54 years ago, when I was still in gestation.

The mee pok at this stall was my mother’s craving when she was carrying me. Occasionally, she would pass a tin cup to Uncle Cedric, my father’s cousin, to buy a $1 portion to share. Growing up, when any of my brothers, sister or I fell ill, we would ask our mother if we could eat mee pok from this stall. This was our favourite comfort food. Is it any wonder why?

I don’t know how many more times I’m going to be hallucinating about the mee pok with pork crispies from Thye Hong Fishball Noodles this coming week. But if I become too weak, you could probably knock me out with a strand of noodles!

So Long, Farewell, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen

Moving Tributes For Principal Deborah Tan At Her Last School Assembly

It is a short 60m walk that takes not more than 70 steps. In less than 30 seconds, a person walking from the Educators’ Garden would arrive at the top of the steps at the Foyer.

On 15 November 2013, however, Principal Deborah Tan took nearly 20 minutes to cover that distance – because she was stopped for handshakes, hugs, chats and requests to be photographed together by student-athletes who flanked the path after she planted a tree at the Educator’s Garden.

Mrs Tan, who was appointed Principal of Singapore Sports School on 15 December 2007, had earlier attended her last School Assembly.

Tributes were read, gifts were presented, tears were shed.

Track and Field Senior General Manager Jenny Lim read out the tribute on behalf of staff: “I will be sharing with you stories from the various ‘corners’ of the School – from UK to Russia; from one Wing to another.”

The Staff Tribute recalled the many things that Mrs Tan had helped the School to achieve – multiple academic through-train pathways such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which will be taught in January 2014, the School-Within-A-School which started in 2010, the on-campus Diploma in Sports and Leisure Management in a collaboration with Republic Polytechnic which started in 2011; two new sports academies – Fencing and Shooting; the attainment of Singapore Quality Class status.

“But what really endear us to Mrs Tan are her warm demeanor and her day-to-day interactions with staff.”

A Boarding staff observed that Mrs Tan always stopped to chat with student-athletes and staff at the Boarding School whenever they met.

“Her kind and loving words have made a lasting impression on the children and their parents. When news of Mrs Tan leaving the Sports School broke, many of the children were saddened.”

Another staff noted that Mrs Tan had been switching on all the lights at Level 3 each evening as she walked from her office on the same floor to her apartment in the Boarding School.

That staff said: “I have often walked 20m or 30m behind Mrs Tan as she switched on the row of lights so that the rest of us going home to the Boarding School later need not walk in darkness.”

Madam Lim said Mrs Tan brought a feminine touch to a masculine environment and indeed, many female staff, especially those in the Sports Wing, had tried to emulate her – but without much success.

“She is calm, cool – yes, uses an iPhone and is pretty good with the use of emoji. She is collected, careful and has a nurturing and soothing nature. She is approachable and is a very pleasant boss to work for. I have never seen her angry nor heard her raise her voice even when she reprimanded student-athletes.

“She wields a firm hand and is always careful in ensuring that everyone – staff and student-athlete alike – receives fair treatment. She is a very good listener and exudes patience but also firmness in all her dealings.”

Towards the close of the staff’s tribute, Madam Lim invited student-athletes and staff to rise from their seats to recite the poem that Mrs Tan often used:

“Sow a thought and you reap an act;
Sow an act and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit and you reap a character;
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

When student-athletes and alumni paid tribute to Mrs Tan, indeed many referred to this poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Koh Hin Aun (Netball), President of the Students’ Council and representing the graduating Class of 2008, said the poem taught her the steps she must take to become the person she wants to be. She added that she always felt welcome returning to the Sports School.

Geraldine Ng (Netball) from the graduating Class of 2009 recalled that Mrs Tan frequently chatted with student-athletes at the Boarding School, which made them feel much at home and one big family. Like Hin Aun, she was always welcome to visit the Sports School, she said she will continue to do so and she hopes Mrs Tan will do likewise.

Habibah Najihahbi (Track and Field), President of the Students’ Council and representing the Class of 2010, thanked Mrs Tan for “the countless opportunities you gave us, and always believing in us.”

She was joined by classmates Ivan Tan (Track and Field) and Andrew Leow (Football) in their video tribute in which they said Emerson’s poem which Mrs Tan shared with the School during her first Assembly was a big take-away for them. Joel Tan (Badminton) also sent a video tribute; Charisse Ee (Track and Field), Kimberly Lim (Netball) and Liang Wei (Track and Field) sent notes. They described Mrs Tan as approachable, caring, nurturing, warm, someone who instilled good morals in them, did not give up on them but instead, encouraged them to always do the best that they can. They appreciate her “Immense devotion” for their studies and sports.

Jasvinderpal Singh s/o Kuldeep Singh and Nadiah Zaidi, who as Presidents of the Students’ Council in 2011 and 2012, represented their cohorts in thanking Mrs Tan. In different ways, both said student-athletes had successful journeys in the Sports School because Mrs Tan saw their individual uniqueness and encouraged them to dream big and work towards their dreams. Post-Sports School, the lessons Mrs Tan taught them remain relevant and useful.

Many current student-athletes spent time to write notes. Manoj Jeyapala (Fencing) said: “I just want to say ‘thank you’ for being our second mother. If we do not see each other in the future, know that we will meet in each other’s hearts.”

They also reproduced Emerson’s poem and had it framed. It came with the message: “With our best writing we want to send our blessing back to you and we will strive to reap a DESTINY.”

A group of student-athletes performed “So Long, Farewell”, a signature song in “The Sound of Music” sung by the von Trapp children.

To illustrate Mrs Tan’s nurturing ways, the student-athletes “grew” a tree. “Under your leadership, you and your staff have taken years to nurture us. And we want you to know that we are the fruit that you bore.”

Mrs Tan had, when she joined Singapore Sports School, shared Emerson’s words of wisdom with every cohort of student-athletes and their parents.

It was therefore not unexpected that Mrs Tan shared another set of words of wisdom with staff and student-athletes as her parting shot, this time, a poem by Mary Ann Radmacher.

“Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.’”
(An excerpt.)

Then, together, the School sang the School Anthem one last time with Mrs Tan, Principal, faithful servant leader, motivator, counsellor, friend and caring mother.

‘Me and My Baby Sister’

He loved her even before he laid eyes on her; he would accompany me for my pre-natal check-ups and burst into the clinic asking: "So, doctor, how is my baby?"

The doctor would correct him: “It’s mummy’s baby.”

And he would correct the doctor: “No, doctor, she’s my baby.”

The first thing he said to her, a couple of hours after she was born, was: “Meimei, you are so beautiful.” The second thing he said was that he would protect her so long as they both shall live.

The first incident of significance was when she was 5 years old, and he, 9. A neighbour in the next block stole something that was dear to her. He found out where that neighbour lived and went to ask that the stolen item be returned.

Sadly, the young thief’s father gave him a frightful scolding him. All righteous, he told the man: “I don’t know how you raise your children, but in my family, there are no thieves.” The man waved a threatening finger at him.

He snatched away the stolen item and told the man: “I’m only taking back what rightfully belongs to my sister.”

On another occasion, when she was 11 and he 14, another neighbour sent profanities to her mobile. Innocently, she asked him what those words meant.

After finding out where that “texter” lived, he went to her home. He asked the texter’s mother if that particular mobile number belonged to her daughter. The texter’s mother confirmed it. He then showed the texter’s mother the text that showed the profanities.

The texter’s mother was appalled and apologised.

“I am upset that your daughter has introduced such words to my sister. But I think your daughter should apologise to my sister.”

The texter’s mother made her daughter apologise to both him and her. For good measure, she confiscated her daughter’s mobile.

As the brother-sister set grew up best friends, I remarked that they were not normal because they never quarrelled.

Me and my big mouth! The very same day, they did.

Just as a walked through the front door, she stormed out of his room, shouted that she was no longer going to speak with him and slammed the door shut. He reopened the door and shouted that he was fine with that.

Foolishly, I felt quite pleased that they were, at last, “normal”.

For a whole week, I noticed that they did not speak with each other, and both wore long, angry expressions. I decided to mediate.

After much trying, she burst laughing.

I scolded: “This is no laughing matter. The two of you have not spoken to each other for far too long. Whatever you were upset with, sort it out and move on.”

Poker-faced, he said: “Mum, didn’t you say we were not ‘normal’ because we never quarrelled? So we have. Why are you still upset?”

I said they were carrying it too far and I stressed that they had to make up.

She laughed out loud and said: “Mum! We’re only kidding you! We didn’t quarrel. We were just putting up a show!”

He explained that they had carried on life as normal every day – until I walked through the door.

“Do you prefer us ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’?” he asked.

When he checked into Boarding School, she would hold on to him and cry. Years later, when she checked into Boarding School, she would also hold on to him and cry.

“Meimei, it’s just until Friday when you’ll be home again,” he consoled.

“But I shall miss you so much.”

“Call me when you can, and I’ll drop everything to talk to you, OK?” he promised.

Last night, he made me drive out to Adam Road Food Centre to buy her favourite Pork Rib Noodles. When I asked why he bought an extra share, he said a girl was coming over.

Ooooh… Girlfriend? Did they meet at uni? How long had they been going out? He must be serious about her to bring her home…

“You’re so annoying, Mum. If you must know, she’s a Roman Catholic.”

What that last remark had to do with my questions, I couldn’t figure out.

He and I watched the All Blacks-Wallabies Super Rugby Cup final on Cable TV. And just as All Blacks made its second conversion to take a 6-0 lead, a head popped into the living room and a soft voice said: “Hi Mum.”

The night before, she had called him and made him promise not to tell me that she was coming home to visit.

Surprised? I surely was. Cuddles beat calls any time.

No regret whatsoever that Andreas and Michaela are best friends.

Remembering Roger

Singapore Sports School, on 26 June 2012, lost Mr Roger Brendon Poulier, a senior teacher in the English Department.

Mr Poulier, 50, joined our School on 1 July 2004 as Head of Department, English.

He was respected by his colleagues and well-loved by student-athletes.

Principal, Mrs Deborah Tan, described Mr Poulier as an amiable man who was caring, nurturing and had a zest for life.

Director of Academics and School Administration, Mr Seah Poh Chua, who had known Mr Poulier since our School’s pioneer days, said student-athletes were Mr Poulier’s top priority.

“He cares for them very much and he is passionate about teaching them – not just the English language but other aspects of life that have helped to mould them into wholesome youths.

“Roger’s nurturing ways have impacted our student-athletes greatly. He is well-loved and respected by student-athletes, their parents and our colleagues. His passing is a great loss to our school.”

Indeed, the ones who feel the loss of Mr Poulier most keenly are his student-athletes, both past and present.

Badminton student-athlete Lim Wei Liang, said in his farewell note to Mr Poulier: “It’s awesome knowing you. You’e a great guy with a big heart.”

Wei Liang said he misses Mr Poulier’s presence in School and especially the library where they had bonded.

“I have lost my best friend rather than a teacher,” he said.

Bowling student-athlete Mexx Lee Zhu Wei said he is grateful that Mr Poulier did not give up on him.

“I didn’t just learn to speak good English from you, I also learnt how to be a good person. I always looked forward to your class. You made learning interesting and fun,” Mexx said in his note.

Swimming student-athlete Lim Ching Hwang said Mr Poulier is the kindest teacher he has known.

“You taught me English, taught me how to be a good boy, taught me about life. You were like my good friend; we talked about everything…

“Although you will not see me graduate, I am going to do my best and make you proud.”

Mr Poulier impacted even the student-athletes who did not take his classes.

Swimming alumnus Jenell Paidgen Tan Wen Yee, who graduated in 2011, said Mr Poulier was “one of those teachers with amazing composure and patience.”

She added: “You were extremely friendly towards even those who weren't your students. When I was at Sports School, my favourite haunt was the Library. I saw you there teaching your students with such enthusiasm despite your state. It showed how passionate you were about your work and that you were probably more than just a teacher to your students.”

Several alumni mentioned “Tuesdays with Morrie”, a book by Mitch Albom, which Mr Poulier had introduced to them.

Golf alumnus George Foo, from the pioneer batch of 2004, said: “To all of us, you were ‘Morrie’. A teacher of life and how to live life with a purpose and fight for it in spite of adversity.”

Sailing alumnus Cecilia Low, who graduated in 2008, recalled the “living funeral” that Mr Poulier held.

“I am so glad that I got to say everything that I want you to hear before you left. Everything feels a lot better knowing that our class did a living funeral with you and I will remember it for life. Thank you for everything. Love you always,” she said.

Dr Irwin Seet, another of our pioneer staff, reflected in his final note to Mr Poulier: “Sports School started with us pioneers; people who felt the calling to give student-athletes a chance to succeed and balance studies and sports.

“You were always so passionate, full of zeal and life, so gung-ho and full of love for everyone.”

Mr Poulier’s capacity to love was felt by all he taught, or met.

Poojaa Darshan, from the pioneer batch of student-athletes in the Track and Field, said: “Seven years ago, I remember reading out my ambition to you in a speech in English class and you told me, ‘Well done.’ Just a day ago, I could still see you mouth the very words, ‘Well done’, when I told you I am pursuing my degree now in that very field.

“You never stopped believing in me and that's why you are one of the greatest people I know.

“Even in all the pain, you could still listen and see how much you meant to all of us in Sports School.

In a way, that was your living funeral. Just like the living funeral you gave us many years ago that had the class in tears. Oh Roger, I will surely miss you ♥ May you rest in peace.”

Mr Poulier had generously shared many facets of his life with staff and student-athletes, and we have all been richer of the experience.

Wrote bowling alumnus Michaela Oehler, who graduated in 2010: “Every day I logged into Facebook, the first thing I would see was Mr Roger's Happy Birthday wishes to his Facebook friends.

“When I walked into the library, I would meet a very happy and bubbly face. He was always cheerful and always had a smile no matter how his day was going.

"Although I wasn't his student, he knew each one of us. Every year, he would wish me 'Happy Birthday'. I will definitely miss him. Rest in peace, Sir ♥”

Some accolades posted on Mr Poulier’s Facebook Wall include descriptions such as “Roger Rocks”, “Roger Rules” and “Roger is Awesome.”

I can’t agree better.

Rest in peace, Roger. I miss you dearly.

My Birthday Bag

Singapore, 25 February 2012

On 29 February 2012, I will be celebrating my “thirteenth” birthday.

The advantage of being born on a day that marks the Leap Year is, I usually have two celebrations in a non-Leap Year.

My mother says Asians can celebrate pre-birthdays but not post. My friends insist that 28 February is not my birthday as I wouldn’t have been born yet; so they choose the day after 28 February, which is 1 March in a non-Leap Year.

As for me, I usually go to bed on 28 February with a smile and the thought: “It’s my birthday tomorrow,” only to wake up the next morning, in a non-Leap Year, asking myself: “Where did my birthday go?”

Of all the presents that I have received over the years, I have often talked about a particular one – a super huge beach towel with the words, “Wonder Woman” and the picture of Linda Carter in her super hero costume printed on it. It was gifted on my “sixth” birthday, by Michael “Army Daze” Chiang, the very talented and celebrated publisher and playwright. We were colleagues in New Nation and The Sunday Times.

On 29 February 1984, Michael came to my workstation, lifted his arms and unrolled the gift, then popped his head from behind the towel and said, “This is who you are.”

I melted.

But from this year on, I will move the story of the Michael Chiang gift to the backseat; I have another story to tell. It is the story of my birthday bag – gifted by my son, Andreas, and daughter, Michaela…

Both have grown up knowing that their mother is not a fashionista. I am most comfortable wearing an oversized adidas T-shirt, a pair of adidas Bermudas and adidas shoes and throwing my keys, wallet and what-not into one of my numerous adidas bags.

Both also know that while I often splurge on others, I am less willing to pamper myself. And when they purchase anything that is branded and therefore expensive, they will get an earful from me for days and in some cases, years.

Not this time. Not this birthday bag.

In the past year, Michaela had worked as a part-time cashier at FairPrice Finest at Bukit Timah Plaza. She mostly worked on days when she didn’t have classes and on weekends. After receiving her first salary, she told me that I need not give her pocket money. She used her paycheck to buy her own bowling balls and other bowling equipment, fund bowling competitions and buy treats for her friends and the family. When she went on holidays overseas, she used her savings from her earnings.

On the nights of 13 and 14 February this year, Andreas asked to use the car. As I discovered only after the fact, he and a close friend had taken orders for flowers and teddy bears from NSmen who could not book out from camp to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their girlfriends. They topped up my petrol tank after emptying it, of course. And even after that, each had a tidy sum to keep for their delightful entrepreneurial efforts.

And so, with their hard earned money, Andreas in Singapore and Michaela in Australia purchased my gift. They calculated that it would be cheaper for Michaela to buy it from Australia and post in to Singapore than for Andreas to buy it from Singapore. So, one day last month, at Andreas’s request, I helped him deposit some money into Michaela’s bank account.

Last night, upon hearing that I have a cousin’s wedding to attend today, Andreas took out the present and said: “Mum, we know you love adidas. But MeiMei and I thought it’s time you try carrying something different. So… we hope you like this.”

I didn’t ask Andreas why he was depositing money into Michaela’s bank account last month. Now, I know…

Letter To A First-Time Voter Of The 2011 Singapore General Election



4 May 20111


My dearest Son

Do not be unduly upset if this letter, posted as my blog, attracts more brickbats than bouquets from the legions of netizens out there – because I am openly declaring my support for the People’s Action Party, which seems, is not the most popular thing to do these days.

I have shared many life experiences with you. Today, I share another:

When I was waist-high, MahMah fell seriously ill and her mother – Lau Mah – came to visit. Lau Mah was dressed in matching floral blouse and trousers. She was elegant and attractive.

As time passed, I noticed Lau Mah continuously wiping her face with a handkerchief. Soon, the whole handkerchief was so wet it could no longer absorb her sweat. That was when I stopped seeing her as elegant and attractive. Then I started noticing other parts of her.

I remember looking at her feet – and saying silently, “Eeeeee.” There were traces of dried mud between some of Lau Mah’s toes and toe nails.

What is important are not my memories of that particular day, but what has happened with our family years after.

Lau Mah and Lau Kong were farmers. They reared pigs, geese, chickens and ducks, and grew a variety of vegetables and fruit trees.

We all helped on the farm.

While Lau Mah’s and Lau Kong’s family toiled full-time, my brothers, sister and I helped out on Sundays. We would collect eggs, sort them into different trays according to their sizes.

And then, we would eat dinner. The adults had an adults table and the children, a children table. At the adults table, the men ate first and the women, later. So if the men ate more than their share, the women would have nothing to go with their boiled rice except soya sauce.

When we returned home, Lau Mah and Lau Kong would give us two trays of fresh eggs. There was family togetherness. There was respect. There was sharing.

Over the years, the farm grew – not in size but development which gave the family better returns.

Lau Mah and Lau Kong stopped growing vegetables and rearing poultry. They also moved away from rearing pigs, which once brought in the most money, to rearing chickens for eggs. Chicken dropping was sun-dried and sold as manure, not unlike the zoo poo of today.

Lau Mah and Lau Kong were prudent. They spent only when necessary and saved the rest. “The rest” provided MahMah’s younger brothers and sisters with better education than she had the opportunity for; “the rest” gave the next generation – my uncles and aunts – opportunities for a better life. In turn, they provided for their children – your uncles and aunts – among who are businessmen, chartered accountants, a doctor, a lawyer and a teacher, and soon, there will be another doctor in the house!

The Lau Mah and Lau Kong you know lived in a pair of semi-detached bungalows, doted by two sons, six daughters, eight sons- and daughters-in-law, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

When Lau Mah visited us with her mud-caked toes, she had rushed from Punggol to Bukit Timah. Bus transport was unreliable as the buses were old and rickety, and often broke down. The buses she rode in were not air-conditioned. She had to stand all the way, carrying two live chickens in a brown paper bag. And therefore, when she arrived at our home, she was sweating profusely.

Lau Mah worked on the farm, while also completing daily household chores like cleaning, mending and cooking. Missing a bus connection would mean a late dinner for the family and farm hands, which was why mud-caked toes were the least of her cares.

I still chide myself for not appreciating her efforts in making that trip to visit us.

That was a poignant childhood memory. And this is my Singapore – a Singapore that, under the PAP government, has given us opportunities for a better life just as long as we seize them and work hard to achieve success.

Some have criticised the PAP government for making mistakes. What is important is, PAP is willing to better its ways so that we, Singaporeans, can have a more secure future. I believed in PAP then, I believe in PAP now, and I believe that PAP will take us to the future.

Some have said PAP has lost its connection with the people. I am in my 50s. The PAP has fielded candidates in their 50s, 60s and our very unique Minister Mentor, who’s in his 80s. Would they understand the aspirations of younger Singaporeans? I am sure they do, having children and grandchildren of their own. PAP also understands the young may prefer to chat with someone their age, which is why the Party has also fielded candidates who are in their 40s, 30s and 20s.

It may seem the in-thing now to tear down the PAP and be rude to Minister Mentor, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who have taken Singapore from a Third World country to a First World nation.

At the end of the day, you have to decide which brand you trust – one of the other brands or PAP, which has been tried and tested and come up with the best solutions to problems time and time again.

Are you, a first-time voter, able to see the good that the PAP government has done for Singapore and Singaporeans, accept the warts and moles and together, work towards a better Singapore?

Last week, we spoke about your vote. As much as I want to secure your vote for PAP, I also want you to exercise your right to choose – intelligently, knowingly, responsibly.

This morning, you had this as your Facebook status: “Hopes that Singaporeans will vote based on merit and not on how hot someone is.”

I am glad that you have been thinking about which party you want to vote for. I wish you a memorable experience on Polling Day.

Love,
Mami: >

PS: Daughter, you will be of voting age when the next General Election is due. This letter will still be relevant for you in five years’ time, although I would like to write you a personal note then, as I do now, to GeGe.
Love, Mami: >