Do you know whether you have true friends or not?

True friend is someone who can help you when you are down mentally or financially. As a true friend, you can console your friend with your caring heart. As a true friend, if you friend demand for some money to get through the difficult period, you can help him because you care. In the true world, many are just superficial friend, they can only together when both no troubles. Once the friends got troubles, the so call friends are quickly disappear.  Do you know whether you have true friends or not? You can only know the true color of your friends while you are encountering some difficulties and see whether they can help you or not. Even you have 10 over years or more than twenty years old friends, do not think they are your true friends until you ask for their help and then you can see their true colors.
Mr. Malcolm and Mr. Indran are old classmates. They had frequently come out to drink coffee, go for entertainment events and discussing many social issues. In year 2008, Mr. Malcolm got burnt because of buying shares/stocks. Mr. Malcolm lost all of his investment and bank accounts became zero amounts but he needed to pay the broker firm for few hundred to settle the outstanding bills. With this panic situation,  Mr. Malcolm asked Mr. Indran for help requesting to borrow $200. Mr. Indran rejected Mr. Malcolm's repeated requests and gave many excuses like forgetting to bring ATM card,etc.
Although they had known each others for quite sometimes, Mr. Indran could not help him even he was quite well-off.
Mr. Malcolm felt very disappointed with this friend Mr. Indran. It looked like Mr. Indran was not his true friend.
After few months, Mr. Malcolm settled the debt hinself but both of them still continue to come out for drink coffee but Mr. Malcolm never mentioned about the debt.
10 years later, Mr. Malcolm facing another crisis that he was lost all his hard-earned money because of gaming. The new year eve was coming and Mr. Malcolm needed two hundred for giving incoming guests' kids Ang pao -some money to give kids for lunar new year. Mr. Malcolm again asked Mr. Indran for help requesting two humdred dollars. Mr. Indran replied in the SMS" Why not?. Until the new year eve, Mr. Indran still never ready wanted to help Mr. Malcolm. On new year eve, Mr. Malcolm was quite thick-skin, he phoned Mr. Indran but Mr. Indran simply replied " now at city". It was the clear sign that Mr. Indran had totally never concern Mr. Malcolm at all. The following few days, Mr. Malcolm never received any SMS Messages or calls from Mr. Indran.
This time, Mr, Malcolm thought: this is not the true friend at all and he no longer contacted Mr. Indran anymore.
Do you think Mr. Indran can be friend anymore? Is his the true friend of Mr. Malcolm?

On line discipline is very important

On line discipline is very important. Nowadays, many people visit social media and on line forums or blogs. Usually on line users will like to contribute their thoughts or opinions on  issues that being discussed. Can we on line users express our views freely? We ought to think that freedom of anythings, will these bring troubles to us? Yes, anyone can be in troubles if his comments or remarks that create hatred or personal attack or giving threatening words will be dwelt with if it against the law. So, freedom not means you can anyhow say or act anyhow because there is law existing. So, we all have to adopt the cautious and responsible manner while giving our thoughts or comments on line.
Why on line discipline is very important?
We ought not to use vulgar languages or words that contain " hurting elements " while we are enjoying the processing of reading on line. We have to mindful at all time while we are on line. Remember our remarks can be easily pass on to many people in the short span of time. We will be regret later if we gave the extreme comments because we might be sued by someone. And then we have to pay the higher price for that. Sometimes we might go to the jail if we are charged in court and found guilty. This will affect our future life. For those who want to work in civil service later on, he is likely to be rejected because of the bad behavior.
So, it is always good to us and others if we can make rational comments but not making irrational or hurtful remarks on line. By now, you should know how imprtant the on line discipline, am I right?
This is my thought today for my own reading.

How to live longer?

How to live longer? As the human being, it is not easy to live happily from the time we born until the day we pass away.
We see so many people can not ready die peacefully, some met with accidents, natural disasters, violence, protests, wars, kidnapping. Some are willing to die because of some belief that they can go heaven by doing some kinds of " holy acts", usually involving killing people out of hatred and selfishness.
So, you see human beings sometimes create their own bad destinies and thinking that they are right.
How to live longer? We human beings living in this earth full of struggles and we all have many desires that blind us constantly until our last breath.
Luckily, I have the chance to learn something to ready having peaceful life. It is not so difficult to have peaceful life if we can sort it out from our entangled mind. We use our conscious through our six senses and develop our own set of mindset. This mindset ultimately will decide our destinies in this earth. Whatever actions, thoughts are stored inside our sub-conscious mind and it will strengthen our next moves. That's why the importance of using our six senses is so important. People of wisdom know how to filter all information and absorb the good one. They know how to prevent miseries by doing all the good things and prevent misfortunes fall to them.
We can not live alone in this earth because this is the interdependent world. We become human beings because of many factors combined together. Everything exist in this world have the reasons.
How to live longer?
We know killing, stealing, having sex, telling lies, drinking alcohols are the things that highly spiritual people wouldn't do because saints know the importance of curbing all these desires to go back to the origin.     
If we have the mindset willing to go back to the origin, we will be blessed. So now you know how to live longer? Basically we have to get rid of greed, hatred towards the mind of orgin.

Why some actor, actress die so early?

Why some actor, actress die so early? It is because of their bad action, In Buddhism term called bad karma. These actors, actress acted films promoting violence, sex, unhealthy acts will not only affect their destinies-die early. They also influence audiences badly through their bad films. Earning these type of dirty money is ready bad and the bad luck will follow.
In Buddhism, we all have to responsible for all our action. The cause and effect is the truth, all can not escape. We all have to face retribution sooner or later.
I saw many getia singers who performed dirty acts, talk dirty words, sing dirty songs mostly had the miseries either died during the performance or after performance.
This is the great reminder. We ought to have healthy life so that we can live longer. We need to repent whatever bad things we have done in the past and stop doing this again. If we can accept the healthy way of living, we can have better life.

Singapore Buddhist Lodge distribute Hong Bao to needy

Singapore Buddhist Lodge distributed $702,710 to 11,694 needy senior citizens and the disabled on Yesterday, up from the $675,590 given out last year.Singapore Buddhist Lodge is one of the organization always like to do charity works. Singapore Buddhist Lodge helped needy regardless of race, language and religion. Singapore Buddhist Lodge has many members, it has library for Buddhists to read books about Buddhism. Singapore Buddhist Lodge also organize religious talk about Buddhism frequently. This is the one of the ideal place for Buddhist to learn Buddhism.
The amount of money distributed for this year's Chinese New Year makes it the highest amount so far, since the Lodge started the hong bao distribution in 1949.
Elderly folk under the public assistance scheme received $200 in their red packets this year, an increase from $180 per packet in 2012. In addition, Singapore Buddhist Lodge Welfare Foundation also donated $60,000 to National Kidney Foundation for transport allowance for their needy patients.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Chan Chun Sing was the guest of honur at the ceremony and cheque presentation.
Singapore has so many organization like to do charity works and many Singaporeans always very generous when someone need help. Singaporeans are the very kind one indeed. I hope all Singaporeans can help each others, rich help poor and make Singapore the warm place to live. No conflict, no protest, solve all problems through peaceful means.... 

Worker party Lee Li Lian can win Puggol east by election

Worker Party Lee Li Lian can win Puggol east by election, Punggol east by-election to be held on 26 Feb 2013, who is the candidate to be likely the winner. I think Ms Lee Li Lian has the highest chance amongst the four.
Let's talk about Desmond Lee who had contested the last general election Punggol east by-election and he had lost the election deposit ten over thousands dollars. Desmond Lee got only 4.5 percent. Desmond Lee will 100 percent sure to lose the election deposit again because this is the four-cornered fight and this is more difficult for him to get more than 4.5 percent this time. The other reason is that he never held any rally on the field. Although he put on line rally on the face book or people can see his video on you-tube but the impact is not that good due to many negative comments there like poor commend of English, etc. Desmond Lee went to Reform Party rally to talk gave people the impression that he was the political joker and he said this was the example of opposition unity, how naive it is. The baby mindset will cost him the lowest support in this Punggol esat by-election. He said he wanted to be the third voice in parliament to check on the two dominant party in parliament. This type of remarks trigger people to think of the past election jokers like Harman Singh.
Now, Let's talk about JB's son Kenneth, although his strength is slightly better than Desmond Lim but his remarks like attacking other fellow opposition party Worker Party's performance on the parliament will upset many opposition supporters. He always pour cold water to the fellow opposition party. People who want to have opposition MP in parliament will not vote for him because they know it is totally useless to vote for him just to divide the potential worker party's candidate Ms Lee Li Lian. Sadly to say Kenneth will also lose the election deposit just like Desmond Lee.
How about Dr Koh? People will think how come so many things never get done during the time of Michael Palmer? Although he will get substantial numbers of votes but the 54 percents will drop. How many percents of votes drop will determine whether he can get elected or not.
Worker Party Lee Li Lian can win Puggol east by election, Ms Lee Li Lian had already contested on last general election on Puggol east, She got 41 percents. Because of her personality and experiences, She will get more than 41 percents this time.I predict that Desmond Lee will get 1 percent and Kenneth will get 1.5 percent of total votes. Worker Party's Lee Li Lian will geet 50 percent and Dr. Loh will get 47 percent, the rest are all invalid votes.
So, Can my prediction come true? It is most likely. See you on 26 Feb 2013.
Worker Party Lee Li Lian can win Puggol east by election, Let's see how Lee Li Lian spoke in the Workers' Party's rally.

Dear voters of Punggol East and fellow Singaporeans, welcome to the last rally for this BE! During my walkabouts, I have been asked by residents, young and old alike what I will do if I am elected. I have no million and multi-million projects to announce today, neither am I going to make you empty and false promises. If I am elected, the immediate and most important thing is to take over the town council and ensure a smooth operation, to serve Punggol East residents and take good care of the constituency; a most privileged role, if entrusted to me by the residents of Punggol East.
Today, I would like to speak to you about 3 issues.
Singapore has 5.31 million residents. Approximately 1.49 million of these are foreigners; 530,000 are PRs; and the remaining 3.29 million are Singaporean citizens.

Recently, the Prime Minister said that Singapore can accommodate 6 million people.

The Workers’ Party is not anti-immigrant. We welcome foreigners who can contribute to Singapore and enhance our quality of life. We are grateful to those who do the jobs that Singaporeans do not want to do. Their rights should be protected and we should ensure they enjoy decent and safe working and living conditions.
However, the speed of immigration in the last 10 years has taken many of us by surprise. In 2000, we had a total population of 4 million. In 2005, the population was 4.2 million. From 2005 to 2013, the population jumped from 4.2 million to 5.3 million.  Over 1 million people in just 8 years! And while the PAP government has opened the floodgate, they were ill-prepared for the influx and we, the people, have to pay a heavy price for this.
Our trains are overcrowded to the point of danger. In order to cope with the huge crowds, the frequency of train services had to be increased. This increased frequency led to strain on the train infrastructure. This strain increased wear and tear, and led to many train breakdowns.
The pace of the influx of foreigners must not exceed the development of infrastructure, like public transport networks, hospitals and schools. Unfortunately, for the past 10 years, infrastructure development has lagged behind population growth, which is the cause of so much unhappiness among Singaporeans. We also have to keep in mind Singaporeans’ sense of well-being and identity, as we allow in so many foreigners.
However, we do not believe that immigration is a long term solution to our population problems.
The next 2 issues have been brought up several times by Singaporeans but nothing gets done! I have also mentioned this in my rally speeches in GE2011.
1^st group, stay at home parents,
Work fare bonus is only meant for people with an income.  As an inclusive society, have we forgotten ‘stay at home parents’ who do not earn an income?
These stay at home parents or home makers have chosen to stay at home to take care of the house and family so that other members of the family can go out to work or attend school, and have piping hot meals served to them when they come home.  They are the CEO of the HOUSE but they are given none or very little recognition for their valuable contribution to home and society.
They have chosen a profession that is no less important than any salaried job, and have often put their careers on hold to nurture the next generation.  They should not be forgotten!
The Workers’ Party proposes that stay at home parents should receive the same infant care and childcare subsidies as other working parents!
Our inclusive society has also forgotten the 2^nd group, single parents, who are Singapore citizens and whose daughter and son will bear and nurture future generations as well as serve National Service.
Did you know that single parents can only purchase HDB BTO Flats only when they are 35 and above?
Regardless of marital status, all parents love and want to provide their children with the best they possibly can.  Some single parents need caregivers too, but they are excluded from working mothers’ child relief, grandparent caregiver relief and foreign maid-levy relief.
Babies from single parents are also not eligible for Baby Bonus.
While having children outside of marriage should continue to be discouraged in our society, children born to single parents should not be denied the benefits that children of married parents receive.  The children are innocent parties and should not start life being disadvantaged.  Single parents should receive the same parenthood benefits packages as married parents.
Allow me to quote our pledge, ‘happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation’.  How can there be actual progress when stay at home parents and single parents are being left behind! We, the citizens of Singapore should move together as one people under one Flag!
Currently, the Parliament is made up of 80 PAP MPs vs 6 elected Opposition MPs.  There is a great imbalance in Parliament right now.  That is why there is an urgent need to vote more Workers’ Party candidates into Parliament.
On 26^th Jan 2013, your ballot paper is not just a piece of paper with a cross on it. It is a piece of paper that will send a signal to the ruling party that all is not well.  We need more constructive changes!
Voters of Punggol East, Vote Workers’ Party! Vote for Lee Li Lian!
Undilah Parti Pekerja! Undilah Lee Li Lian!

晚上好！我们又见面了！
很快地，我们来到最后一场群众大会。我要感谢榜鹅东居民，来自新加坡各地的朋友，也要感谢很多工作人员，尤其是义工，以及媒体记者朋友们，这一个多星期来，知道大家都辛苦了。谢谢你们。
我今晚要跟大家谈的。首先是大家非常关注的外来人口。
新加坡的总人口现在是531万人，外国居民有149万，永久居民53万人，剩下的329万人，才是新加坡公民。也就是说，差不多每四个新加坡人当中，就有一个是外国人。
总理最近刚说过，新加坡人口还可以继续增加，到600万人。
大家不要误会，工人党从来不排外，也不反对引进，能帮助建设新加坡，帮助提高我们的生活素质的，外来人口。新加坡人不喜欢做的一些工作，客工进来填 补空缺，我们应该维护客工应有的权益，让他们能在安全有尊严的情况下，在我们这里工作和生活。我相信大多数新加坡人也和工人党一样，都有这样的包容心，去 容纳外来人口。
但是大家还记不记得，我们十年前的人口有多少？2000年，总人口400万；2005年，增加一点点，420万。但是从2005年到2013年，人口突然三级跳，从420万增加到530万！短短八年，人口增加了100万！
谁也没想到的是，我们的行动党政府眼光竟是如此短浅，一边打开大门，大量引进外来人才，却完全没有同时对外来人口涌进来后所带来的种种社会负担做好准备。搞到现在阵脚大乱，然后，一切的后果和代价，要我们人民来承担！
结果怎样呢？地铁上人挤人，为了让地铁不那么拥挤，只好增加地铁班次。但是班次增加了，就表示地铁用得多了；东西用得多当然也就容易坏，所以地铁就常常发生故障！使到上班族叫苦连天，学生也迟到。
重点是，过去十年，我们国家的基础设施的发展，例如公共交通、医院、学校等等，完全跟不上外来人口大量进来后，所带来的额外需求。外来人口越来越 多，也让新加坡人的身份认同变得模糊。这些，才真正是人民不满的原因！ 2011年大选之后，工人党夺下了阿裕尼集选区，行动党政府才好像被掴了一巴掌，才愿意醒过来！
另一个我想要谈的是，放弃工作，全职在家照顾孩子的家长。
现在，只有那些有工作，有收入的人，才有资格领取“Workfare Bonus”，就业奖励花红。 那么，那些为了照顾家庭，照顾子女，而放弃工作的人，他们怎么办呢？他们放弃工作，待在家里，把一家大小照顾妥当，把子女好好抚养成人。这些全职父母的贡 献，难道就不重要吗？难道我们就可以把他们排除在外吗？
所以，我 建议没有工作，待在家里帮忙照料孩子的家长，能够和有工作的家长一样享受育儿津贴。
国会目前有80位行动党议员和6位当选的在野党议员。
大家觉得这是一个成熟的民主社会应该有的国会吗？
6 位在野党议员就够了吗？
一党独大的局面，是我们想要的吗？
今天是榜鹅东补选的最后一场群众大会。请榜鹅东选民，给我一个机会，给工人党一个机会，为您服务。我会尽心尽力维护您的权利，也会管理好市镇会。
一月二十六日， 投工人党一票，投李丽连一票,迈向第一世界国会!

Buddhism teach us the path of peace

I remember when I was the primary school student, I needed to study History. We learned about Singapore history the past and present. We also learned history about neighboring countries. We also had the chance to learn all major religions in the world. So, I had the basic knowledge about Singapore religion.
Every religions are very important for their followers because it give them the guidance in life. All religions are to upgrade people's spiritual level.
Recently I read through some religious books and I found that Buddhism teachings are very useful in our daily life. Actually Buddhism is not the religion in the earlier years and it is the philosophy telling us how to have the happier and peaceful life.
The basis is to get rid of greed, hatred ,stupidity and learn to get rid of desires like greed, and have the stable mind or meditated mind and get rid of hatred and then having the wisdom so as to get rid of stupidity.
The concept of karma tells us that We all must responsible for all our actions and this actions will affect our next life. It tells us that the life is not just present life only. We have past life, present life and future life. If we do not want to get rid of our negative mindsets, we will be living either in heaven, hell, ghost realm, animal realm, human realm according to our karma bad or good. This is called reincarnation.
All these teachings actually were taught by the awaken one Buddha. Through his teaching, we learn how to have good habits. We do not kill any animals out of compassion because all these animals might be the human in last life because of stupidity they now are animals.
After reading all these teachings, I finally find the real path of peace.

Punggol by election rally Schedule

 Punggol east by-election rallies.

The Workers' Party (WP) will hold a rally for the Punggol East by-election on this Wednesday 23-01-2013. The rally site is at the open field in front of Blk 183C Rivervale Crescent between 7pm and 10pm.This is the final rally for the Singapore Worker's Party the Singapore responsible, rational and strongest opposition party which had the strongest support in opposition camp. Singapore Worker's party was performed extremely excellent in GE2011, It finally broke through the monopoly of GRC being controlled by the giant PAP since 1988, how many years? About 22 years, nobody broke through but Worker party shattered the PAP''s dream finally. Can Worker party break through the SMC seat in this Punggol east by-election. It is possible even those SMC seats usually are the strongest wards. Why I say that, in the last general election, no opposition parties could win SMC seats beside Hougang SMC. If Punggol east voters are willing to give chances to Worker's Party, then We all can have one more Worker's Party MP soas to quicken the balance and to cut a bit of power from PAP. I think this is ready the very good development. I think the chance is very high due to the fearless voters nowadays.

The WP candidate is 34-year-old sales trainer Lee Li Lian. She will give her speech on the rally. Lee Li Lian  had previously said she intended to hold "about three rallies" during this campaign. Lee Li Lian is the outgoing, sincere person, She will bring out many concerning issues in Parliament. Few days ago, She talked about MALE Maternity leave and now we have heard the good news that government has announced the plan now, wow, so fast response...good news. To have more good news, vote for worker party's candidate Lee Li Lian is the only and the best choice.Vote for the hope and moving towards first world parliament.
Many Ponggol east voters will go to the rally to support her. A very big crowd is expected because The Worker's Party rallies people simply enjoy it.....

Desmond Lim the ultimate loser in Punggol east by-election 2013

In this Punggol east by-election, we can learn something from all candidates. Let's talk about the veteran SDA candidate Desmond Lim, Can Desmond Lee get more than 4.5 percents of total votes. In the 2011 Singapore general election, there was three-corned fight, Mr. Lim got 4.5 percent of total votes in Punggol east SMC. 4.5 Percent was considered quite good for him from my point of view. Actually I predicted that he would get 1 percent, so my prediction was wrong.
How about this Punggol east by-election, Can Demond Lim secured his 4.5 percent strong votes, it is unlikely because this is the four cornered fight, I predicted that Desmond Lee will get less than 4.5 percent and I think he will get about 1.5 percent of total votes, he wouldn't so lucky to get 4.5 percent as last general election. This time there is one more party slightly better than SDA''s. Amongst all the four candidates, Desmond Lee is the last choice because majority of voters will not vote for him simply because he is the confirmed loser based on his track record in his longest political work. If I am not wrong he was already in politics more than 15 years.
Why more voters do not want to vote for Desmond Lee because of the following:
Dsemond Lim does not have the charm as political guy from my personal view . Although he was creative or innovative in certain things like using van with his photo, hand phone nos but why all these could not translate it to the victory or more votes?.I think he is more suitable to be the salesman rather than being the MP.
Desmond Lee just like the ox but he is wasting his time and efforts because he will be the confirmed loser based on his past performances in GE2006, GE2011. Why he wants to waste the deposit? But We all have to respect his decision because of democracy process, anybody can contest as long as you are the citizen.
Although he was having the most propaganda from the local newspaper in GE2011, But all these could not help him much. I think the negative impact from the conflict with the respectable Chiam See Tong cost him much. Desmond Lim should have established the harmonious relationship with the legend Chiam See Tong. Desmond Lee made the wrong move not only cost his own political life. If he could helped Chiam See Tong in GE2011, He would possibly the winner in the future.
If he can change the mindset and adopt this mindset  the unity of opposition parties. Then he has the chance to win next time, unfortunately he has no such mindset. In this aspect, Mr. Chee is more rational. Unlike Mr. Chee, Desmond Lim said he is going to check on PAP and WP in the parliament if he is elected. Is this the joke? I think he has to adopt the above-mentioned mindset-unity of opposition parties and build up his own party first. How come we only see a group of youngster? How about the SDA members or SJT members?
I have to say he is not only losing his election deposit this time and many times.

Lee Li Lian speech on Punggol east by-election 2013

Lee Li Lian speech on Punggol east by-election 2013
Good evening everyone! I am Lee Li Lian, the Workers’ Party’s candidate for Punggol East SMC.
I am very happy to be here to speak to you again. Thank you for coming tonight to show us your support!
I joined the Workers’ Party in 2006, more than six years ago. I met many of you in my walkabouts in GE2011 and you have shared your concerns with me. And you gave me 41 per cent of the votes. Thank you for your faith – I hope I can build on this for this by-election.
I have been working in the Eunos division of Aljunied GRC with MP Pritam Singh. During these past two years, I gained valuable experience in addressing the problems of many ordinary Singaporeans left behind by the PAP’s policies. This will better help me serve you as your MP.
I have met with young families who cannot afford to buy their own HDB flats or struggle to pay off their loans; elderly Singaporeans who have no savings or are struggling to pay their medical bills; parents who worry about the rising cost of education and increasing competition and  families who struggle to take care of both their children and elderly parents. I worry if our children can afford to live in Singapore 20 years down the road?
My fellow Singaporeans, like you, I am a heartlander working hard to make a living. I share many of these concerns.
Tonight I would like to talk about some of the problems that many Singaporeans, young and old are facing. Many of you shared some of these problems with me in 2011 when I was walking the ground then. Now 2 years later, many of these concerns still remain.
Punggol East has many young families – couples who are thinking of having children, or parents who already have children. Many also have to take care of their elderly parents.
Do you know that fees of childcare centres have gone up 34% in just five years?
In 2007, the average fee for a full-day childcare and infant-care programme was $680 a month. In 2012 it was about $914 a month.

In the same period, the number of childcare centres grew from 743 to 1,009. Usually greater competition means better prices. But this is in fact the opposite! Why? Because of rental costs.
Since 2009, “Anchor Operators” have dominated the childcare industry in Singapore. These Anchor Operators enjoy many public subsidies. They enjoy grants for:
(a)  rental cost;
(b)  set-up and furnishing cost;
(c)  teacher recruitment; and
(d)  manpower training.
These grants come up to an estimated $69 million since 2009. This is over half-a-million dollars of taxpayer subsidies per new childcare centre built by the Anchor Operators. In addition, Anchor Operators operate mostly from HDB void decks at rents of between $2 and $4 per square metre!
There are only two childcare centre operators that qualify as Anchor Operators. They are My First Skool – run by the NTUC; and PCF Sparkletots – affiliated to the ruling People’s Action Party.
If NTUC and PCF enjoy such huge public subsidies, why are childcare centre fees going up?
Young fathers today want to contribute to caring for their babies and easing the burden of their wives. Survey after survey shows that younger men are more involved in taking care of their children.
A number of businesses have signalled to the government that they are open to the idea of government-supported paternity leave because this is likely to increase productivity and well-being in the long-run. Wives have already expressed their support for longer paternity leave for their husbands.
So what is the government waiting for?
After worrying about the costs of living and having children, we then have to worry about our stressful education system. The PSLE in particular seems to end up being a hugely stressful experience for both children and parents.  Please do not get me wrong. I believe that healthy competition can be good.
But should a 12 year old child face the most important examination of his pre-teens life – an examination that may affect his entire future?
We are seeing unhealthy stress levels in our education system. We have students committing suicides because they did not do well enough for their exams. An estimated 1 in 10 children aged 6 to 16 suffer from mental health disorders. One child lost is one child too many.
While it is good that the Ministry of Education has decided not to name the top PSLE students in the media, to help reduce  competitiveness and stress, much more can still be done.
PSLE is still a high-stakes examination. If you do not do well at PSLE, you will always be struggling to catch up with your peers because of secondary school streaming. The formative years of our young children should also be better spent on nurturing their many talents and interests rather than forcing preparations for high-stakes examinations on them. We should study the feasibility of a primary-secondary school integrated programme and other ways to reduce the pressure to perform in the PSLE.
While Punggol East is a relatively young estate, we must not forget our senior citizens who have worked hard and contributed to nation building and growth of our country.
At the age of 75, most of our senior citizens are unemployed.  For those who are employed, they can hardly make ends meet.  This is why our seniors who are 75 and above should be allowed to use their Medisave for medical treatment without restriction. Medical cost has become a huge necessity as one grows older. At the age of 75 Medisave should be used to support immediate needs. Life expectancy in Singapore is 82 years. If our seniors cannot used their Medisave funds for immediate medical needs when they are 75 years old, when can they use it?
Allowing unrestricted use of Medisave for them will also ease the burden on families who have to take care of elderly parents and young children as well.
My fellow Singaporeans and residents of Punggol East, if we want to build strong and stable families and truly invest in the future of our nation, we need to get our policies right.
I am also an ordinary Singaporean. I grew up in a three room HDB flat. I am not a high-flier or government scholar. I did not do very well earlier in my schooling years but I worked hard and made it to Ngee Ann Poly and eventually graduated from Curtin University in Australia. In order to ease the financial burden on my parents, I did part-time work when I was just 15 years old.
I am running for this by-election because I want a better Singapore not only for us, but also for our children.
Residents of Punggol East, WP has the experience to manage the estate and constituency and I will strive to build a strong and engaged community in Punggol East. I will work my hardest to represent you and be your voice in Parliament.
Vote for our future. Vote for the Workers’ Party, and vote for me, Lee Li Lian, on polling day next Saturday, 26^th of January.