Parliament opens

Straits Times November 9, 2006 Thursday
MPs suggest ways to help the needy;
Widening income gap and social divide are top concerns on first day of debate
by Goh Chin Lian

THE picture of many helping hands reaching out to help the needy is not as pretty as it sounds - if it stays the way it is now.

Speaking on Day One of the Parliament debate on the President's Address, new MP Denise Phua called on the Government to get involved in the things it could do best - such as developing a curriculum for special-needs children - instead of devolving it to volunteers.

Said the Jalan Besar GRC MP in her maiden speech: 'I urge that we send this sacred cow of many helping hands to the vet for re-examination.'

President S R Nathan, in his speech last week to open the 11th Parliament, had called for the many helping hands approach, with employers, families and community and voluntary welfare groups working together to help the needy in their midst.

Although Ms Phua had her concerns, she joined other MPs in expressing their support yesterday for the President's pledge that the Government would build an inclusive society.

The speeches focused on the widening income gap and the social divide - the fallout from globalisation which inevitably leaves some segments of society behind.

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Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), another of seven new MPs who delivered their maiden speeches, also voiced Singaporeans' views of foreigners granted work here.

He said the people were concerned that foreigners could take Singapore as a 'springboard nation' and not feel rooted to this place.