A WORD FROM THE MP
December 2009

Give Thanks for Each Day

Dear Friends,

2009 is coming to a close and I wish all of you a happy and abundant year ahead!

At the National Level : Continue Lifelong Learning and Innovation

We started the year with an alarming negative 6% to 9% forecast amidst the worst global economic decline in 60 years. Thanks to the swift action by Government and its $20.5 billion ‘Resilience Package’, the negative impact of the crises had been largely contained.

2009 had been a roller-coaster year which thankfully ended with an earlier than expected stability of the global economy. However, we may not have emerged stronger yet as productivity is still on the decline.

Hence, to those of us who are in the workforce, I urge you to continue on the journey of continuous learning, training and innovation so that Singapore’s foundation can be even stronger to face any future economic crises.

At Kampong Glam Constituency Level : Think Beyond Oneself

Our grassroots leaders and I have recently completed a work plan for next year. The group discussed the need to work on 4 important issues – to encourage more residents to participate in community activities; to work smarter through more joint RC activities; to enhance teamwork; and to encourage our residents to care not just about their own personal issues but also those of the neighbourhood and the country..

I encourage you to join in the 2010 activities your grassroots have planned for you. Don’t sit and wait for others to approach you. Be proactive and talk to us on new ideas on how to bond and connect with others in our community. Think seriously on how you can contribute some of your time and talents to make Singapore a better home for all.

At the Individual Level : Adopt a Positive and Thankful Life Attitude

Research has confirmed that people who adopt a positive and thankful attitude towards others, live a longer and happier life. I intend to adopt that attitude and I hope you will too.

I am grateful every time I conduct my weekly house visits to have many grassroots join me to climb the many stairs, knock on doors and find out how our residents are. I am thankful for the hard work put in by our cleaners and town council staff to maintain a clean and livable estate. I am touched whenever I witness faithful volunteers join me week after week to draft letters for our residents at our weekly Meet-The-People.

I believe that whatever things we achieve in life, somebody had helped us. Do let us remember to be grateful for the things that went well in 2009; and continue to speak up and most importantly, play a part to improve things that can be better.

May you and your loved ones have a great 2010!

Denise Phua Lay Peng
Advisor to Jalan Besar GRC (Kampong Glam) Grassroots Organisations
Member of Parliament, Singapore