A WORD FROM THE MP
July 2010

The best things in life such as families, good friends and neighbours cannot be bought.

Dear Friends,

Whether we are single or married, we belong to a family. Families are the basic building blocks of our society. However, families do not always end up happily ever after.

I was recently appointed to a workgroup to look into improving the Maintenance of Parents Act. I came across families with broken relationships and unforgiveness. I learnt that all of us need to take the time and efforts to nurture positive family relationships, before it is too late.  I encourage everyone, old or young, to make a personal commitment to their families – spend time talking to one another, give appreciation, show affection and plan to do things together regularly.

I also encourage you to extend our concept of ‘family’ to one that includes our neighbours. Residents have often complained to me during my weekly house visits and ‘Meet-The-People’ sessions about their difficult neighbours. Conflicts can arise out of behaviours such as noise pollution, killer litter and corridor obstructions caused by bulky belongings.

We can similarly take the effort to self-examine and be considerate to our neighbours. Do not do unto others what we don’t want others to do unto us. This issue, the editorial committee will share with you some tips on being a considerate neighbour, and the community activities you can join to cultivate friendships in the neighbourhood.

The Singapore economy has improved tremendously in 2010, a far cry from 2009. Unemployment has also declined and the job market is looking good again. Economic indicators can go up and down but some truths in life do not change. The best things in life such as families, good friends and neighbours cannot be bought. They are the harvests of the time and effort we sow each day.  

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