PM Lee outlined his vision for an inclusive society in Singapore in Parliament. He claims that “no child will be left behind”. But some children will.
He is concerned with social stratification, where the big divide between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ has grown even wider. No children should therefore be denied the opportunity to an equal education because of lack finances. He, would ensure that. He also wants to make sure our elderly are included in society, that they may age with dignity. With our population ageing at a rapid rate, it is crucial that we also provide for those who have looked after us while we were still struggling in our diapers!
But, he stopped short at that. A portion of society, has been ignored, overlooked, and totally written off from Singapore’s society! Persons with disabilities. To say that they have been ‘swept under the carpet’ would be an understatement, for singly, they may be quite insignificant and even negligible, but collectively, that would have been a really huge bulge under the carpet that cannot be ignored.
In short, this group of people have been literally obliterated and cease to exist in our social equation!
To cater to the needs of the financially-challenged group is a “no-brainer” (PM’s own words, before he became a PM). Just pump in the dollars and cents, and have the children work for it themselves. To look after the needs of the elderly is a social responsibility in line with Asian principles of ‘piety’ and ‘respect for our elders’. And with our rapidly ageing population, something has to be done.
But to address the needs of those with disabilities, it is a long term commitment and dedication. To really accept these people into our lives calls for a total change of mindset, a paradigm shift of what constitutes a human being, and tolerance.
There is much economic returns in supporting children from low-income families – to turn the void deck kid to a Nobel prize winner! As for the elderly, everyone will have to take that route at some point in their lives, so it does make economic sense in that way.
What about disabilities? Not all will benefit from the services and facilities for the disabled. And chances of getting a Nobel winner from the group? practically zilch. Why bother?
“What is an inclusive society? It’s one where everyone benefits from the progress of the nation, where everyone has a say, a stake, and a sense of belonging. It’s one where everyone aspires to do better through their own efforts and feels that he or she has a real chance to move on. Why is this important?
“First, fundamentally, we are one Singapore family. Then it’s a reflection of what we are and our values, how we see ourselves, how we want others to see us. it’s also a practical matter because if we are inclusive and we work together, we stand together and succeed. but if not, we fall apart and we fail.”
It sounds good, promising and uplifting. Until you read the rest of the speech, and then you realise that there are just some people who are not and probably will not be admitted into the Singapore family. Outcasts.
Every time I hear a child with disabilities recite the Singapore Pledge alongside his non-disabled peer, I feel a sense of guilt and remorse. And every year when I watch the National Day Parade, I think about how we are misleading this group of people, pulling the wool over their eyes!
They recite the pledge with pride and sincerity, and revel in our Nation’s birthday celebrations. I don’t think they have in any one moment not considered themselves as Singaporeans. They believe themselves to be part of the Singapore family. What devastation to learn that they have never really been considered a part of Singapore! To be disowned and turned out by the people you have learned to call family.
This is the saddest day of my life!
