IN HIS letter, Mr Lee Yong Se called for a firm stance against being dependent on the Government ("Stand firm against dependency mindset"; March 23) - a position that I agree with.
However, in reality, not everyone has the capability or capacity to be independent, even with aid schemes and the many helping hands advocated by the Government.
While self-reliance is an important principle to ensure we each know that we are the ultimate makers of our destinies, we must also refrain from judging those who seem stuck in a vicious circle despite efforts to be more financially independent.
This is where community partners, like our non-profit organisations, volunteers and neighbours can step in to help meet needs which may fall through the cracks.
It is neither realistic nor preferable to expect the Government to take care of every need. Just as a parent provides the foundational values for a child to be able to help and fend for himself, and help others, it is, likewise, important for us to be both self-sufficient and generous to look out for those who may have fallen behind.
Generosity is an outlook that begins with noticing the needs of others and offering ways to help meet these needs.
The past fortnight has been an emotional and reflective one due to the death of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, yet it has also brought out the best in people.
We have witnessed many acts of kindness and the spirt of gotong royong that inspired the nation. People gave out food, water and umbrellas to those waiting in line to pay Mr Lee their last respects two weeks ago. Businesses cancelled events, and volunteers came to help the frail and elderly, and to whisk them to the priority queue for a shorter wait. MRT trains ran 24 hours for everyone.
This is the country I am sure Mr Lee would have been very proud of, as one of its pioneer builders: gracious and kind, especially to those in need. We know we can depend on a strong government, as well as a society nurtured with compassion.
Zainul Abidin Rasheed
Board member
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
However, in reality, not everyone has the capability or capacity to be independent, even with aid schemes and the many helping hands advocated by the Government.
While self-reliance is an important principle to ensure we each know that we are the ultimate makers of our destinies, we must also refrain from judging those who seem stuck in a vicious circle despite efforts to be more financially independent.
This is where community partners, like our non-profit organisations, volunteers and neighbours can step in to help meet needs which may fall through the cracks.
It is neither realistic nor preferable to expect the Government to take care of every need. Just as a parent provides the foundational values for a child to be able to help and fend for himself, and help others, it is, likewise, important for us to be both self-sufficient and generous to look out for those who may have fallen behind.
Generosity is an outlook that begins with noticing the needs of others and offering ways to help meet these needs.
The past fortnight has been an emotional and reflective one due to the death of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, yet it has also brought out the best in people.
We have witnessed many acts of kindness and the spirt of gotong royong that inspired the nation. People gave out food, water and umbrellas to those waiting in line to pay Mr Lee their last respects two weeks ago. Businesses cancelled events, and volunteers came to help the frail and elderly, and to whisk them to the priority queue for a shorter wait. MRT trains ran 24 hours for everyone.
This is the country I am sure Mr Lee would have been very proud of, as one of its pioneer builders: gracious and kind, especially to those in need. We know we can depend on a strong government, as well as a society nurtured with compassion.
Zainul Abidin Rasheed
Board member
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
