Speech by Mr Koo Tsai Kee, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC and Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of National Development at the Official Opening of SARAH Senior Activity Centre Cum Senior Citizens’ Nite on 3 October 1998 at 7.30 pm at Block 105 Jalan Bukit Merah.

The Organising Chairman of SARAH, Dr Lee Soo Ann

Friends and Colleagues

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening. Since becoming a Member of Parliament, I have had many opportunities to open many functions and ceremonies. For me, tonight’s function rank as one of the most meaningful and memorable.

It is well known that the entire population of Singapore is ageing rapidly. But the population of Tiong Bahru is ageing more rapidly than most parts of Singapore. This is because Tiong Bahru is an old constituency. Many early settlers and immigrants came and set up homes in this part of Singapore. Over time, they raise families and grew old gracefully. These are the lucky Singaporeans.

A small but not insignificant minority of these early pioneers have not grown old gracefully. They never married, or were divorced or widowed. Many in this small group has been marginalised by the fast paced of urbanisation. They have become footnotes in Singapore’s modernisation. They are faceless names, and nameless faceless. You will not read about them in any history of Singapore. But their contribution was immense. They contributed in different ways. They built roads, carried heavy rice bags on their all too tiny backs, raise families for the rich, helped built HDB flats and believed in a future like you and me.

Some of them are with us tonight. They are poor and destitute but they are not without friends. They have also not been forgotten by the community and government. In 1993, HDB launched the Project To Improve the Life of the Elderly. The idea is to improve the living condition of the elderly by making their 1-Room flats elderly friendly. This includes providing lift landings on every floor, and the provision of special facilities in the kitchen, toilet and living room to cater to the needs of the old and infirm.

In addition, the Ministry of Community Development will find a suitable Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) to help take care of the daily needs of the elderly in the upgraded blocks. Upgrading the physical structure is really the easy part. It is a one-off investment. Taking care of the daily needs of the elderly is a daunting task. Only the very dedicated should offer themselves.

In the case of Blocks 105 and 106, I am very happy that the Presbyterian Welfare Services (PWS) has offered its services. Incidentally, there was no shortage of VWOs. At that time, we had to decide between three very good and dedicated VWOs. In the end we decided on PWS. I am happy to learn that the spirit of welfarism is alive in Singapore.

But we are entering hard times. I read the PWS’ 97/98 report. I was disturbed that donations to PWS has dropped dramatically. There is no doubt that times will get even tougher. But I am convinced that Singaporeans will not shriek from donating. We need to re-look at our own lifestyle. There is a lot of fat which we can trim without hurting our own well being. Indeed, the years of boom have lulled many of us into a lavish and unhealthy lifestyle. After the initial adjustment period, I am sure Singaporeans will begin to donate to charity again. When the organisers came up with the idea of a grand dinner tonight, I suggested that they aim for a more frugal ceremony and donate the savings to PWS. I am happy that this is done. In spite of their depleted balance sheet, the PWS is determined to do a good job in Block 105 and 106. Thank you.

The completion of the Project for the Elderly in Block 105 and 106 Jalan Bukit Merah is the realisation of a dream for many of us. Thanks are due to everybody - the HDB, MCD, PWS, the Town Council, the Tiong Bahru Grassroots organisation and all the other VWOs and anonymous individuals who have contributed money, food, medicine and effort to making the lives of our elderly in Tiong Bahru a little happier.

Because of the continuing support of the grassroots organisations and the many VWOs, I am happy to announce that the HDB will proceed with Batch 6 of the Project to Improve the Life of the Elderly. In Batch 6, six blocks of one room flats will be selected. These are:

Apartment Block 22 - Chai Chee Road

Apartment Blocks 30 and 31, Chai Chee Avenue

Apartment Block 15 Lor 7 Toa Payoh

Apartment Block 318 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1

Apartment Block 3 of Telok Blangah Crescent.

The scope of work will be the same as that of Batches 5A and 5B. Tender for Batch 6 projects will be called in September 1999, and works will be expected to commence in January 2000 and the projects completed in April 2001.