Trapper's Swamp

Joshua Chiang's article on TOC again highlights the hollow arguments the PAP government has taken on, portraying homelessness as individual irresponsibility instead of a genuine social problem.

Imran sold his flat for a profit. With the money, he rented a bungalow in Johor Bahru and even bought a car. Two years later, his money was spent, and he was back in Singapore, homeless.

Imran could be what Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Education) Masagos Zulkifli and Dr Ahmad Magad (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) had in mind when they spoke in parliament on Tuesday about a segment of the Malay population who became homeless as ‘living beyond their means’.

“They do not think about buying a new flat or where their family is going to stay, even though they have young children,” said Dr Magad. Mr Masagos added, “We must not forget the real reasons as why they are stranded there and not be quick to point fingers.”

Finger-pointing or not, PAP MPs are quick to jettison any potential responsibility and place them on homeless Singaporeans, many whom, like Imran, did not deserve to be punished by society or governmental policy. The problem, it appears, is the stubborn refusal of this government to recognise it as such, and that government irresponsibility to its citizens is acceptable while personal irresponsibility is not.

Pot, meet kettle.