Outreach Walkabout at Punggol Plaza on 16 Aug 2015

Yesterday morning at 9.00am, the SDA Team gathered at the foodcourt at Punggol Plaza where they spoke with the journalists before heading out for their Outreach Walkabout. A short briefing was conducted by Chairman Desmond Lim, following which, the SDA Team began their interaction with the residents at 9.30am sharp.

These familiar faces in their signature lime green tops were being welcomed by the patrons - until they were being informed by the mall management that they could not conduct Outreach Walkabout here - in Punggol Plaza itself.

As such, the efficient and well-prepared team, who has also previously been "chased out" at certain shopping malls before - hence deprived of the opportunity to reach out to the retailers and residents to gather feedback and offer their services - immediately split into 4 groups and continued their Outreach along the pavement outside Punggol Plaza, in the relentless heat.

Despite the fact that most of the residents were passer-bys, most of them actually stopped by to chit chat with the SDA Team, discuss the issues addressed in the Flyers together, as well as share their opinions and feedback.  

The residents-  regardless of age, ethnic group or gender - were all very welcoming and encouraging. Many of them felt outraged that the SDA Team was being asked to stop conducting their interaction sessions in the shopping itself.  "When you take over, please remember your promise for democracy and allow all parties to conduct their outreach fairly," a supportive *Mr. Teng (name changed to protect privacy) told the team, using the word "when" instead of "if" to show his confidence in the SDA Team working hard for their rights.

Others complained about the 6.9 million population and told the SDA Team that they would not support it. "We cannot live in dreamland anymore! Increase in population means more foreigners here to take away our jobs, houses, culture, identity and rights! Tell me what I can do to help prevent that!" *Mr. Mohan (name changed to protect privacy) told the team, adamant to play his part as a Singaporean to preserve with rightfully belongs to us.

Some residents voiced out their unhappiness about the lack of infrastructure in Punggol area and how it pertains to a national issue. "I have been staying here for close to 6 years - and still need to take bus when I do my daily market-going. One small area, they also cannot handle well - will the upcoming estates in Punggol have enough infrastructure as well?" *Veronica (name changed to protect privacy). "Now with more and more people coming in at this rate, it's going to be even harder for infrastructure to accommodate everyone!"

Despite the fact that the SDA Team has been deviated from their original plan of conducting Outreach Walkabout in the mall itself, the alternative arrangement has been way more fruitful actually - allowing residents to chat with the members at their own pace and time, providing quality feedback and encouragement.

These photographs only depict one out of the 4 split teams this morning, because there was only one photographer.  At the other 3 corners, the rest of the members were enjoying equal success and quality bonding time with the residents, many of whom are confident that this time round, major changes (for the better) are going to take place, and we will regain a Singapore for Singaporeans!

Walkabout at Blk 231 Pasir Ris Street 21

This morning at 9.30am without fail, the SDA Team members and Shadow Town Councillors gathered at the void deck of Blk 231 Pasir Ris Street 21 - today's chosen designation for outreach walkabout - for a briefing session. In order to conduct the walkabout more efficiently and maximise the personal touch, Chairman Desmond divided the team into pairs to work closely together.

The team has with them resident volunteers Mr. S. Wong and wife, who were there early to meet and greet the friendly SDA Team, and offered words of encouragement. Mr. Wong would also be joining the team for the Outreach Walkabout session, to get a better understanding of how the SDA Team walks the grounds, as well as offering his valuable assistance.

After a short town council training session by Desmond Lim, the team rode the elevator up to Level 13, the highest floor of this block, to start off the Outreach interaction with the residents.  All the members proudly carried the newest issue of the SDA Flyer,  to distribute to the residents who were at home, and leave at the doors of those who have missed the party's visit.

Many residents were curious at what the SDA Team could do for them if they get elected. To address that concern, and to assure the residents, the SDA Team assured the residents that they would certainly put a curb to the increase in population by injection of foreign immigrants, and would also duly look into CPF, healthcare, education, transport and employment issues that are currently the bane of many Singaporeans' lives currently.

The SDA Team also informed the residents that they would step up on communications between the team (as their future elected MP and town council) and the residents, conducting more regular visits, meet-the-people sessions as well as block parties so as to foster a closer bond between everyone in the estate. With a closer bond, people will be able to forge a stronger sense of National Identity, as Singaporeans unite together to work toward a better Singapore for themselves.

The solutions and ideas proposed by the SDA Team were received with warm welcome by the residents of the block, who gladly opened up their doors to interact on a closer level with the SDA Team, doing away with all barriers that would hinder their quality interaction. Some residents even invited the Team into their abode for tea and deeper discussions about the issues on hand, as well as possibility of volunteering their assistance.

 

With these warm reception by the residents, the SDA Team felt encouraged, appreciated and grateful, and will fight harder to win the battle so that they will have the opportunity to serve the residents here, understand their problems and be there voices in parliament. The people were right - what they need are down-to-earth people who are sincere in serving people, not elites who try to see their plights from cushy seats high above, yet purporting to try their best to address their concerns.

Feedback was gathered and new friendship was built during today's house visits with the residents. Whatever is within the SDA's ability to render assistance, the Team is looking into it.  Whatever is beyond our power to do so currently, do give us an opportunity to serve you and bring about improvements to your quality of life - to rebuild a "Singapore for Singaporeans", truly.  Your Say Matters - and your vote is your voice!

The Outreach Walkabout session concluded at 12.25pm, where the SDA Team gathered for a photoshoot after debrief, thereafter heading off to prepare for tomorrow's Outreach Walkabout session at Punggol area.  Thank you Mr. Wong for joining us today, and the valuable suggestions after your keen observations - hope to have you with us more often!




Today's outreach walkabout session is covered by SDA's field journalist, Elle Chen.

Outreach Walkabout on 23 May around Buangkok area

This morning,  SDA team gathered at the Food Court at Blk 275 Compassvale Link for their prep talk, catching up and preparation for today's Outreach Walkabout session. Today's session is anchored by Desmond Lim himself.

The unrelenting rain that had persisted since the wee hours of the morning did not halt even at 10.00am as the SDA team set off for their interaction session. Undeterred, the team braved the rain to continue their fight for their beliefs, just like how they
braved the Sun on other Saturday mornings.

Armed with the Party's Pamphlets, the members penetrated the Food Court and made contact with the stall-owners  and diners. The contents of the pamphlets were being explained after the members introduced / re-introduced themselves and made the diners felt comfortable.

Many of the members of the public had queries on a certain "deliverance" today, and some expressed their views on the use of this interesting analogy.

The SDA members, shadow Town Councillors and DLs' Caring Community members moved from Blk 275 Compassvale Bow to Blk 266 Compassvale Bow, continuing their efforts to share their fighting spirit with the general public, as well as find out if there were any imminent concerns they were having currently.

Then the group proceeded over to Blk 267 Compassvale Bow's Coffee Shop to continuing reaching out to the residents there. Besides the introductions and gathering feedback on living conditions in Buangkok, the members also took time to listen to the residents' views on recent news and policies.

The team also touched base with the owners and employees of the various retail outlets / shop fronts situated along the estate, while they were on the way from one coffeeshop to another.

Today's Outreach interaction session concluded at 11.30am and the members headed for a debrief, consolidating the issues they had managed to collect during today's session.


Today's Walkabout session is covered by SDA's field journalist Elle Chen.








If you have any feedback, suggestions or would like to be a part of SDA or DLs' Caring Community, please feel free to get in touch via email or our Facebook page here or leave your comments on this blog itself. If you would like to be a part of this meaningful initiative, please feel free to get in touch too.

Outreach Walkabout on 16 May 2015 at Elias Road

The SDA outreach walkabout for this morning was anchored by Mr. Desmond Lim himself, conducted at Block 610 Elias Road.  The session kick-started at 10.00am sharp.

As per standard protocol, the members and shadow town councillors started from level 18 and slowly made their way down, interacting with all the residents staying in this block.

It was another fruitful session today; many residents were at home this morning to the members' pleasant surprise, allowing them to have quality interaction and communication.

Leaflets were being distributed and discussed as the members explained its contents to the dwellers in this block. There were questions being asked by the residents, who were curious to know what SDA's next step would be.

 

 

After engaging the residents in further conversation, the general consensus was that many of them harboured concerns over companies (and now even governmental organisations) employing foreign talents with fake degrees.

"Let's not talk about fake degrees alone," quipped one *Mr. Wong (name changed to protect privacy). "I feel strongly that it doesn't matter whether the foreign applicant has an excellent or mediocre degree - priority for a job should be given to Singaporeans first!"

Another young resident, one *Mr. Abdul (name changed to protect privacy) brought up another very good point. "I feel that many Singaporeans seem to confuse 'foreign talents' with 'foreign workers' - they constantly mention that we need 'foreign talents' to sweep floors and work in construction sites!" He laughed in irony. "Is it the picture being painted, that blurs the true meaning between a 'worker' and a 'talent'?"

There were a couple of residents who feedback that the amenities in this area were inadequate, such as eateries. *Mdm Teng (name changed to protect privacy) expressed concern that the plans to build MRT station at Elias area would only be completed in around 2030. "I don't even know if I would live to be able to see it by then."

A *Mrs. Ratna expressed concern that there is limitation to what one dares to voice out in Singapore. She pointed out that she has her thoughts and views, but is afraid to address them for fear that they may be deemed unsuitable and she might get into trouble with the Law.

Other than that, the residents agreed that opposition parties are needed in parliament to keep the ruling parties in check. The opposition parties should also introduce new policies and strategies for the citizens - policies that are outside the scope of what is currently being implemented.

It was yet another meaningful session today, refreshing the residents on SDA's ever-present concern for them, as well as gaining understanding on what the people need. The graceful residents thanked the members for taking time to do these house visits and listen to them, become their voices. SDA in turn appreciate the candid feedback from the people.


Today's block visit is covered by SDA's field journalist, Elle Chen.




If you have any feedback, suggestions or would like to be a part of SDA or DLs' Caring Community, please feel free to get in touch via email or our Facebook page here or leave your comments on this blog itself. If you would like to be a part of this meaningful initiative, please feel free to get in touch too.