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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.