Movement for change Lessons from the Woodlands double murder
If the accused had gambled in the integrated resorts, many people would use it as a reason to blame the government for the tragedy of the double murder. He did not. So, the government did not get the blame. But he did gambled in other conventional ways.

I do not want to blame the government for allowing this tragedy to happen. 

However, I like to point out that this tragedy highlights the weakness in our support system. 

Let me share my views.

a) Financial counseling. The accused should have obtained financial counseling on dealing with his debts. He could have obtained assistance in declaring bankruptcy. I know that there is help offered by a non government organization, but surely someone could have referred him to this facility?

b) Access to finances. There is still the need to provide access to finances to meet the living expenses. The accused could have found work, but the income may not be adequate for the family needs. He should be allowed to make a monthly withdrawal from the CPF savings or against a mortgage on his HDB flat. These facilities are not available now. They should be provided.

c) Family counseling. The accused could have sought counseling on the relationship problem with the wife. They could reconcile and have a common approach towards dealing with the problem. It might be possible to give the toddler for adoption by a family who can take care of the child and give better financial support. A divorce might be a suitable option, as it would allow the mother to seek another solution.

d) General counseling. Apart from the support given by the specialized organizations, there is the need for a place where a person facing complex problems can turn to. In past times, he could turn to the priest or imam or the village elder. With the change in our society, this type of advise is no longer available. We now have our family support centers. Their role can be better publicized.

Let us learn from this sad tragedy to identify the faults in our society and build up the support organizations to help to deal with them.

Tan Kin Lian

Vote - do you agree on the need to build up the support organizations?



 

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