Movement for change Have a broader perspective
Many Singaporeans have a narrow perspective. They focus on a problem and think that it is the most important problem, or that it is the only problem. They do not realize that there are many other problems that need their attention.

Let me quote an example - the way that we deal with the covid-19 crisis. Many people think that it is very important to wear a mask and that it is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.

I observed that the virus is mild and that the spread is quite limited. It does not get out of hand. It does not result in many hospitalization or deaths.

There are other issues that need our attention. Wearing a mask, especially in a hot climate, has its negative consequences. It is difficult to breath. It may cause accidents, for example, when we fail to pay attention to the traffic on the road.

When people focus on covid-19 as the biggest challenge, they may overlook other medical conditions - such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart condition. They also need attention.

The lockdown, or "circuit breaker" as it is called in Singapore, also resulted in drop in business, business closures, loss of jobs and loss of income for the self employed.

The economic consequences can be severe, very severe, on large numbers of people that are affected . It may impact their mental and physical health as well. It will also affect their family members and school children.

We need to take into account the impact from a wider perspective. It is not only just stopping the spread of infection.

I observed that many people have a narrow perspective. They think that the virus is the only threat that they have to deal with. They are not aware of the negative consequences from focusing only on the virus as the only threat.

It does not help when the ministers in the government think that same way and are also narrow minded.

We need leaders to have a broader perspective and to give a more balanced view to the people at large. 

I hope that you agree with my point - that we need a broader perspective to deal with covid-19 challenge and with other problems.

Tan Kin Lian
 

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