Just got back from my Dinner and Dance party in Hong Kong and stayed at Happy Valley near the racecourse, where the event was held. I noticed on one of my cab ride, just located nearby is the Hong Kong Sanatorium.
The rent in the shopping areas of Causeway Bay is known to be one of the highest in the world, near that of London's Sloane Street and New York's Fifth Avenue.
It was peculiar to me as in why did the Hong Kong Government build a Sanatorium in a prime area whereas in Singapore our Sanatorium otherwise popularly known as Woodbridge Hospital or IMH (Institute of Mental Health) is thrown as far as possible to a secluded area called Buangkok. If you are living in Singapore and have not heard of it, well SMRT build a subway station there but chose to keep it close for years until the population can support the cost of maintenance/operation there(try googling "White elephant cardboard Singapore") - Now we know how they made their millions.
Does the mentally ill have less rights of a normal person and they should be flung into far away, obscure places? Why is it so hard for Singaporeans to accept foreign workers dormitory around their neighbourhood or even a elder care facility in their void decks of public housing? Worried that their property prices will be affected?
I guess this is what you call leading by example. I am slowly seeing the waterdown effect of our governing body to its people, where money and power is so important, we choose elitism over integrity. No wonder these days we hear of top civil servants or teachers and principals; educators who are suppose to lead, educate and protect our children; caught up in the web of deceit, sex and immoral activities. With a first world parliament taking days to debate over their million dollar salaries, while the real important issues take a backseat. Why did no one argue about where to locate a sanatorium? Or argue about the rights and subsidies for the less privileged classes of citizens?
Yes, pay me first before we talk. Gone are the days of real passionate civil servants. We have MPs talking about being paid high or risk upholding their lavish lifestyles. I wonder how DISgracefuL one civil servant can be, and how their kids will grow up? This is a sick disease which came from the very top and is now seen fusing with our society today. Money and profits are more important than catering to the society, to the public. Why make a difference in the society, it's on its way down to hell anyway.
I hope someday, somehow, our government can understand what they have created, and we pray that they have time to undo the damage they have created. Feeling sick (sniffles and coughs) after I got back from Hong Kong, not sure if was the weather or just the sick environment I am living in these days.
