Hospital Thought

HE is government staff who is working for a petrol distribution station in Myanmar. I was surprise when being told by my Uncle that his friend is coming lion city for medical operation. We, as a foreign worker, are afraid of going hospital here despite we are working here. He was good in physically and mentally until he sees professor from Mount Elizabeth during their marketing in Yangon. He was extremely concern when being told by doctor that his swelling arteries can kill him any given time if left untreated. Upon seeking advise, he is encouraged to go Singapore's private hospital for operation. He initially prefer to go Bangkok as Singapore is known for the most expensive place in the region. He later asked for estimated cost for his operation and noted that it could incur him about S$ 45,000 in total.

The amount become more than double after he is scanned by 3D machine in Mt. Elizabeth hospital. When I see him at the ward, he told me that the operation cost has been over S$ 100,000 and still counting. His family and he seem a bit under depression due to financial concern. They said, they have that amount if they can sell their properties such as home and cars. The problem is the can't find the buyer immediately. They wanted to U turn after learning estimated cost has been increased to S$100,000 before operation. Some of their friends consoled him and pledges to pay his medical bills for a while. What make me thinking on return home from hospital is that he could afford to come here for medication although he is a government staff. Definitely he is from a easy money making department. No wonder, more and more medical tourist from Myanmar coming to Singapore these days. The country and its people are extremely poor. Some officials keep going oversea for their health. No wonder I see my country is in the top three in the list of most corrupted nations in the world.

May our civilian government able to transform clean government and good governance.

Excited Home going trip

I find it hard to lie in life despite it harm me someway. Every time I go back home, I used to tell my friends in advance so that they could able to ask me to bring something to their loved ones. I am pleased to bring them along with me. However it is sometime look like making trouble for myself. When I am not happy with the load some of inconsiderate friends, I would tell my wife who would ever scold me for self-destroyed advertising. She is quite right with this. I have to accept that because I secretly expect my friends to give either small pack or nothing. We all understand how difficult is it to deal with our country's immigration and custom department. We don't want to talk so much with government staffs if possible. We tried to avoid any possible problem by preparing the best. 

Every time I return home, I used to print out all necessary documents. It include income tax, work pass, IC, passport, e-ticket, leave letter, appointment letter, leave approved letter, etc. Yesterday, my fellow citizen colleague was unable to understand with me when he sees me prepare several documents for my return trip. It is returning home land. It should be easiest way back and happy for every reason encountered within trip. However, unfortunately it still do not come to us. Our government staffs look at us like a criminal. Our government staffs are expert at seeking problem to generate bribe. This time, I plan to bring 32" TV for my new flat in Yangon. It is considerably big in box. We don't know do and don't exactly. We have read so much changes in Myanmar in last year and hope we are allowed to bring in home appliance. Being tax payer, I expect the law to allow personal use appliances. But I know anything can happen to anybody in my country. I will have to make sure to bring some $ to solve out incoming problem if any. Cash is still the King. No matter where you go. Hope my returning home trip be smooth.

Dad is coming home

TOMORROW, I am flying back home. I have been count downing since I bought air ticket few months ago. Who don't want to go back home? I guess nobody. Last time I went back home is on January this month and I didn't mean to return home twice in the same year. But the scenario make me do it twice in recent years. Crazy discount and office statement on annual leave clearance make me go back home this time. My little daughter's birthday has been celebrating on mid of last month and we didn't able to attend it. She came visit us on last April and we still have fresh memories for family time here for one month. We notice that she has been visibly improving her language skill since return home from here. 

We always enjoy talking and listening what she speaks through mobiles. She would shout several famous poems to us when we make calls. The talk always end when the credit finished only. Otherwise, it is hard to cut her continuous talking. Of course, her sound is sweet to our ears. I can't wait to see my daughter to witness her skill in person. Bad thing is I will have to go back alone. My wife didn't got the same chance I got in her job. As a migrant workers, it is not possible to take leave twice a year. Once a year even can be considered good enough for us. Hope my daughter will please to meet me alone. I will try to explain her for her mother's absent is she questions. Oh my dear, Dad is on the way back home. Are you ready to welcome me? Lets play together around our village compound. Lets shout poem together at night. Lets read bed stories when it is time for sleep. I will introduce you some basis learning. Hope you love it.

Foreign Import

THIS month is Olympic month and most of media covered by Olympic news. Ambitious Singapore Team has pocketed one bronze so far, a week after opening Olympic. Instead of joyous to see Singapore flag flying on the stage of award ceremony, most of Singaporean are unhappy with that. Why? The medal was taken by foreign born athlete. Some see it as a shortcut to success by adapting foreign born athlete. Some seeing it as a killer instant of local sport talent. Most of Singapore's promising teams are formed by foreign import players. For instance, all table tennis players are foreign import from China. The same players took silver in last Olympic in Beijing for Singapore in team table tennis competition.

Increasingly, Singaporean are showing their displeasure toward influx of foreigner. Singaporean seem forget their roots because their fore-fathers are also from mainland China. Surprisingly some Singaporean even don't like to be compared them with mainland Chinese. It show that they're thinking they are above the class of mainland Chinese. In this circumstance, perhaps they can't tune to right attitude when China born athletes are representing their country and getting award for them. Why not able to happy if they have the right attitude towards new citizens who have been recognized by their government? As long as we are unable to get rid of unnecessary proud, we would find our life less enjoyable. In fact, they should cheer to the athlete who gave all for Singapore's image regardless of their background. It doesn't matter local born or foreign born citizen. What matter most is who contribute the country. Otherwise, pointing each other will not end and also spoil government's effort in trying to integrate among communities regardless of race, religious and background.

May all Singaporean able to accept new comers with whole-heart open arms. The National Day is around the corner and time to show your loyalty, not complain. Thank you.