Unreformed socialist

I met a doctor friend who has known me for many years. He remarked, "Kin Lian, I heard you speak at the medical seminar. You are an unreformed socialist. This is a dangerous occupation in our capitalist society today".

I understand his remarks. So many powerful people in Singapore, including our government leaders, are pursuing their personal wealth and interest. Someone who is willing to speak for the ordinary people, will not be welcomed by them.

It is sad to see what has been happening in recent years. We have among the worst income distribution in the world, as measured by the Gini coefficient. Many people have to work on two jobs to earn enough for the family. They are paid wages that are way below the poverty line, and yet our leaders refuse to consider a minimum wage.

Singapore made the best progress in our earlier years, when the economic policies were more fair and equal ( i.e more socialist), than they are today. Singapore was a more cohesive society in the old days.

Tan Kin Lian