Puppet president for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Tony Tan, today (Mar 29) called for Singaporean elderly to volunteer their time to help other elderly:
“I hope more organisations will step up to offer opportunities for seniors to volunteer and help other seniors. If we all work together… we will be able to continue our progress to make Singapore a more inclusive and caring society where everybody has a place, no matter your age and capabilities.”
Writing on his Facebook page after a visit at the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital where he is the guest of honour, the S$1.54 million president wrote:
“Singapore is facing the challenges of an ageing society, but the appropriate response should also include a mindset shift to see our seniors as an asset. Many of them are positive, possess different talent and want to be active contributors to society. Through SVF and other platforms, I hope to create more opportunities for our seniors to remain engaged with the wider community. Together, we can build a caring, cohesive and inclusive Singapore.”
State media Straits Times reported that Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital will be doubling their number of volunteers, but the move to increase headcounts contradicts with Minister Tan Chuan Jin’s call to stop pouring more manpower and resources into the social service sector.
Tony Tan’s presidential term will end this September but a new puppet candidate has been appointed within the party ranks. PAP MP Halimah Yacob will resign from the ruling party by May and contest as the only single candidate for President.