The maid was like staring at the edge of the table with no expression. She was like a dog being leashed aside and not able to partake with the family. There wasn't much people around then. That was really sad and I felt sorry for her. Can't she be a bit more ... I don't know whether she had a tight budget or what.
C'mon do give a treat to your maid even as you would have given bits and pieces to your dog even. A maid's wage was a paltry $10, I think.
It is true that all this sort of acts do take place in a First World country like Singapore.
I too have personally seen many such pathetic scenes at hawker centres and on Mother Days, Father Days and what other Days.
Poor Maids waiting on side tables with little kids in their arms and the "towkay-soh" and her useless hubby and mother-in-law chomping away like unfed animals.
Ministry of Manpower takes a chunk out of what is supposed to be the maids share (the levy). However it does NOT do anything to help such people. Easy money coming in every month.
In Singapore where we have unpaid-duty cigarette sleuths, tey-goos, summons officers and many many others along with police detectives from the police stations, CID, CIU, CCD, ISD, MSD and what other "D" and CNB.
Its about time we have a MWCD or Maids Welfare and Cruelty Department that the MOM should set up.