Straits Times Forum, 21 Dec 2011
Be reasonable, like commuters elsewhere
I HAVE lived in many countries, and in Singapore for over 10 years.Be reasonable, like commuters elsewhere
Having observed the social media scene this year, I wonder whether citizens know what an awesome country Singapore is, the credit for which is largely attributable to the forward-thinking leadership that nurtures diversity and economic growth and a disciplined democracy.
Consider the ongoing debates and media coverage about the three MRT disruptions last week. In an ideal world, everything would be perfect. Doubtless, things can be improved. However, reacting to a few incidents with overwhelming angst, calling for SMRT chief executive officer Saw Phaik Hwa to resign or asking for free rides in compensation seem ludicrous. Train service disruptions are common in London and do not trigger resignations or refunds.
Last week’s multiple disruptions are not a big deal in developed countries elsewhere where commuters take it in their stride. By contrast, the deluge of public anger here over a similar spate of disruptions reveals a lack of awareness of life in other countries. It reveals an unconstructive attitude of looking for an opportunity to attack the Government and associated organisations to prove that these entities are under-performing.
Flip the story and consider Singapore as a nation and what its Government has achieved. Singapore has by far a well-connected transport network, not unlike London and New York city, which the public feel reasonably comfortable to use.
With the growth in infrastructure reach, disruptions ought to be expected. No doubt, business continuity planning, especially for public services, ought to be highly reliable and the multiple train disruptions have given SMRT a chance to assess and plan improvements.
I feel confident in stating – by taking the past as a predictor of the future – that by the same time next year, SMRT’s service reliability would have increased. Life is a testimonial to the fact that the best of plans fails. We must go through the bumps and enjoy the good days.
The key to a proud citizenry is to have a reasonable sense of awareness and an attitude to progress from adversity. Being demanding of a government is absolutely reasonable and choosing to be constructively demanding over constantly criticising is worth considering and beneficial.
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Anju Tiwari (Ms)
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NgKL argued well. While they jack up prices to justify the need to upkeep and maintain the self-inflated world's best system, the consumers have the right to KPKB and complain what they were preached was not what they got. People KPKB is to keep the system and govt on toes so that they will not slip back to complacency. Bluddy writer must be FT. She forgot she together with her countrymen here cannot escape from the responsibility of overcrowding our trains, and subject them to faster wear and tear as a result of having to re-adjust schedule to make more frequent trips. They silently erode our physical resources on one hand, and on the other hand, regress our culture mentality back to theirs. Ker Blankang Puseng.
