《我报》14-2-2012
炎下之意（专栏）
文／马炎庆
不久前，兀兰83街第860和861座组屋的居民因担心会出现更多死亡、“不吉利”等种种原因，反对在组屋底层开设乐龄日间护理中心。上星期，道义通道的居民也集体抗议在第11座组屋旁建设乐龄公寓，共有230名居民签名抗议。去年卫生部要在武吉巴督52街建仁慈疗养院遭居民反对，前年淡滨尼83街的居民也对兴建14楼高租赁组屋的计划有所意见。
反对的声音林林总总，当中有些应该是被煽动的。当然多数人没有口口声声歧视老人、病人或低收入家庭，提出的原因包括安全、交通、兴建工程进行期间的噪音和不便、影响景观或公共空间的丧失。
听过有些居民希望保留组屋底层的空间以方便举行红白事，但我也接触过有人对这些活动很不满，可见要满足大家的意愿是不可能的。另一些人担心这些设施会影响他们的屋价。可是，我就知道女皇镇美玲街第150座组屋底层，狮子会的一间乐龄活动中心多年来，细心照顾隔邻第151座租赁组屋的年老居民。2008年该座（150座）的一间执行组屋单位还是以$890,000的天价转售，创下全岛最高纪录。
据说当年地藏王菩萨原本可以成佛，但他看见地狱里有无数受苦的灵魂。于是，他选择留在地府，并立下重誓：“我不入地狱，谁入地狱， 地狱不空， 誓不成佛！” 地狱是最苦的地方，这些苦难众生，我不去帮助他们，谁去帮助他们呢？越是苦难的地方，越要到这个地方去教导、去帮助大家。简单的说，这句话的意思就是“舍己为人”。它表示一种敢为别人牺牲，也是一种经世济民的精神。
当然我们不是圣人菩萨。一般人安于现状，喜欢保留熟悉的环境和生活规律，可以理解。但是新加坡毕竟地方小，加上人口老化，基础设施得加以改进以应对目前和未来的需要。有很些时候，我们也是这些新计划的受益者。如果我们的家附近多了个地铁站，超级市场或小贩中心，我们会投诉吗？即使这样，多数人还是会希望这些设施的地点刚刚好，轻轻松松走几步就到，不过不要太靠近自己的住家。可是，除非这些设施方圆200米是空地，总会有某人的家就在附近。那某人可以是别人，但千万不要是我？
人不为己，天诛地灭。但我相信多数人是合理的，能够为大局着想。
今天是情人节。这个节日的由来听说是在公元3世纪，罗马帝国皇帝克劳迪乌斯二世出于战争的考虑，好让更多男人可以无所牵挂走上战场，宣布废弃所有的婚姻承诺。一名叫瓦仑廷（Sanctus Valentinus）的神父违反这个旨意继续为相爱的年轻人举行教堂婚礼。事情被告发后，瓦仑廷神父于公元270年2月14日这天被处死。14世纪以后，人们就开始把这个日子名为Valentine's Day，纪念这位为情人做主而牺牲的神父。神父为了别人“入地狱”，但最终他应该是上了天堂。
老人、病人或低收入人士也是有感情的，也是有人爱的。或许，这些人更需要社会的关爱。希望社会更温馨，大家情人节快乐。
Translated version
One Step Closer this Valentine’s Day
It was not too long ago that we heard of the disapproving voices from the residents, rejecting the idea of an elderly daycare centre at Blk 860 and 861, Woodlands Street 83. Last week, 230 residents from Toh Yi Drive gathered to petition against development of studio apartments for the elderly. The proposed relocation of Ren Ci Hospital to Bukit Batok Street 52 also hit a road block last year. Residents of Tampines Street 83 also expressed unhappiness towards the plan for a 14-storey block of rental flats.
Opposing voices are aplenty, some of which are undoubtedly incited. However, few would want to be seen discriminating against the elderly, ill or low-income families. Reasons quoted largely ranged from safety concerns, traffic congestion to the noise nuisance, loss of views and deprivation of public space.
Some residents have argued that their void decks be reserved for funerals and wedding functions. But I have come across residents who are unhappy with such activities in the void deck. It therefore remains an impossibility to make all residents happy. A handful asserted that the valuation of their flats would be affected. I am familiar with the Lions Befrienders Neighbourhood Link at Blk 150 Mei Ling Street which has looked after senior citizens living at rental flats of neighbouring Blk 151 for many years. In spite of its presence, an executive flat at the very same block (Blk 150) was sold at a record price of $890K in 2008, making it then the most expensive resale HDB flat in the country.
Legend has it that the Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva chose to go to Hell to guide the restless souls to the right path before he attained Nirvana, demonstrating “selflessness” in the interest of others.
We are no saint. More often than not, we revel within our comfort parameters, familiar surroundings and lifestyle rhythms. However, we cannot deny an ever growing graying population on our tiny island nation. We need to constantly improve and advance our primary infrastructure and amenities to benefit and accommodate our fellow Singaporeans. In fact, we are often the beneficiaries of these upgrading and improvement projects without our conscious realizations. How many people complain of the new MRT station, supermarket or food centre? Having said that, most people would still prefer to have these buzz spots some distance away from their homes but still within walking distance. This is almost impossible on our little red dot unless we keep the land area within a 200m radius from these facilities empty.
Every man for himself and the Devil takes the hindmost. Nevertheless, I believe that a vast majority of fellow Singaporeans are reasonable, and can look at a larger perspective for the community.
Today is Valentine’s Day. It is said that 14 February commemorates the execution of Sanctus Valentinus, a priest in AD 270. Valentinus went against the decree of the Roman Emperor, Claudius, and continued to perform conjugal rites for the young lovers even though orders were given for all men to give up their martial commitments so that they could focus on the war. Valentinus placed the happiness of others before his and like the Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, demonstrated selflessness but he eventually sacrificed himself. To honor this self-sacrificial spirit, 14 February has since been remembered and celebrated as Valentine’s Day.
As we bask in the merriment and joy of giving or receiving sweet roses and having romantic dinner dates, let us not forget the aged, sick and low-income, who are also fellow Singaporeans needing our care and love. May we continue to fill the nation with warmth and benevolence. I wish all of you a happy Valentine’s Day.
