Response to "Employers, employees should begin dialogue on jobs for older workers"

Url: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/277181/1/.html

This article is about the government's decision to re-employ older workers due to Singapore's ageing workforce. According to Mr Lim Boon Heng, employers have not been taking the ageing workforce seriously, nor have they began tapping into this source of workers. However, an older workforce is inevitable, and this legislation is expected to kick in in another 5 years, after concerns have been voiced and addressed.

An ageing workforce is a serious issue, as it means older employees. That is not necessarily bad, however, as an older employee may be more experienced. The trade-off might be the efficiency at which a task is performed. In any case, I feel that hiring older people, or even allowing older workers to keep their jobs is generally a good thing.

Firstly, I feel that this plan is getting to grips with what appears to be a major problem for the future of Singapore. In geography class, an ageing population is described as a bad situation, when there are fewer young people to maintain the country's economy. However, our government has turned this problem around by mobilizing the older population for work.

Secondly, I believe that this plan will also provide something meaningful for the older generation to do: they can stretch their legs, and not be a burden to the family. They can enjoy their work, and even contribute to their family's monetary earnings. In a way, this is killing two birds with one stone; the older population do not laze around, but engage in activities which please and benefit everyone, especially themselves.

I feel that there are bound to be people who are concerned about legislation and how it will affect them. This group of people should be the existing employees who fall between the twenties to middle-aged. The obvious questions in their mind should be, "Will I get to keep my job after this legislation? Will there be tougher competition?" The government will not force employers to create additional jobs; it is entirely up to their discretion. Regardless, the government will ensure that those with existing positions keep them for a few years more.

With the older generation going out to work again, some people might have qualms about it. Some of us do not feel safe riding in a taxi driven by an old man; few people can imagine men or women above sixty working as accountants. However, I feel that it gives a more general view of society. We should not stereotype the older generation as white-haired people who sit in the park, playing Chinese chess all day. Regarding the taxi driver example, while it is true that older people have poorer eyesight, they are still more experienced than any middle-aged driver. A good way to solve this is to conduct regular eye screening for the older taxi drivers, to make sure that their eyesight is satisfactory.

As a minor in society, I might have the wrong intepretation of ideas, but it is obvious that legislation will benefit the country's economy.

Response to "Hit-and-run accident at Outram"

Url: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/187480.asp
Article can also be found in The Straits Times, Wednesday, 9 May 2007, under the title "Motorist pursues car, notes licence plate number", in the Home section.

This article is about how a businessman contributed to the capture of another hit-and-run motorist. Mr Hoo witnessed an fatal accident along Outram Road one evening and was shocked to see the driver speeding away from the accident area. He knew the licence plate number of the car and so informed the Traffic Police, which arrested the suspect under the suspicion of drink driving. The victim of the accident, a 29-year-old nightclub worker of Chinese nationality, died 10 minutes after the accident.

Road accidents are unpleasant events which result because of carelessness from a pedestrian or driver. Injuries and death often follow, but hit-and-run accidents are far worse because it underlines the irresponsibility of the motorists. Instead of pulling over to aid the victim, they floor the gas pedal and blow past without a second glance. I believe that this sort of response stems from the panic and shock from knocking down a person. First there would be the awful realization, then panic as the driver tries to rationalize his actions. He would reassure himself that the accident was not intentional, and that the victim was not in much danger, though sadly it is usually not the case for the latter. Then, he would speed off, hoping that no one saw the accident. Under those circumstances, running away might seem rational to the drivers.

Injuring or killing a fellow human being is a crime, even in a road accident. Our government is especially stringent in its law enforcement, and with good reason as there are already 91 hit-and-run cases in the first quarter of the year. The main reason for these accidents is the consumption of alcohol before driving. Alcohol impairs the body's senses if taken in large amounts, and a drunk person poses a serious danger to pedestrians if he drives. I feel that the government has done its part in controlling the 'drink-driving' situation, through notices and fines. However, many people continue to drive, even after all these deterrents. 914 people were apprehended for drink-driving in three months alone.

I feel that drink-driving is really irresponsible of a driver. Knowing that driving after drinking alcohol poses a real threat to the community, the driver disregards the rules and goes ahead with driving. Although there might be unseen difficulties for the driver, he still has a responsibility; if not for the public, then for his family. How would his family feel if he was put to prison for killing someone, and then driving away from the crime scene? I feel that the alcohol limit for a person to be driving should be lowered, and the fines should be more lenient. If drivers have an alcohol level just below the limit, and they get involved in accidents, it makes no difference.

In conclusion, I admit that as a child, it is quite difficult for me to understand the way adults' minds work. Perhaps the drunk drivers had a good intention to go against the law. In any case, to prevent accidents, both pedestrians and motorists should remain vigilant.