Thank you for all the Ramadan well-wishes. One of the things I like about fasting is the sense of self-mastery over desire (something which is shared with the ascetic aspects of many other religions.) Yet another is this reminder that not having food or water for half a day—or longer—is a lived reality for many people around the world. It’s made me think a lot about the poor in Singapore too, and the verse in the Quran that says:
“Charity is for the poor who have been restricted in Allah’s cause, unable to move about in the land, seeking work or trade. An ignorant person would think them self-sufficient because of their modesty, that they are free from want. But you will know them by their characteristic sign. They do not beg persistently, or at all. And whatever you spend of good – indeed, Allah is knowing of it.” – Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 273
A recent survey commissioned by Mendaki revealed that two-thirds of low-income Malay-Muslim families do not seek help from social services despite being eligible for them. The researchers noted that though a main issue was lack of awareness of available schemes (and also the sheer volume of forms they need to fill) many among the needy also feared the stigma associated with ‘begging for help’. Because ‘welfare’ is so often articulated as a ‘burden to the state’, rather than a redistributive strategy included in the budget, those who should receive it become hesitant. Who wants to be a burden to anyone? It robs you of your dignity. This is distressing news indeed because apparently there are people in Singapore who, even in struggling conditions, think that there are others who are more destitute than they are and more deserving of welfare.
“They do not beg persistently, or at all.”
I’ve often felt frustrated that the government has been reluctant to define an official poverty line, on the pretext that those who are found to live above it might ‘miss out’ on assistance. But seriously, when two-thirds are not getting the help they need to get out of the poverty trap then it seems to me that the real problem is under-utilisation, NOT wanton abuse of the system. The problem with not having an official poverty line is that the poor remain invisible, even to themselves. How can the poor evaluate whether they really need help when they’re not given something to measure themselves against? At which point should they start realising that it’s beyond their capacity to cope—when three meals are reduced to two, when the loansharks start knocking, when chronic illnesses become catastrophic?
Welfare in Singapore has always been predicated on an inherent mistrust of those who might develop a ‘crutch mentality’. The ‘many helping hands’ are also intrusive ones, frisking bodies, pointing fingers at television sets and smartphones as welfare liabilities (even if they were gifts or hand-me-downs). There’s also a eugenic, Darwinian taint to it, where those who fall behind are seen as those on whom supposedly scarce resources should not be ‘wasted on’. It’s all very pithy to say that you’re providing a trampoline rather than a safety net but what kind of disapproving looks are you giving those in free fall? Something needs to change, and I hope the political parties make this part of their platform for the next elections. In the meantime, some pantuns on the rich and poor:
1) Kalau beli buah berangan,
Jangan lupa buah kana;
Orang kaya jangan diangan,
Orang miskin jangan dihina.
If you buy chestnuts,
Don’t forget to buy Chinese white olives;
The rich should not be envied,
The poor should not be despised.
2) Dari teluk pergi ke pekan,
Singgah bermalam di Batu Lima;
Sekalian makhluk Tuhan jadikan,
Kaya miskin dipandang sama.
From the bay one journeys to the town,
Spending a night at Batu Lima;
All beings are created by God,
The rich and poor are equal in His eyes.
3) Baju kebaya disulam kelimkan,
Dipakai mari dara berdandan;
Miskin kaya jangan bezakan,
Budi jadi satu ujian.
The kebaya is embroidered with silver,
And worn by fashionable maidens;
The poor and the rich are not to be distinguished,
The real test lies in their good deeds.
4) Kalau tuan merendam telur,
Jangan terlupa telur yang masin;
Kalau tuan sudah masyhur,
Jangan lupa keluarga yang miskin.
If you find yourself soaking eggs,
Don’t forget to soak the salted ones;
If you find yourself surrounded by wealth,
Don’t forget those families who are poor.
Source: Alfian Sa’at
