Finally someone speaks up for single parents. My sister and I
are born out of wedlock and the 3 of us (plus my mom) are still
living in a rented room after so long. I'm 19 and has moved house 7
times and we still do not have our own home as under HDB policy,
single parents are not eligible to apply directly with HDB if they
do not form a nuclear family. Despite approaching 2 MPs, notably,
Pasir Ris GRC Mr. Teo Chee Hean 2 years ago and Mr. Heng Chee How
in 1997, the then PAP candidate of Hougang, were unable to assist
us.
Although my mother is eligible for the single scheme now, the
HDB resale flat is too much for us to afford especially the high
COV (cash over valuation). All these years, the monthly income goes
to rental and expenditures that sometimes, we could not even make
end meets, lest talking about savings. Due to all the hardships, my
mom had suffered major depression twice, which nearly took her
life.
We as children felt that it is unfair to the Singaporeans as we
were denied of these benefits. There isn't any conducive
environment for us to study and we feel inferior.
Also, single parents were also denied of tax relief.
I am sure there are many similar cases out there who are
suffering in silence.
I hope this speech will bring attention to the government on
their negligence towards single parents (out of wedlock).