MY WIFE and I are in our mid-30s. We married in 2009 and
balloted for a flat that year but failed. We tried again last year
but to no avail. Thus, we approached our MP Sam Tan (Tanjong Pagar
GRC) for help.
My wife had previously bought a Housing Board flat with her
widowed mother. She sold it so that we could set up a home and
start a family. I have not bought a flat or owned any properties
before. However, the Housing Board said we are considered
second-timers.
We knew the criteria and restrictions that disqualified us from
balloting as a first-timer for a Housing Board flat. That was why
we approached our MP and appealed to the Housing Board to consider
our case, as my wife's previous purchase of a flat was to provide
for her widowed mother, who is now living with her other
children.
My wife has passed the optimal childbearing age. She is 35 this
year.
Since getting married, we have been living in my parents'
four-room flat, which has six occupants. Without a place to call
our own, my wife has almost given up the thought of starting a
family. This very thought frightens me.
We recently approached our MP for help again. However, we again
received what looked like an automated reply from the Housing
Board, explaining why we don't qualify as first-timers.
Doesn't our situation warrant an assessment on a case-by-case
basis?
Ghee Soo Kee
