I attended a funeral wake today – but only for a relatively short period of time. I could not hold back my emotions and did not wish to do so in the presence of total strangers and so …I left shortly.
It was the wake of Mr Cheng Teck Hock, the taxi driver who died tragically in a fatal accident on Saturday, 12 May 2012. His taxi had taken a turn to Bugis after crossing Rochor Road.
It was slammed by a red Ferrari and judging by the video footage of the accident, the sports car had beaten a red light and was clearly speeding. The limited-edition vehicle was driven by Mr Ma Chi, 31, a financial investor from the PRC.
News of the accident started a storm in the nation. Many netizens had a field day voicing a plethora of viewpoints, many of which were shared and regurgitated along the same vein across the Net.
It was sad to see many baseless and even senseless opinions floating around, many of which could only sow hatred and discord in our community. They served no positive, including learning purposes except to increase the emotional temperature of the people.
Against the backdrop of a by-election in Hougang, the accident was conveniently used by some people as a political platform. There were also accusations hurled at the media, foreigners, reporters, and other parties.
While I am for free speech, I wonder if many of the opinions are based on vigorous research and have been critically thought through. More importantly, I’m concerned if they would affect the mourning of the bereaved families.
I am still thinking if we should talked about the dead who cannot defend themselves. I am also mindful that the full account of the accident might not have been disclosed and the courts of law have yet to pass their judgements.
Somehow, I am still pondering over whether not throwing the proverbial first stone can be applied in this situation. I really don’t have a conclusive view of many of the imponderables.
Perhaps because my father was a taxi driver, I was deeply moved at the funeral. I was concerned about how the family could continue their way of life without the sole bread winner.
I read in The New Paper that Ms Stephanie Cheng, the taxi driver’s daughter would have to put on hold her dream of going to the university. Her brothers might need help to catch up with their studies and to finance their education.
Despite the emotional overcast, I was heartened by the fact that many people are rallying behind the family. The schools have offered their help.
ComfortDelGro has indicated that it would be providing assistance. The MP in Née Soon GRC, Dr Lim Wee Kiak and his team of grassroots leaders were looking into ways to support the Cheng family.
At the funeral, I decided that I must do something to help them. I was confident that my feelings would be shared by many people and the sentiment would continue to grow in the near future.
Whenever misfortunes strike in the past, our country would come together. Many hands, including foreigners’ hands would be joined across the nation to ensure that none of our own would be abandoned.
I was happy to find out later that my good friend, Andrew Chow has issued a call for help on the fb. As a social media specialist, I have no doubt he will unleash the Internet’s full power to reach out to more people and to create a maximum impact.
I have decided to join him, open up my office, and gather our ever-kindhearted HSR Family to fulfill yet another worthwhile cause. We will stand alongside like-minded people to support our fellow humans.
Please look out for a more detailed plan of action in the days ahead. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Every person matters.
Every part counts.
Together, we can make a positive difference to the bereaved family and prayerfully, enhance the compassion level of Singapore.
I hope this message will find a place in your heart.
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