I wish to give my views on the points raised in some of the letters published in the Forum Page.
1. Mr. Anthony Pragasam said that higher fuel surcharges imposed by Singapore Airlines penalise passengers who redeem frequent flyer points. While I agree with Mr. Pragasam's point, I also wish to state the increase in fuel prices are an additional cost on air travel which were probably not factored into the calculation of the original redemption of the free travel redemption. Also, the fuel charges are expected to be temporary and could be withdrawn when the fuel prices come down (hopefully).
2, Ms. Tan Lin Neo said that senior's housing needs are more important than playground and carparks. She was referring to the protests from residents of Toh Yi against the development of studio apartments for the elderly in their neighborhood. I agree with Ms. Tan. I hope that the our people can be more understanding of the need to develop facilities in our limited land space to cater for the needs of other people. I do understand the feelings of owners who have paid high prices for their flats only to find that the neighborhood had somewhat "deteriorated". Perhaps, the HDB could consider building some other facilities that could enhance the value of the neighborhood that can compensate for the perceived "deterioration".
3. Mr. Jaffer Sadiq, Mr. Thng Tien Guan and Ms. Kelly Kishore Mel have written about the impact on employers and the unintended consequences that could arise from the change in law that mandate maids should be given one day off each week. I agree with their points, particularly on the removal of the maid levy and the security deposit.
4. Mr. Hilarion Goh wrote about the problem that "day off for maid" regulation would cause to him in taking care of his mother (who suffer from dementia), especially as he is the only member of the family and has to work irregular hours and to travel abroad. I believe that there is provision in the regulation for the maid to be paid in lieu of having a day off. Perhaps this arrangement could solve his dilemma.
5. The Law Society has written to give the reason why they do not favor fee guidelines. I understand that this is not really their decision but is a consequence of the ruling by the Competition Commission against fee guidelines by professional bodies. I disagree with the Competition Commission and will be writing on this matter separately.
Tan Kin Lian
1. Mr. Anthony Pragasam said that higher fuel surcharges imposed by Singapore Airlines penalise passengers who redeem frequent flyer points. While I agree with Mr. Pragasam's point, I also wish to state the increase in fuel prices are an additional cost on air travel which were probably not factored into the calculation of the original redemption of the free travel redemption. Also, the fuel charges are expected to be temporary and could be withdrawn when the fuel prices come down (hopefully).
2, Ms. Tan Lin Neo said that senior's housing needs are more important than playground and carparks. She was referring to the protests from residents of Toh Yi against the development of studio apartments for the elderly in their neighborhood. I agree with Ms. Tan. I hope that the our people can be more understanding of the need to develop facilities in our limited land space to cater for the needs of other people. I do understand the feelings of owners who have paid high prices for their flats only to find that the neighborhood had somewhat "deteriorated". Perhaps, the HDB could consider building some other facilities that could enhance the value of the neighborhood that can compensate for the perceived "deterioration".
3. Mr. Jaffer Sadiq, Mr. Thng Tien Guan and Ms. Kelly Kishore Mel have written about the impact on employers and the unintended consequences that could arise from the change in law that mandate maids should be given one day off each week. I agree with their points, particularly on the removal of the maid levy and the security deposit.
4. Mr. Hilarion Goh wrote about the problem that "day off for maid" regulation would cause to him in taking care of his mother (who suffer from dementia), especially as he is the only member of the family and has to work irregular hours and to travel abroad. I believe that there is provision in the regulation for the maid to be paid in lieu of having a day off. Perhaps this arrangement could solve his dilemma.
5. The Law Society has written to give the reason why they do not favor fee guidelines. I understand that this is not really their decision but is a consequence of the ruling by the Competition Commission against fee guidelines by professional bodies. I disagree with the Competition Commission and will be writing on this matter separately.
Tan Kin Lian
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