
Desperate Plea from a Singaporean: 'We Deserve Better Than This!'
2025-08-29
Author: Jia
A Heartfelt Cry from an Ordinary Citizen
As Singapore advances, one citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, feels overlooked and abandoned. In a deeply reflective open letter, he articulates the struggles faced by many who have devoted their lives to building this nation.
Decades of Hard Work, Silent Despair
"I'm just an ordinary Singaporean who has spent years contributing to our society, favoring responsibility over ambition. But now, I feel like a forgotten cog in a massive machine," he writes.
The Illusion of Progress
Despite ongoing calls to reskill and adapt, many residents feel their voices are lost amid policies that don’t mirror the harsh realities of daily life. The message is clear: we are told to compete with each other and a flood of new immigrants, while our wages stagnate and living costs soar.
A Way of Life at Risk
From rising housing and healthcare costs to a plummeting birth rate, the crux of the issue lies in the unending struggle of sandwich-class families—people caught in a cycle of debt and unease.
The Singapore We Long For
Reminiscing about a time when community bonds were strong and daily life felt secure, he expresses a longing for a return to those simple joys—where neighbors greeted each other instead of living in silence.
A Heavy Price to Pay
The pressure mounts as families face the reality of high expectations and unfulfilled dreams. Retirement is no longer a hope but a daunting deadline as many feel trapped in a relentless grind.
Calling for Dignity and Change
This citizen isn’t asking for handouts; he seeks dignity—a local-first hiring policy, affordable living conditions, and a retirement that ensures security. It’s a plea for respect and recognition of the sacrifices made by Singaporeans.
Voices That Matter—But Are Often Ignored
He emphasizes that raising concerns is often met with labels like 'anti-globalist' or 'resistant to change.' But this fight is about fairness and the right to work in the country we’ve built.
A Demanding Yet Hopeful Future
What is being requested? Policies that prioritize citizens' welfare, transparent hiring practices, and fair wages. Each request stems not from laziness but from exhaustion after years of striving.
Let Us Thrive, Not Just Survive
This anonymous voice calls for a Singapore that doesn’t seek global accolades but serves as a home for its creators. "Let us not be made to feel replaceable; we are not just part of the machinery of this society," he concludes with a note of reluctant hope.
A Birthday Wish for Singapore's Future
As Singapore approaches its 60th anniversary, this heartfelt letter serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices that built this nation. "Let us age with grace, let us hope, not hustle forever. We deserve a peaceful future in the land we call home."