Thursday, June 26, 2014

Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to The New Paper: MAN WHO STOPPED ELDERLY NEIGHBOUR FROM JUMPING – Encourage more to step forward and help others


My letter to The New Paper is published today, Thursday 26th June 2014, page 17.

I am deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by Mr Liew for his elderly neighbour, as reported in “He kept shouting for me to let go” (The New Paper, June 24).

Despite his exhaustion, Mr Liew did not give up and was determined to save the life of the suicidal man.  

The authorities should commend this Good Samaritan for his public spiritedness so that others will be encouraged to step forward and help anyone who thinks of giving up on life. 

Our Government has always stressed the importance of citizens looking out for one another, and undoubtedly Mr Liew has risen to the occasion.

In our fast-paced society, stress has become a reality that we must learn to accept and manage.  But there will always be people who will not be able to handle all that life throws at them.

 As a caring society, we must help those who are unable to help themselves. The elderly man and his family need all the help they can get.

QUICK SUPPORT

I hope that the authorities will step in to support them quickly because a person who attempts suicide is at a higher risk of doing it again.  Sadly, people who are suicidal or depressed often find it awkward to reach out for help. 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently told the Mayors of the Community Development Councils to reach out to the needy, and it is important for the authorities to do so, at times even when no help has been asked for.  


RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO