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The enigma of a human rights champion

Published

10 years ago

on

kampung boy
By Elaine Ee
Human rights lawyers in Singapore are a rare and precious breed. In a republic where political, press and civil liberties are only just starting to look up, fighting for human rights was, and to some extent still is, a noble but extremely difficult cause. What kind of person then goes down this path and sticks to it?
A person of extreme courage, conviction and compassion.
One of these gems of a lawyer is M. Ravi. Known to the community as the lawyer who fights against the mandatory death penalty and who took on Dr Chee Soon Juan and his sister Chee Siok Chin against the formidable Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, at a time when no lawyer in Singapore would touch the Chees with a ten-foot pole—M. Ravi reveals in his personal memoirs Kampong Boy, his experiences with these cases—and others—and what shaped him as a young man and turned him into the lawyer that he became.
In these easy-to-read, simply written memoirs, we get a honest and touching narrative of the life and thoughts of a man who believes with every fibre of his being in standing up for justice. We learn about his formative years as a law student in Cardiff, where his ideas of rights and freedom grew; of his encounters with JB Jeyaratnam, of the great lengths he goes to in order to fight death penalty cases—sacrificing his time, money and sometimes his well being—as well as of his life with manic depression.
In a frank chapter called ‘Bipolar Politics’, he shares an understanding of bipolarity that takes it beyond the realm of a mental condition and into a spiritual plane, describing the intense awakenings he experiences and the heightened intuition, creativity and energy they bring. This is an enlightened approach and helps the common reader see bipolarity and M. Ravi’s view of it in a deeper light. It also connects with the incredible passion that we see him pour into his work, which goes beyond the borders of rationality—and is what makes M. Ravi such a zealous lawyer.
He also talks frankly about his family and those close to him, and lays bare the alcoholism, abuse and poverty he was exposed to as a child. He writes a lot about his late mother, with whom he had a close and loving relationship, her own struggle with manic depression—and her eventual suicide.
All these incidences, and M. Ravi’s perspective of them, is conveyed plainly, in an informal manner, and often with a touch of humour. This book is a light read and yet holds profound insight and covers serious issues of morality, justice, spirituality and passion.
This is a man who completely devotes himself to the cause. This is a man who will singlehandedly raise international awareness, hold vigils, give talks, work pro bono, travel abroad, lobby governments—to give a forgotten someone a second chance at life. Even amongst lawyers who champion human rights in Singapore, his conviction stands out. Some might even say that he embodies the noblest expression of the legal profession.
Anyone interested in the person M. Ravi and in his more prominent human rights cases should read this book to understand what moves the man and the lawyer, and why he continues to soldier on today.

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Lifestyle

Living modestly in Singapore on $10 a day: 27-year-old Malaysian man shares insights

In Singapore, a 27-year-old Malaysian man has gained attention on TikTok for his frugal approach to life while working in the bustling city. Jonathan Lim, a civil engineer earning around S$3,700 a month, shares his strategy for spending less than S$10 a day.

He divides his week between Singapore and Malaysia, staying in a hostel and focusing on economical food choices.

Despite some concerns about the extremeness of his thriftiness, many commend his financial discipline, while others suggest a slightly more flexible approach.

Published

1 year ago

on

14 September 2023

By

SINGAPORE: A 27-year-old man from Malaysia, garnered the interest of social media users on TikTok due to his method of budgeting and practising a frugal lifestyle while employed in the bustling city of Singapore.

Many are left wondering whether it’s feasible to lead a modest life in Singapore without significant sacrifices.

Malaysian civil engineer, Jonathan Lim, has provided some insights through his TikTok documenting how he manages to spend less than S$10 a day while working in the city.

The video’s caption read: “Part 6: Is spending 10 dollars enough for a day working in Singapore?”

His TikTok content primarily revolves around detailing his expenses in Singapore, excluding the costs related to accommodation.

@jonlzx

Part 6: Is spending 10dollars enough for a day working in SINGAPORE? #sgvlog #worklife #minivlog #fypシ #simplelife

♬ 千与千寻 口琴版 – 口琴伟宝

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Lim, who earns about S$3,700 a month as a civil engineer in Singapore, follows a unique hybrid work arrangement.

He commutes from his home in Kulai, Johor, to Singapore three days a week, with the remaining days dedicated to remote work.

Lim strategically divides his time, with more than half of his week spent in his Johor home.

During the workweek, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, he opts to stay at a capsule hostel in Singapore.

This arrangement serves the purpose of reducing his expenses on permanent lodging in Singapore, although it necessitates regular commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

His weekly schedule commences with a Monday morning journey to Singapore at 6 a.m., where he resides in the hostel for two nights.

Hostel Living and Food Choices

During his days in Singapore, Lim stays in a capsule hostel, which costs him about S$35 (approximately US$25.74) a night.

While this arrangement doesn’t include food expenses, the hostel provides free breakfast, helping him save on at least one meal each day.

Lim’s food choices are budget-friendly, focusing on cai fan (economic rice) for lunch and dinner, which costs him about S$3.60 per meal.

Occasionally, he indulges in items like bread and soya bean milk, emphasizing the affordability of such food options in Singapore.

For exercise, he opts for a cost-effective approach, eating grilled chicken drumsticks purchased from FairPrice, and running at public stadiums.

While a dinner consisting solely of protein might not seem substantial to some, Lim clarifies that the two drumsticks he purchased were exceptionally large, providing more than enough sustenance for an adult like him.

Therefore, when factoring in his daily transport costs of S$3, Lim’s daily expenses in Singapore amount to S$13.10, excluding accommodation expenses.

Balancing Thriftiness and Enjoyment

In his most recent TikTok video, Lim responded to both favorable and critical comments regarding his lifestyle of managing on S$10 or more per day in Singapore.

He expressed his belief that such frugal practices can become a standard way of life.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jonlzx/video/7276135975355485441?embed_source=121355059%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=mothership.sg%2F2023%2F09%2Fmalaysian-10-dollars-a-day-singapore%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1o-WKyDvXTTGxKWlXGd9u3xXdCO_4zyBOMRSF13kzzdcWs5dU2QI4E_9g&referer_video_id=7276135975355485441

Moreover, he aimed to dispel the misconception that his approach is detrimental to his well-being and happiness, emphasizing that he doesn’t sacrifice enjoyment to save a few dollars.

He acknowledges the trade-offs, such as spending time away from family and loved ones.

However, he sees this period as an opportunity for professional growth.

While Lim’s lifestyle is not his everyday routine, it highlights how one can manage expenses in an expensive city like Singapore.

He also appreciates the safety and amenities the city offers, such as safe streets for late-night jogging.

In the long run, Lim said he will need to decide whether to settle long-term in Singapore or return to Malaysia.

Supporters cheer Lim’s thrifty approach

The majority of people expressed their support for Lim’s frugal lifestyle, offering him their best wishes and advising him to disregard those who ridicule his way of life.

“Good to start saving up at a young age,” they said, while also cautioning against taking frugality to such an extreme that it becomes excessively absurd.

However, some users believe that Lim should consider a slightly higher expenditure than his current approach, asserting that life is too short to subject oneself to such deprivation.

“Can add another $2 la, don’t have to thrift like that,” one user said.

This was first published on Gutzy.Asia

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Lifestyle

Rachel Wan speaks out on father’s solitary passing in Singapore hospital due to staffing shortages

Rachel Wan of ‘Kin’ highlighted her father’s solitary passing in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing in an Instagram post. She contrasted Singapore’s overworked healthcare culture with Australia’s, emphasizing the need for a better work-life balance in the nation.

Published

1 year ago

on

29 August 2023

By

SINGAPORE: On 25 August, Rachel Wan, the 26-year-old star of ‘Kin’, took to Instagram to share a poignant account of her father’s passing, revealing that he had died alone in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing issues.

Wan’s emotional revelation sheds light on the need for a transformation in the prevailing culture of overworking in the nation.

Disparities between healthcare work in Singapore and Australia

In a candid Instagram video, Wan expressed her long-standing desire to address a topic she finds deeply meaningful.

She remarked, “I came to Australia because I felt like there was a better work-life balance here,” before unveiling a recent discovery that profoundly affected her.

The ‘Kin’ star recounted her encounter with a nurse who had previously worked in the same Singapore hospital where her father had spent his final moments.

This nurse later moved to Australia, much like Wan herself.

A stark contrast between working conditions in the two countries emerged.

Wan unveiled that in Singapore, nurses might be tasked with managing “up to 12 patients at any given time”. Conversely, in Australia, nurses are limited to caring for six patients each.

Moreover, Australian healthcare staff are afforded designated rest periods between shifts, a practice reportedly absent in Singapore.

Heartbreaking account of Wan’s father’s passing

Wan’s emotions were palpable as she recounted the circumstances leading to her father’s demise, underscoring the fact that he passed away in solitude at the hospital without any loved ones by his side.

Her poignant Instagram tribute suggested that he passed away in March 2022.

Describing the events of his passing day, she detailed how her father had been transferred from the emergency ward to the general ward as his time grew short.

However, to access him, Wan and her family had to undergo a Covid-19 test, mandatory at the time for hospital visits. Tragically, her father passed away during the testing process.

Distressingly, no one from the hospital informed them of his passing.

Wan expressed her shock, revealing that they discovered his lifeless body alone in the ward without any staff present.

When she inquired about the lack of communication, a doctor allegedly cited understaffing as the reason.

Wan stressed the importance of sharing her experience, noting that the healthcare sector is not the only one grappling with such challenges in Singapore.

She asserted that overworking should not be celebrated as an achievement and urged for a shift towards a healthier work-life balance in the nation.

Her Instagram post resonated with many, drawing a flood of comments from netizens who shared their similar experiences and nurses who opened up about the demanding work environment they face.

Amidst the discussions, Wan clarified that her father’s passing was due to oesophageal cancer, not Covid-19.

A plea for empathy and understanding

In response to differing opinions, including some who highlighted Singapore’s relative advantages compared to other countries, Wan emphasized that her intention was to raise awareness about the lack of work-life balance in Singapore.

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Influencer and doctor Zoen Tay also contributed to the discourse, acknowledging room for improvement in both countries’ healthcare systems.

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Wan extended her empathy to Singaporean nurses, finding a sense of healing in realizing that her father wasn’t neglected due to a lack of care, but rather due to the strain of their demanding workload.

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