Lifestyle
Controversial details of a priest in Geylang
Fr Guillaume Arotçarena and foreign workers at the Geylang Catholic Centre (image – Ethos Books)
By Howard Lee
“I say to you, that if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.” –Luke, 19:40
Contrary to what the title of the book might suggest, Priest in Geylang – the Untold Story of the Geylang Catholic Centre offers a much less titillating experience than you might have expected.
But you will find no lack of humour, spirit and a certain contemplative fortitude. Fr Guillaume Arotçarena, author of the book, founder of the Geylang Catholic Centre and the priest who was caught in the middle of the Marxist Conspiracy, shares with us the amusing and fun-filled, yet at times sober and moving, experience of serving in Singapore’s lesser known community of foreign workers in trouble, prostitutes, drug addicts, gangsters and prisoners on death row.
The book is a heartening romp about the setting up a place in the heart of Geylang offering counselling, legal and educational services to the needy, the ups and downs of working with a team of spirited and socially diverse volunteers, and the centre’s eventual demise as result of one of the most troubling episodes in Singapore’s history.
If viewed in the parameters of Singapore’s 50th anniversary, Fr Arotçarena’s main contribution to historical examination would be his delving into the Marxist Conspiracy. In fact, he offered a new perspective into what happened behind the doors of the Catholic Church in Singapore in the months that followed the arrests of the supposed “Marxist conspirators” in May 1987.
This insight is something we might have heard murmured in rumour corridors, but never given the clarity of print from the perspective of an insider.
Particularly revealing was how the author related the circumstances and process that then Archbishop Gregory Yong was manipulated into. The deliberate sequence of events, which Fr Arotçarena attributed to the planning of the government through the Internal Security Department, was to become the official narrative on Operation Specturm that we are familiar with, a narrative that, according to the author, was riddled with inconsistencies and unsubstantiated claims.
Volunteers form the backbone of the Geylang Catholic Centre (image – Ethos Books)
However, Fr Arotçarena at no point indicated that he wanted to present an “alternative” historical account, although he has clearly stated his disdain for the official narrative.
If anything, the key drive of the book would be to present to us a different Singapore, in a different time that most of us today would not have experienced, nor would likely believe existed.
“Why not pay tribute, in a modest way, to the “little ones” according to the Gospel, whom I have rubbed shoulders with, and who have taught me so many things? Why not talk about all those people who have worked with me because they dreamt of a better society: more just, more fraternal, nearer to the evangelical ideal, who in some cases have been punished for their generosity by being imprisoned, ill-treated, and at the same time reproached by the self-righteous, in the Church and elsewhere?”
The Singapore described in the book was set in a time where civil society was flourishing, where individuals with the right skills and commitment came together, regardless of race or religious beliefs, to create positive change for their community. Such was the spirit that bound the Operation Spectrum detainees, even to this day.
This lost culture is in stark contrast to what we have today, where members of civil society are persistently labelled as “trouble makers” who campaign against the vein of “progress” and “efficiency”.
What is also interesting is the religious centricity of this effort, which drew in non-Catholics into its fold. Catholics, such as myself, reading the book might be drawn into the charm of this movement, centred on the faith of deeds, which carried with it a contagious effect. Perhaps this is also what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s “democracy of deeds” might have been, if allowed to flourish?
Unfortunately for us today, Fr Arotçarena described a situation where government intervention through Operation Spectrum was born of a fear of the people actively participating to bring positive change to their community. This intervention effective led to a chilling of civil society, as the clamp down routed those who could have wrought significant change to society and policy, given their professional background, abilities and dedication.
Operation Spectrum also led to a stigmatising fear, as Fr Arotçarena himself experienced, that promoted excessive caution among those who would have stepped forward, leading to the eventual paralysis of civil society.
The Centre taking part in a jumble sale (image – Ethos Books)
More importantly, Fr Arotçarena insists that the arrests have no basis beyond the political, how the government sought to control the Catholic Church, and how the entire narrative was made into a national issue through a compliant mass media, the cracks which only appeared in international media.
The greatest angst that the book could have expressed was the loss that Fr Arotçarena felt for his volunteers – in particular those who were detained in their prime and some for years, and in general those who called the Geylang Catholic Centre a second home. The author transported us back to a time of a thriving place, full of activity and passion, now lost.
In essence, Priest in Geylang is more than a much needed missing piece in the history of Singapore. It is a reflection of how political hypersensitivity and unchecked power can lead to the destruction of something good in civil society. This is a part of history that we might never regain, unless we are able to re-embrace the spirit and dedication of Fr Guillaume Arotçarena and his Geylang Catholic Centre volunteers.
Priest in Geylang is available for sale online by Ethos Books and in stores. The book will also be launched on 17 January, 2pm at 10 Square @ Orchard Central.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Influencer and doctor Zoen Tay also contributed to the discourse, acknowledging room for improvement in both countries’ healthcare systems.
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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