Yesterday, Lee Hsien Loong posted a photo showing the silhoutte of a man sitting under a tree, and commenting that he was likely to be a foreign worker calling home for the new year.
“Walking along Changi Beach on the New Year weekend, I saw this man sitting under a tree, alone yet not alone. He looked like a foreign worker, calling home on his cellphone.
“As we enjoy the festive days with friends and family, let us spare a thought for the foreign workers who have left their families behind to work in a distant land,” Lee said, adding it was good that the internet and mobile phones helped these workers keep in touch and not feel quite so far away from their loved ones.
Calling for Singaporeans to appreciate the contribution of these foreigners, Lee also highlighted how the foreign workers have to slog and save every dollar earned to help support their families back home.
“They (foreign workers) build our HDB flats and MRT lines, they keep our roads clean and parks green, and they take care of our young and elderly,” Lee said.
The Straits Times reported how Lee had spoken several times about appreciating foreign workers and their contributions.
https://www.facebook.com/leehsienloong/posts/1324516000944436:0
Meanwhile, following his FB post, which had been shared by almost 3,000 FB users and viewed by more than 33,000 people, some foreign workers as well Singaporeans gave their feedback to his comments.
A Bangladeshi worker using the FB name Rasidul Islam Jewel praised Lee’s “heartwarming post”.
“Thanks for appreciating the contributions of the Migrant Workers in Singapore’s Growth,” Rasidul said.
A nurse from Myanmar, Nyo Nyo Lwin, said: “Thank you so much Mr PM for your kind thought for foreign workers. I have been working here for 10 years.”
There were also some foreign workers lamenting on their situation, with Indonesian maid Safira Honney saying some employers still do not allow their workers to communicate with their families, even during festive holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
She wrote: “They think the worker won’t have time for the family of the boss. This is sad.”
A Filipina maid Bing G Mariano voiced out how she had to pay for internet use out of her own pocket.
“Yes, you’re right PM Lee. I always buy data plan to connect with my family, they (employers) dont want to share wifi, i need to spend more,” Mariano wrote.
Meanwhile, Singaporean Lay Sun Ong said Lee’s post demonstrated the traits of a great leader.
“Thank you Sir for being a caring, compassionate and thoughtful person. Remind us to be more graceful towards the foreign worker. This is how a great leader should be. Lead by example,” Lay wrote.