I can vouch that the present PAP leadership is as people-orientated and dynamic as in the past.

In the heat of the recent parliamentary debate in March, one of the hottest and most emotional debates is on the issue of the $30 increase to public assistance (PA) recipients.

I wrote directly to Dr Vivian Balakrishan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, venting my dissatisfaction over the small increase against the recent GST increase and yearly inflationary rate.

To my pleasant surprise, he invited me and two other gentlemen to discuss over lunch in his guest room my concern for the PAs, the elderly and the poor.

He explained to us that there are 'many-helping-hands' model to help these groups of unfortunate people and that the Government is committed to ensuring no Singaporean is left behind.

After two hours of discussion, I left and was convinced more than ever that the $30 increase is sufficient for the PAs.

This is the present political leadership that Singapore is blessed with.

I am now in a better position to explain to my taxi passengers whenever they complain or talk to me about the Government's treatment of the poor and needy as compared to the minister and civil servant pay increase.

To date, this is still the hot topic that my fellow citizens want to talk about.

Raymond Lo Wan Mou