Forum: Let people feel safe asking for help
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Speaker Seah Kian Peng has apologised for falling asleep while chairing Parliament, explaining that he had been unwell and had taken medication (Speaker Seah Kian Peng apologises for nodding off while chairing parliamentary proceedings, Sept 18). He deserves credit for acknowledging the lapse publicly.
But there is also a gentler lesson.
Many Singaporeans know the instinct to “tahan” or endure while unwell, and go to work to avoid troubling colleagues, or hesitate to take medical, childcare or caregiving leave.
Recent government messages have encouraged workplaces to normalise such support, while Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has spoken of a Singapore where we take care of one another.
Sometimes, a person who is unwell may not say directly that help is needed. A simple question from a colleague like “Are you all right? Would you like someone to take over for a while?” can make a difference.
In Seah’s case, Parliament has deputy speakers to provide continuity when necessary.
Perhaps the wider lesson is simple: A kinder Singapore is one where people feel safe asking for help, and where those around them are thoughtful enough to offer it
Chong Ryh Huei