This entire episode has lighted up a whole new tunnel that I’ve never noticed before for me.

What I’m talking about is this: the boy’s incident changed my attitude towards people asking for help on the streets, i.e. I’d want to give, just in case. The thing that I ‘struggled’ with is the extent to which to give.

I was at an alumni fundraiser many years back and the thing that was going around was the comparison of two $5,000 donations – one came from a banker, the other a simple retired woman. It goes without saying that all hearts went to the latter, not to mention a lot of flak to the banker.

It’s not easy to give a big chunk of your total wealth away like the old lady. It takes a lifetime to gain that kind of insight.

To me, it all boils down to my relationship with money and wealth. I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit these days and perhaps will write about it soon.

Thanks for your comment, it’s been very engaging.

I agree with Lee. And I believe if the incident is true, the police would have referred the boy to social assistance organisation in order to get financial assistance etc.

Meanwhile, what is your view on handicapped elderly selling tissue papers at hawker centres? Those licensed musicians along the subways in Singapore?….

I foresee Singapore is facing serious social problems… it is a rich country, no doubt, but I wonder how “rich” are the individuals on morals, values and principles… a close friend of mine passed some commments about my view on morals… oh well, that said, to each it’s own. But that will not deter me from my beliefs, values and principles.

Keep these post coming, I am enjoying the read after a long time of my inactivity.. :)

I have made my way to the boy’s flat twice now and the unit is still empty. From the neighbors, I hear that the mother has not been back since the boy’s funeral (I presume she’s moved in with relatives).

While I cannot ascertain why the boy took his own life, the entire incident has made me more sensitive towards the needy now.

theres no reason for the boy to end his life knowing that he has to take care of his sick mother.. unless he was severely traumatized by his arrest by the police..

do post an update after you’ve verified the matter..it is truly disturbing if it turns out to be true..

I think you have a point: I should go do some investigative work.

I’ve posted an update above and have also gotten the address of the boy. Will pay the family a visit to convey my condolences later this evening.

Afterall it makes no sense why at the age of 15, he will be begging for 2 dollars. Secondly why he will jump off an building when he knows he has a sick mother. And if he really needs help I am sure he could have seek and received help from his RC and MP.

The whole story seems more like a smear campaign and a story to stir emotions up.

Waiting for your “something”