Salvation by deeds is not enough, need salvation by faith? Or simply Sinkies are un-appreciative of the works of the PAPs? So Karma is a load of crocs!! 
'Rice parties' for Yio Chu Kang's needy
Mr Seng Han Thong at a community event last year. The MP also started 'Rice Parties' for needy constituents last year. More of such events may be held. -- LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE PHOTO
FROM nasi lemak to porridge to even rice kueh-kuehs, needy Yio Chu Kang residents regularly tuck into these rice-based dishes - for free.
And when they are finished, they even get to take home a pack of rice for cooking at home.
This is under a scheme called 'Rice Parties', which was started by MP Seng Han Thong in May last year.
In the year to May 2008, the price of rice skyrocketed worldwide, due to a confluence of factors including strong demand, supply worries, hoarding, speculative commodity trades and export bans by some producing countries.
Mr Seng started the rice scheme to alleviate the burden of low-income families, Mr Wan Chong Hock, the vice-chairman of Yio Chu Kang's Citizens' Consultative Committee (CCC), told The Straits Times.
About 100 people benefit from the meals, which are held quarterly at the Yio Chu Kang community centre, said MrWan.
The beneficiaries are mostly low-income senior citizens, especially those on public assistance.
The scheme is sponsored by the CCC and its grassroots patrons, who are mostly businessmen.
The constituency's grassroots leaders are also planning to adapt the scheme to today's recession, added Mr Wan.
For example, the frequency of these 'rice parties' may be increased.
They may also be opened up to higher- income workers like professionals and managers who lose their jobs in this recession 'on a case-by-case basis', he said.
In his Chinese New Year address last Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong cited Yio Chu Kang as an example of where grassroots organisations are coming up with 'new and innovative ways' to help residents cope with the economic crisis.
'In Yio Chu Kang, grassroots leaders regularly organise 'Rice Parties' to provide needy residents with rice, rations and NTUC vouchers,' said Mr Lee. 'Other constituencies provide free hawker meals, or run 'Sunday Markets' where unemployed and low-income residents can set up stalls and earn some money for themselves.'
Mr Lee pledged the Government's support for such community efforts, saying it would give voluntary welfare organisations and self-help groups more funds to do more good work.
Mr Seng, who suffered an attack from a mentally-unstable resident two weeks ago, is still in Singapore General Hospital. He underwent a skin graft earlier following the burns he endured in the attack.
'Rice parties' for Yio Chu Kang's needy
Mr Seng Han Thong at a community event last year. The MP also started 'Rice Parties' for needy constituents last year. More of such events may be held. -- LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE PHOTO
FROM nasi lemak to porridge to even rice kueh-kuehs, needy Yio Chu Kang residents regularly tuck into these rice-based dishes - for free.
And when they are finished, they even get to take home a pack of rice for cooking at home.
This is under a scheme called 'Rice Parties', which was started by MP Seng Han Thong in May last year.
In the year to May 2008, the price of rice skyrocketed worldwide, due to a confluence of factors including strong demand, supply worries, hoarding, speculative commodity trades and export bans by some producing countries.
Mr Seng started the rice scheme to alleviate the burden of low-income families, Mr Wan Chong Hock, the vice-chairman of Yio Chu Kang's Citizens' Consultative Committee (CCC), told The Straits Times.
About 100 people benefit from the meals, which are held quarterly at the Yio Chu Kang community centre, said MrWan.
The beneficiaries are mostly low-income senior citizens, especially those on public assistance.
The scheme is sponsored by the CCC and its grassroots patrons, who are mostly businessmen.
The constituency's grassroots leaders are also planning to adapt the scheme to today's recession, added Mr Wan.
For example, the frequency of these 'rice parties' may be increased.
They may also be opened up to higher- income workers like professionals and managers who lose their jobs in this recession 'on a case-by-case basis', he said.
In his Chinese New Year address last Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong cited Yio Chu Kang as an example of where grassroots organisations are coming up with 'new and innovative ways' to help residents cope with the economic crisis.
'In Yio Chu Kang, grassroots leaders regularly organise 'Rice Parties' to provide needy residents with rice, rations and NTUC vouchers,' said Mr Lee. 'Other constituencies provide free hawker meals, or run 'Sunday Markets' where unemployed and low-income residents can set up stalls and earn some money for themselves.'
Mr Lee pledged the Government's support for such community efforts, saying it would give voluntary welfare organisations and self-help groups more funds to do more good work.
Mr Seng, who suffered an attack from a mentally-unstable resident two weeks ago, is still in Singapore General Hospital. He underwent a skin graft earlier following the burns he endured in the attack.
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