A 14-year-old boy and his father visited Member of Parliament Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim during one of his Meet-the-People sessions (MPS) to request assistance three years ago. The boy’s father, who was in his fifties, could not speak English and relied on his son to explain their family situation.
Mr Zhulkarnain told Petir that he first met the family during a house visit. The family had three sons aged 10 to 14. The father worked very long hours while the mother was serving a prison sentence for an offence. The eldest boy in the family asked the MP if he could help them.
“It was the boy’s first-time seeking help from an MP. He was worried about his father and mother. He also had to care for his brothers while juggling with his studies. He sounded so mature, like he had to grow up fast,” he said. “I come from a big family, three boys and three girls. I’m number five. Seeing him was like remembering how my abang (elder brother) had cared of me.”
The family qualified for Comcare assistance. Keat Hong’s welfare taskforce also provided the family with goodies during festive distributions, Mr Zhulkarnain said. His team also appealed to the authorities for the mother to serve the remainder of her sentence at home so she could care for her sons.
“The family is more stable now. The boy is a credit to his family. He received the Edusave Merit Award and plans to attend either a junior college or polytechnic in the future. We helped the mother find a job after she finished her sentence. She was very appreciative. We not only give support financially, but we are together in this journey with the family.”
This episode prompted Mr Zhulkarnain to reflect on what his parliamentary colleague, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, once mentioned about the People’s Action Party’s outreach efforts. Mr Masagos also once lived in Chua Chua Kang, just like him.
“Minister Masagos said he didn’t realise that there was an MPS held under his block until after his father passed away,” he said. “Because of our outreach efforts like door knocking and walkabouts, this boy knew about the MPS and brought his father to the MPS. It takes a lot of courage. It is important for me to go out and ensure more such youths and children know so they can get help for their families when needed.”
