Goh Thai Peng: A Stateless Singaporean’s Struggle for Survival
Goh Thai Peng’s story is one that tugs at the heartstrings of many Singaporeans. Born in Malaysia, he has called Singapore home for over 70 years. Yet, his special pass identifies him as “stateless.” This pass, issued by immigration authorities, allows foreigners to stay in Singapore for specific reasons, including assisting in investigations or for individuals like Goh who lack a nationality.
A Daily Battle for Survival
At 76 years old, Goh has been selling tissue paper outside Paya Lebar MRT station for the past decade. With no family to lean on, he earns between $10 to $50 a day. On tough days, he might not earn anything at all. “I’m living day by day, just waiting for the end,” he shared during a recent interview.
Goh’s journey began when he moved to Singapore from Perak at the age of five. As a teenager, he frequently crossed the border between Singapore and Malaysia. However, when he turned 25, Malaysian authorities confiscated his passport without explanation. His attempts to apply for Singapore citizenship at age 13 were thwarted due to his lack of English and Malay proficiency.
The Weight of Financial Struggles
With his parents gone, Goh lost contact with his siblings and children. One child lives overseas, while another has demanded $20,000 from him—an impossible sum for someone in his situation. Although he receives $410 in financial assistance monthly, $350 goes towards his room rental in Aljunied. Medical bills from a recent fall, which left him with mobility issues and impaired vision, add to his burden. Each doctor’s visit costs around $350, forcing him to scrimp and save wherever possible.
“I can’t afford to eat much,” he admits, often surviving on just one meal a day. More sales of his tissue paper could mean better meals and basic necessities.
The Reality of Statelessness in Singapore
As of November 2020, there were 1,109 stateless individuals in Singapore, according to Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam. While 76% of them are Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) and enjoy various benefits, Goh’s situation remains precarious. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses citizenship applications based on factors like length of stay, economic contributions, and family ties to Singaporeans. Some individuals may have lost their citizenship involuntarily or due to offenses in their birth country.
Goh considers Singapore his home, but he longs to visit his hometown in Malaysia. “It has been 70 years,” he reflects, wondering what remains of the place he once knew.
Opportunities for Support and Change
Goh’s story highlights a pressing need for support for stateless individuals. Here are some ways we can help:
- Define Clear Objectives: Establish specific goals for assisting stateless individuals, such as legalizing their stay, providing financial aid, and addressing healthcare needs.
- Encourage Collaboration: Involve government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to create a coordinated response.
- Focus on Long-term Solutions: Advocate for policy changes and raise awareness about statelessness, while providing education and skill-building programs.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Implement systems to assess the effectiveness of support provided, ensuring that the needs of stateless individuals are met.
Conclusion
Goh Thai Peng’s experience is a reminder of the challenges faced by stateless individuals in Singapore. By coming together as a community, we can provide the support and compassion needed to ensure that no one is left behind.
For more information on the plight of stateless individuals in Singapore, visit MHA and learn how you can contribute to making a difference.
Empowering Stateless Individuals: A Call for Collective Action
The situation surrounding stateless individuals like Goh Thai Peng presents a significant opportunity for us to extend our support and compassion. By exploring pathways for legalizing their stay, offering financial assistance, and addressing healthcare needs, we can foster a more inclusive society. It is vital to establish clear objectives for our efforts, ensuring that we understand whether we aim to provide legal status, financial support, or healthcare solutions. Collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations will enhance our response and create a unified approach to meet the needs of stateless individuals. While immediate assistance is crucial, we must also focus on long-term solutions, advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about the challenges faced by these individuals. Implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system will help us assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and ensure that we are making a meaningful impact.
By addressing the needs of stateless individuals through clear objectives, collaboration, and a focus on long-term solutions, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.