In Singapore, we have complaints about complaints.
As Singaporeans (and Malaysians) celebrate the official agreement of the high-speed railway, land developers and governments have started to announce more concrete plans. In order to make way for the railway on our tiny island, land has to be cleared, along with any structures in the way. Jurong Country Club had already been previously acquired by the government in preparation for this new development.
Now, the “Sportsman’s Paradise” of Singapore, Raffles Country Club (RCC), is also being reclaimed by the government. LTA has described RCC to be the “most suitable location”, and given its massive scale, “there really isn’t any other option”. Developers will be building a high bridge west of Tuas Second Link, which is just next to RCC. It will run 25m above water and 3km across the Straits of Johor.
RCC members have mixed opinions about the acquisition. For instance, RCC’s golf manager Dennis Ee pointed out the potential uses of others sites in the area such SAFTI and Tengah Airbase instead. However, he also acknowledged the trouble the government would have to go through to remove these defense-based sites.
Other members were less optimistic and complained about how the club has been the cornerstone of their golfing lifestyle. Some questioned the need to acquire the whole plot of land, reflecting that they are “deeply disappointed” and “shocked” as they thought only parts of the land was going to be used.
The news highlighting the club members’ disappointment at the announcement triggered angry responses from fellow Singaporeans. Many voiced their opinions on Facebook on whether the acquisition of these country clubs is justified.
Some pointed out the hard truth with a dose of pragmatism.
Others gave suggestions on alternative transport routes and better ways for the government to communicate their decisions to the public
Many others were angered but we’ll leave just the milder ones here.
What about the right to complain?