Just how on earth could a mother do this to her own flesh and blood? That is a question that has pre-occupied many a Singaporean's mind since Saturday night when the news broke on TV and in the newspapers.

  Singaporean children have been publicly touted as brats spoiled by their doting mothers and grandmothers. Yet, here we have a case that rends our hearts as we soak in the details of the mother's actions that 29th of July when she allegedly removed the metal cover of the rubbish chute in her kitchen and then pushed the girl in, head first.

  That woman might have her reasons, for it is said she is an unmarried mother who is unemployed. Which brings me to the next point - there will always be problems everywhere, not just here in Singapore, but also around the world.

  We are indeed fortunate that today in Singapore we do not need to fear going out into the streets whether in the day or at night. We do not need to fear militant groups with hidden agendas burning cars and looting shops. We do not need to bother ourselves with the notion of being kidnapped in the streets and beheaded by some ransom-crazy bunch.

  Yes! Though some of us hate to admit it, we have done very well here in Singapore - thanks to the government. We only have to watch the nightly news or read the newspapers about the violence that is taking place in the region to realise that truth.

  Yes! It's comforting to know we are living in Singapore. And yes! It's certainly great to be a Singaporean. As we celebrate our National Day, we need to take note that the government cannot attend to every ache that strikes us now and then. It has to look at the bigger picture. There is simply no medicine that the government, or for that matter any government, can prescribe that will rid our society of all its ills.

  What we really need is concerted effort by each and everyone of us in helping ourselves. How? By changing our mindsets. Spare a thought for the other guy out there. Treat him as you would have him treat you. Be respectful to your elders and kindly to the deprived. Treat your children the way you want them to treat your grandchildren. Lastly, look up at yourself - self-esteem is the key to living a fruitful and full life. The road ahead will always be bumpy. Just make sure that when you next fall, you get back up again and continue the journey. That way, you get to live to see the twilight years in the company of those you love most.