I have been asked: “What drives you?” many times by both friend and foe.

With a smoker family member of over 20 years who ditched cigarettes for cigars, lung cancer family history, and more importantly, as a victim of secondhand smoke in all 3 condominiums I have lived in, plus the fact that there is no NGO spearheading the smoke-free housing cause in Singapore, I just thought I have to do something to safeguard my precious health.

I am also much inspired by the tireless work of Dr Judith Mackay, who is a key player in the development of the landmark WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, of which Singapore is a Party (ratifications and accessions). 

The indomitable spirit and indefatigable search for justice of 2 other ladies provide added motivation.

The late Maria Altmann sued the Austrian Government for the return of 5 family-owned paintings by the artist, Gustav Klimt, which were stolen by the Nazis during World War II. She was already an octogenarian then. The legal suit dragged on for years, but her dogged persistence finally paid off and she won! A movie titled: “Woman in Gold” starring Helen Mirren was made of this amazing story, and is available at the NLB. 

Then, there is Erin Brockovich, who, despite her lack of a formal legal education, was instrumental in building a successful case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California in 1993. Her story has also been made into a movie, starring Julia Roberts. Available at the NLB too. 

So, my friends and supporters, please join me in the smoke-free cause. We need to work together to secure a smoke-free living environment that our beloved families deserve.

Have a wonderful weekend!