With a 97.3% (local) and 86.3% (global) literacy rate, Singaporeans have the means, intellect & right to exercise personal responsibility to evaluate (sometimes with medical opinion) what should be allowed into our bloodstream. It’s understandable why unvaccinated people aren’t allowed in places that require masks off (exposure, risk, spread etc), but to restrict movements in the mall (mask on) to fulfil basic needs like buying groceries, food & getting to your job situated in the mall (which some people have even lost because employers are “not comfortable” with their status), amongst other activities? 

Why have Governments decided that the only way forward is to control & coerce educated adults to make decisions against their free will/choice? There’s a difference between restricting movement VS ostracising the outliers. One should still be able to make an informed decision without duress & subsequently live with the consequences of their choices; good or bad.

While recognising that most government officials/policymakers have a credible PhD and extensive political experience which has its merits & offers them greater perspective to handle national events with public relations in balance, it's not the same on a personal level — even the smartest scientist can’t possibly know the complex biology of how every human responds to an experimental/pioneer drug. There’s SO much of the world that science is still catching up on. Some things only time can tell. So why enforce a vaccine decision when there’s definite room for error? If governments, doctors & policymakers can 100% guarantee that individuals will not face ANY adverse long-term impacts now or in future, many will happily oblige & assuredly be the next in line. Because many individuals personally know of friends/family who have actually died & suffered complications from this vaccine; bearing the costs. And we’re not talking about a flu or muscle cramps as a side-effect but ballooned veins, irregular heartbeats & swelling face, amongst others. But NOBODY wants to admit it except the victims & their grieved loved ones. These firsthand accounts are brushed off as “misinformation” or unrelated and this is saddening. It truly feels like news online has been carefully curated to validate and promote agendas that align with national/political movements. Why has it been almost impossible to find objective news discussing both sides of the same coin? Perhaps we should consider independent media & news outlets in future. 

My hope is that voted people in power will recognise the ethics in freedom/consent and the basic right for every human to have full autonomy over their OWN body. Humans have a brain and a heart. They are allowed to have thoughts and emotions. They are allowed to be skeptical and have reservations. They are allowed to have their own process and come to terms with the decisions they make concerning their body. The way the government has been breathing down necks and making it impossible for family units to carry out simple daily activities in harmony is divisive. I do not believe we live in a fascist country where people are held captive until they comply. From our national pledge, I know that is not the Government’s intention either. Let’s keep building a democratic society and hold space for free will to exist.

And since we’re looking at a “here to stay” endemic, may I kindly suggest we look at investing resources (time, talent, treasure) in a sustainable medical infrastructure & ecosystem to accommodate the growing needs arising from this virus variants instead of simply taking away privileges when things don’t go our way? Please consider the needs of healthcare workers & struggling citizens; holding both in tension.

Sincerely,
An oppressed citizen