Hi Tam/all,
About the NTUC staff fiasco
Sorry to say that Ms Amy Cheong forgets that when the Chinese hold wakes at the void deck (which is usually more often than other joyous events), Malays/Indians/Other-races have always been patient + understanding. Such is the racial harmony I take pride in as a Singaporean.
My hb and I are always very happy to hear Malay drums beating heartily to welcome newly weds!! Such a nice day to start with knowing that there's a rousing event
I also admire the way they keep things traditional and straightforward.
Compared to show-off weddings (that run up to tens of thousands) which do not guarantee happy-ever-after, Malay/Indian weddings are grounded and meaningful. I enjoy attending these weddings too because I can feel the community spirit and family-unity. Everyone's having fun without having much pressure to boast/compare/criticise. And yes, the food is usually very delicious and representative of their respective cuisine. No need to be very conscious of ang-pow money and profiteering, unlike many Chinese couples who rack their savings/brains to cook up a cheesy wedding with lots of gimmicks, fancy photography, big cars, expensive gowns, many tables (to break even through $$ collection) and very often, lots of "noise" too.
The NTUC lady's comments put Singaporeans to shame. Totally uncalled for and made out of sheer malice. Being a rather well-positioned staff at NTUC (which is supposed to be fighting for the good of the common masses like you and I), she's proven herself to be a total racist and bigot. Even if she couldn't stand the "noise", there wasn't a need to pinpoint the race and mention the S$50-ROM fee. Shallow + wicked.