MP David Hoe appeared on Death Kopitiam S’pore due to parliamentary question on death literacy
Those who know Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC MP David Hoe may have been shocked to see his face appear on Death Kopitiam Singapore, a Facebook page devoted to posting obituaries.
In a Facebook post of his own on Friday (8 May), Mr Hoe reported that he is very much alive, despite appearances to the contrary.
Source: Death Kopitiam Singapore on Facebook
David Hoe gets messages after appearing on Death Kopitiam S’pore
Mr Hoe said he had received “a few WhatsApp messages” from concerned people who saw the post and thought “something had happened” to him.
Those who had clicked on the post, which was made on Thursday (7 May), would have realised that Death Kopitiam Singapore was actually highlighting a question he had filed in Parliament on the same day.
But considering what the page is about, netizens admitted in the comments that they thought he had passed away before they read the caption.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Some advised the page to be careful not to “mislead” people.
Source: Facebook
David Hoe asked about death literacy in S’pore
Mr Hoe’s question for written answer was for Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.
He wanted to know whether the Ministry of Health (MOH) would consider working with other ministries and agencies to address gaps in public understanding of end-of-life issues through a “more integrated whole-of-Government approach”.
Source: David Hoe on Facebook
These include issues concerning palliative care access, dying at home and post-death funeral procedures, he asked.
“I suppose the page found it relevant to share,” the MP said.
Govt launched legacy planning campaing in 2023
Mr Ong replied that the Government launched a national legacy planning campaign in 2023, promoting the adoption of legacy planning tools such as:
- Advance Care Planning
- CPF Nomination
- Lasting Power of Attorney
- Wills
The authorities have also formed more than 70 partnerships with various entities in the commercial, social and community spheres to further expand outreach, with the Singapore Hospice Council engaging the public to normalise conversations on death and advocate for a supportive palliative care environment.
Mr Hoe said he was “encouraged” by these efforts as such conversations are “not always easy”.
Source: David Hoe on Facebook
He also urged Singaporeans to check out My Legacy, which was launched by LifeSG to help Singaporeans plan for such matters.
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Featured image adapted from Death Kopitiam Singapore on Facebook and David Hoe on Facebook.
