Stayers! Don’t be Docile!

Here is a message from a Stayer from Neptune Court which has undergone two recent en bloc attempts to a neighbour who is worried about speaking her mind:

Are you being en bloced? If so, my sympathies.

Enblocers, among them many speculators, are intent on selling your beloved apartment to enrich themselves, at the expense of their neighbour's misery and anxiety. And they do so blatantly, expecting you to be led to the slaughter like sheep. They have no qualms about doing this; so don't be concerned about what they think of you.

On the contrary, I think if you believe in keeping your apartment and saving your estate, you should stick your neck out and take the lead in mobilising as many meek and intimidated Stayers in your estate to come out in the open, and let all and sundry know you will fight (legally of course) to keep your cherished home, possibly your costliest possession. By keeping a low profile and adopting a docile attitude, and being isolated from other Stayers, you will be easily overwhelmed.

It was the same situation in my condo some time ago, until a small group of us decided we had enough of intimidation, and formed an ad hoc committee to spearhead the formation of the “Stayers Group”. We called a general meeting , and lo and behold, many previously very timid stayers (afraid of stating their stand for fear of being called public enemy number 1) came into the open. We registered 60 names (actually there are more in our estate) with their contact numbers, email IDs etc, and appointed block reps to disseminate and collect feedback on impending actions etc. We also appealed for funds and collected more than $5,000 for our war-chest, some of these having been used for admin and legal fees -- you need money to function and fight effectively ...! We now have more confidence, mutual support, strength and at least some financial clout.

What do the enblocers think of us? Yes - Public Enemy Number One, uncooperative, unfriendly etc etc.. Who cares? A few of the Stayers were verbally abused and / or cold-shouldered by neighbours. Did this bother us? Yes, but we were NOT intimidated. We reported threats to the police. We prevailed, and now the CSC (Sales Committee), and other enblocers, knowing our resolve and collective strength, tend to leave us alone and offer us some grudging respect.

Throughout this process, we attempt to be as civil, tactful, and as neighbourly as we can. But we make it clear we do not wish our tails to be stepped on!

This is what you should do, in my opinion. Being Mr Nice and Proper, and accommodating, will not serve your purpose, nor will it for those other timid Stayers now lying low, in the end. Rather, I think it will hurt your efforts...!

As for those Stayers who still persist in remaining in their little dream world, anxious and worried sick about losing your homes but still too afraid to get help, I ask you to be fair to your fellow Stayers, who are sticking their necks out and putting themselves in the line of fire. Please be more courageous and committed and support their efforts. You are all exercising your rights as citizens and owners, fighting for your beloved homes and estate.. For heaven's sake... you are not committing any crime in trying to preserve your beloved home...!

Good Luck to all Stayers’ efforts.