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http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/ED...-LOH-KIAH-MUAN Online Only - MP had no empathy Letter from LAWRENCE LOH KIAH MUAN Updated 10:07 PM May 13, 2009 It started with Member of Parliament (MP) Seng Han Thong being set on fire. Then came MP Denise Phua who was threatened by a rag-and-bone man. Recently, MP Cynthia Phua was subjected to a display of violence by a constituent. Although these incidents are disturbing and a cause for concern, I wonder whether the constituents are solely to be blamed. Allow me to relate my personal experience. In February 2001, my older son died in a naval accident whilst serving National Service. In that year, my younger son was due for enlistment. A friend, a very active grassroots member, suggested that I approach my MP, for help in exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for my younger son. I was reluctant but he went ahead to fix an appointment for me at the Meet-The-People Session (MPS). I subsequently relented and he accompanied me there. It was in March 2001. That was my first appearance at a MPS, and it was to be my last. I waited until midnight before I could meet the MP. Prior to this, he was given the case paper which detailed the objective of the meeting and the circumstances of my case. When I entered the room, his first remark was