(Original illustration: Adam Lee)
Paternity leave? You see, men being men (and not Transformers) do not have the ability to transform into mommies. They are not equipped for the job.
In case it is not obvious enough: Men do not have functional boobs. Maternity leave is given to women in the period immediately following birth for two reasons. One: for them to recover from the strain of giving birth and Two: to breastfeed their babies. Men on the one hand do not need to recover from any (physical) stress and on the other do not have the mammaries to provide for their infants.
So, PM Lee with all the theatrics of an amateur magician looking for applause when pulling out the paternity leave rabbit out of the hat and pausing for the applause shows two things. One: He is pandering to the masses or being populist. Two: The average citizen is clueless and doesn't understand (what is being given) or even know what they want/need.
I believe what would be useful is Child Care leave. I believe such a scheme is already available. If it is currently only available to the mother, then it would be useful to have it extended to the father as well. This would make better sense than paternity leave.
Considering the 'caliber' of the audience for the National Day Rally speech, I would hope that it is polite applause and not that the citizens there actually thought it was a good idea. But I have my doubts...
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