On the 9th of September this year, members of the PAP’s Northwest District Women’s Wing convened for a special talk on legal issues in Nee Soon South branch. The event was graced by Ms Ellen Lee, a lawyer and former MP in Sembawang GRC.
The PAP Women’s Wing focuses on issues and topics related to women’s empowerment and development. In line with those aims, the talk emphasised the importance of estate planning, writing a will, making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and making an Advance Medical Directive (AMD). Ms Lee delivered a powerful and meaningful presentation on these topics. The ladies in attendance agreed that the talk was very useful in answering many of the questions they had.
The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legally binding document that allows anyone above the age of 21 to voluntarily appoint one or more persons to make decisions and act on their behalf should they lose mental capacity one day. In the event they become vulnerable, the LPA would allow them to protect their interests. This would be beneficial only is if the proxy chosen to act on one’s behalf is truly trustworthy.
The Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that is signed beforehand to inform one’s doctor that he or she prefers not to use and life-sustaining treatment to prolong life in the event one becomes terminally ill and unconscious and where death is impending.
All in all, the ladies enjoyed the intimate nature of the talk as they managed to not only learn something new but also had a chance to interact with the guest speaker Ms Lee and one another. The Women’s Wing will continue to strive to bring meaningful and empowering talks to women everywhere. It will also continue to create platforms for women to build support networks.
Participants with Ms Ellen Lee, lawyer and former MP (front row second from left), Er Dr Lee Bee Wah, MP and Chairman of Nee Soon South branch (front row third from left), and Ms Ellen Lim, branch secretary of Nee Soon South branch (front row fourth from left).