The Last Straw That Broke Jane: A Case for an Ombudsman System
Jane Lee’s tragic death brings to the fore the urgent need for a stronger system of social protection. An ombudsman system could have made a difference by providing a vital buffer against error, neglect, or abuse. Let her loss galvanise us to act on what is long overdue: the establishment of an independent ombudsman system in Singapore. Note: I was about to publish this reflection piece when the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) gave a media update (as published by the Striats Times on 1 August 2025) stating that the insurance claim referenced here had in fact been paid out by the insurer. The MOM confirmed that Jane’s business held valid insurance coverage at the time the alleged fraudulent workplace injury happened. This is contrary to Jane’s Facebook post, which suggested a lapse in coverage. The question remains – why Jane remained despondent even though her business was covered by valid insurance as required by law. Her distress could have stemmed from other factors such as (1...