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The area in which Benjamin’s body was found.
Well-liked student in school and a loved child at home
Benjamin’s father said his son was a thoughtful young man who understood that his family was not financially well-off, and had been working part-time at McDonald’s to help lighten their burden.
His mother said he was well-liked by his co-workers.
“Many of the aunties there praised him for being a helpful and friendly boy,” she recalled with a smile and tears in her eyes. “They congratulated me for having such a good son.”
Benjamin was also popular with his peers. Friends from the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) attended his wake and gave his family a special tribute to their departed friend.
Messages of praise for Benjamin from his friends.
They also presented Benjamin with his sergeant rank.
Tribute from family and friends laid across Benjamin’s bed.
The school’s reaction
When TOC visited Northview Secondary School, the vice-principal declined to be interviewed and sent two staff members to receive our questions. We have yet to receive any answers.
The New Paper, however, managed to speak to the principal. This is what he said:
“When the plainclothes police officers came to the school, we were discreet in bringing the student to the office to meet with the police.”
The New Paper also reported that the principal ensured that the boy was able to finish his meal before being taken to the police station.
Despite the report, questions remain. Benjamin’s father told TOC he hoped the boy wasn’t summoned to the principal’s office via the school’s PA system. According to Mr Lim, his son had also not finished lunch when he was called. He was only allowed to return to the canteen with a counsellor, after visiting the principal’s office.
It was reported that only one plainclothes officer was allowed to talk to Benjamin, in the presence of the vice-principal and discipline master.
Mr Lim expressed disappointment over the response by the school authorities. He told TOC the principal did not share any information about what transpired between the police and his son at school, neither did the school explain the decision to exclude Benjamin from the school camp.
Mdm Teng told TOC she believed that news of the school not letting Benjamin attend the camp must have contributed to his decision to jump. She said it was the last thing the boy heard before locking himself in his room.
Disappointing response by the police
Mr Lim said he asked the police numerous questions, but their standard reply was, “No comment.”
“They are very arrogant and irresponsible,” he told TOC.
According to Mr Lim, police called him three days after Benjamin’s passing, asking for a meeting at the Ang Mo Kio Police Division Headquarters. He said he declined because he did not want to see them at the place where his son was interrogated.
Mdm Teng said she had asked to see the police officer who interviewed her son. “Only he would know what happened,” she said.
It is unlikely the interview was recorded. Outrage of modesty is not a seizable offence under Singapore law unless the alleged perpertrator is caught in the act.
“My son died a very unjustified death,” exclaimed Mr Lim. “Why couldn’t they have waited until school was over? Why couldn’t they have waited till his parents were around?”
“My son died with his eyes open,” Mdm Teng added. Mr Lim had earlier told media that a priest had tried to close his son’s eyes but they kept reopening.
When asked if the family would take action against the police, Mr Lim said, “My family is not so well-to-do so we do not know how far we can pursue the case. But although we are poor, we have our dignity.”
TOC has sent queries to the SPF and will provide updates in the event of a response.
NOTE: TOC has received permission from the parents to share the photo of Benjamin. Benjamin is 14 years old and considered a minor, but what protection do minor’s have, especially in such a case where one has so tragically died under such problematic circumstances?
If the authorities are concerned with protecting minors, the police should consider whether its policies related to the arrest of minors (below age of 16) are appropriate, and in compliance with the UN Convention to the Rights of the Child (CRC), Section 40, 2(b) that Singapore is a signatory to.
Helplines
■Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – 1800-221-4444
■National Family Service Centre – 1800-838-0100
■Singapore Association for Mental Health – 1800-283-7019
■Care Corner Mandarin Counselling Centre – 1800-353-5800
■Touchline (Touch Youth Service) – 1800-377-2252
■Tinkle Friend: Children – 1800-274-4788 on weekdays