I WISH to make an appeal to HDB to review what is perhaps an outdated ruling that disallows single senior citizens (SSCs) from buying flats directly from HDB.

A revision to this policy could help for the following reasons:

- SSCs who have purchased three-room flats from the open market before could upgrade to a four-room flat. They could draw income from the rental of two rooms instead of one, thus allowing them a measure of financial independence.

- Most SSCs may not qualify for bank loans with which to finance the higher-priced four- room flats on the open market.

- SSCs could put their limited CPF funds to use by purchasing larger HDB flats directly from the HDB.

- This could be a gesture of appreciation to SSCs who are single perhaps due to circumstances beyond their control, but who have nevertheless contributed to the growth of the country.

- SSCs who are divorced or unmarried with children who are 21 and above could also benefit from this.

Mr Thomas Kwan Sai Hong