“Which is why we are so grateful that you decided to come in,” Omala added, looking into Jessica’s eyes with a burning intensity that unnerved her.

“Krison told me you were short of manpower. I thought I should help out with the interviews.”

Omala and Kuan Eng exchanged a loaded glance.

“We are hoping you can do more than that.”

“What do you mean?” Jessica asked, mystified.

Kuan Eng shifted himself forward until he was seated at the edge of the sofa, his body heavily tilted towards her.

“The riot lasted for under three hours. There was some damage to property. Up to nine vehicles were set on fire, including three police patrol cars. There was one death—a migrant worker who was fatally pinned between two buses. Otherwise, no mass casualties have resulted from the riot. In fact, as far as we can tell, you are the only one.”

“The media has been training the spotlight on your case,” Omala interjected. “You put a face to the fear the entire nation shares. You reminded the people that they are vulnerable to circumstances beyond their control. What happened to you could happen to them.”

“We cannot deny that a group of migrant workers started the riot,” Kuan Eng continued. “It is too early in the investigation process to guess at why it happened. But we are pretty certain that the authorities are going to point a finger at the migrant worker community.”

“We at Migrant Workers Count Too can make an educated guess or two, though,” Omala again jumped in. “You have heard Majumder and Bhimul’s stories. There are hundreds of other similar tales. Their collective frustrations are a time bomb waiting to go off. That is likely what happened last Sunday.”

“But what is it that you want me to do?” Jessica asked, her heart palpitating. She had an inkling they had something significant lined up for her.

“It would help if you could agree to an interview to speak up for these migrant workers in spite of what happened to you.” Kuan Eng picked his words cautiously. “You need not reveal details about your personal experience of the riot if you do not wish to. But it would make a huge difference if the people of Singapore witness you being impartial and understanding. They will be inspired to emulate your magnanimity. They will open up their ears and hearts to listen to the migrant workers’ side of the story.”

“Your words can change the destiny of these migrant workers,” Omala concluded. “Will you help?”

Jessica flushed like a beetroot. Omala was right. This was a call for action that she alone could take up.

“If I agree, you will arrange an interview for me?”

“There is a team from the news portal Online Citizen coming in at 3pm to film our session with the migrant workers. We can arrange for you to give them an exclusive interview.”