-Chiam See Tong's budget speech on 03 March 2010:

03 March 10

MORE MEASURES TO CURB PROPERTY PRICES

Sir, in order to curb property prices from escalating further, I would suggest that the 3 years minimum occupation period for resale of HDB flats only be imposed on PRs and not on Singapore citizens. PRs should also wait for 3 years before they are allowed to purchase HDB flats. Foreigners and PRs are only allowed to sell their private properties after 3 years 0f purchase.

INCREASING BIRTH RATE

Singapore's birth rate continued to decline despite the government’s special tax incentives such as Baby Bonus Schemes. As is the usual PAP practice, money is simply thrown at the problem and encouraging more foreigners to fill the gap with little attention paid to the accompanying social consequence in order to overcome the declining birth rate. While the birth rate is falling in other developed countries as well, the situation in Singapore is among the worst in the world. We are seeing the outcome of our social and economic policies. My observations and by talking to ordinary people, I would say that the declining birth rate is due to the following fundamental reasons:

- High cost of living including public housing

- Insecurity of jobs

- High cost and burden of educating and bringing up the child

As long the Economics hardship continues to worsen for the families whether in the form of high cost of living or Taxes, there will be an imbalance in the natural force. Also, it is important for the government to find out why in certain countries like Sweden or France can increase or maintain their fertility rate instead of following the liberal immigration policy. A more integrated and holistic approach is required. What we need is a more conducive environment for people to reproduce by keeping the cost of living from ballooning, and providing comprehensive social nets for families struggling to balance career and child-raising,also more incentives and subsidies to help in assisted births like IVF and fertility treatments and also the government’s change of mindset towards unwed pregnant girls. Lastly, any new policies or incentives to improve the birth rate should be made simple and always target the larger segment of the population to achieve any lasting results.

CAPPING OF PERMANENT RESIDENT

Is there any capping on Permanent Resident? With all the productivity incentive, training and other incentives to encourage businesses and also Singaporeans to be gainfully employed, when the Government is expecting to be self-reliant and shall reduce the dependency of Foreign Skills and Talents? More foreign workers are being used in the construction sectors, marine sectors, & health care sectors. The government and the organisation put it that Singaporeans are not willing or prepared to take up these jobs. Singaporeans are blamed and have been accused for not taking up some low end jobs with lower pay. But the fact is, with the current cost of living, it is practically not possible to survive with the low end jobs offering lower pay and hence Singaporeans hesitate to take up these jobs. It is the Government that is directly responsible in creating this environment by making Singapore the expensive place to live in and Singaporeans should not be blamed for that. The government should focus and revamp the whole system from education to training and also introduce policies to encourage and motivate Singaporeans to take up the job in the sectors where foreign workers/talents are mostly used now and thus it will reduce the dependency rate of foreigners. Does government has plan in this area?

GST

The increase in GST will hit hardest the lower income group as well as our increasingly marginalized middle income group even with the offsett of rebates from the goverment on service and conservancy charges which is short term. I would suggest that the government take the radical step by reducing the GST by 2% points to rein in inflation which has gone up too high. I believe that the government can afford given that GST accounted for over 6.6 billion or15% or more of the total revenue,plus additional revenue when the 2 casinos come on stream. Tax credits only benefits big companies and have limited benefits to borderline companies like SMES where growth is important and is a constrain to keep momentum going.Upfront cash or grants is more helpful for SMES with cash flow problem for them to invest in skills and technology.

FOREIGN WORKER'S LEVY

The foreign worker’s levy could be varied according to industry Like hospital, old folks home, hospices etc that relies a lot on foreign health caregives which eventually leads to higher operating costs. I would like to propose a creation of skills shortages list for short listing of foreign worker applications Create a ranking of skills that have a shortage of labour in Singapore for example nursing, coaching of certain sport medical experts etc With this list and a cap on the number of foreign workers allowed to enter Singapore work permits will be issued in priority of the shortage in local labour available .Hence ensuring that despite placing a cap on the number of foreign workers, industries that require foreign labour due to the shortage of certain skills in Singapore , will still be able to get the workers they need.

EDUCATION

Under the Ministry of Education.I would like to suggest the government to peg the increase in tuition fees for tertiary institutions such as polytechnics/ITEs and universities to the inflation rate or the actual reported increase in operating costs. This aims to limit the ability of the institutions to raise the fees beyond what is acceptable based on reason. Every increase in tuition fees should also be matched with increases in financial aid for needy students so that no body is left out. Setting up of a Work and Study scheme.This scheme allows students to work on campus and they are paid an allowance of which payment is shared by the institution and government. This helps students finance their education,while gaining useful work experience in a safe and convenient environment.

HEALTH CARE COST

National Health care costs can be reduced if each individual Singaporean is encouraged to take more personal ownership of their health and lifestyle. Perhaps the government can consider introducing an individual balance score card which the government could use as a cost saving incentive This will be given to individuals to offset expenses in the move to adopting a healthy lifestyle for example gym membership medical bills purchase of exercise equipment health checks and supplements and to redeem benefits such as better insurance payments much as the no claim bonus in the car industry.

Casino - Security Concerns

Domestic Concerns - The casino opened recently and within a few weeks time, there were cases of robbery & cheating. I am concerned that it shall spill out further and cause greater problem to the society including the behavior patterns of the gamblers. The government should step in its force and to take all preventive steps rather than waiting for something worst to happen and take action.

Other Concerns -

Foreigners and high profile people from all over the world shall patronize casino and the area could be a target for any sort of attacks by international terrorist groups. If the government lacks on any of the security measures, it will have a big impact on our growth and development. The government should not be complacent on security and suggest to be more vigil and pro-active to defend our nation.

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-Chiam See Tong's budget speech on 03 March 2010: