Let’s call Budget 2024 a Forward Singapore budget. It is here as a first step to make sure Singaporeans thrive despite an uncertain world. “An economy that benefits the many rather than the few,” as Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said when presenting it last week (Feb 16).
As parliamentary representatives of the people, PAP MPs have different causes and residents they champion. Here’s what they hope to see once the Budget is in place.
Managing the cost of living through PHV COEs and controlling inflation
The world is getting more expensive. That is a truth now even more acutely felt during these days when, not long out of the pandemic, countries are grappling with the inflationary pressures of war and great power rivalry.
MP Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) spoke up on one way to make the cost of living more manageable — a separate Certificate of Entitlement (COE) category for private-hire vehicles.
“This is not a luxury car problem, but a family car problem,” said MP Yip.
How so?
“While the public transport network continues to expand, car ownership remains a critical aspect of life for many Singaporeans. Families with young children, seniors, individuals who have limited mobility, and those with special needs often rely on private vehicles for their daily commutes,” said MP Yip.
Source: Yip Hon Weng, Foo Mee Har / Facebook
Meanwhile, MP Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC) warned about government handouts causing a “vicious escalation in prices” and prolonging inflation.
“After all, it would be unsustainable to dole out assistance to fight inflation if such help ends up keeping inflation higher for longer. So, I call on the Government to keep a close eye on this,” said MP Foo.
Flexibility for SkillsFuture students and safeguards for the system
There is a lot of excitement about the $4,000 SkillsFuture top-up for mid-career Singaporeans, as well as the 50 per cent of one’s last-drawn salary financial support for those pursuing a diploma. These are funds to make 40 the new 20 when it comes to learning new skills for a new career.
Here, MP Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC) is for making sure that the courses for these new skills serve employers and employees well. He asked the Government to work with the private sector to enhance the SkillsFuture courses. He also called for more student-centred courses.
“I would like to suggest to continue to explore innovative ways to increase flexibility and accessibility to the courses and programs further to accommodate the diverse needs of learners, including those who are doing it part-time, doing it online or through modular options that allow for balancing training with work and family commitments,” said MP Wan Rizal.
Source: Wan Rizal, Saktiandi Supaat / Facebook
MP Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) asked for stronger safeguards in order to make sure that SkillsFuture is not abused, citing the case of a criminal syndicate fraudulently acquiring almost $40 million in SkillsFuture grants.
“We don’t want to allow those who are not in need to exploit the profit of those programs, diverting away the help that should have gone to those who need it,” he said.
Strengthening social reserves in an age of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a necessary concern for Singaporeans in this brave new world. Deepfakes and social media echo chambers can undermine the harmony and togetherness of Singaporeans, said MP Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC)
He has a suggestion to combat this inevitability: That the Government set up an SG Togetherness Office (SGTO).
SGTO could consider the impact on social togetherness for every Government policy and program, and an inter-ministry committee could chair it. This would keep Singapore working well and peacefully for the years ahead, even when the next crisis occurs.
Source: Tan Wu Meng / Facebook
“We can choose how we strengthen and deepen our social togetherness. Strengthen Singapore’s social reserves. So that in a world of troubles, no matter what comes, nothing — and no one — will ever knock Singapore down,” said MP Tan.
MP Tan’s outlook considers the why is the Government planning all these measures? portion of the Budget. Afterall, the Budget is at its core a major step for refreshing Singapore’s social compact during the journey forward.
