Dr Tan See Leng, Chairperson of the People’s Action Party Seniors Group (PAPSG), stressed the Party’s deep commitment to Singaporeans. He mentioned that the policies are carefully designed to be sustainable for the long term.
Dr Tan was addressing a PAP activist’s concern at a post-budget dialogue by the PAPSG on 15 March. The activist suggested that certain Singaporeans may feel unheard, causing them to raise the same issues repeatedly.
Dr Tan expressed sympathy with the activist’s point of view. He pointed out that one of the challenges for the PAP government lies in communicating policies in a relatable and understandable manner.
“They are very good with policies. But how to connect the dots? That’s most important. I can have this very good thing. But if you don’t know how to connect the whole box together. Each one is [working] in silo.”
“[The PAP] do care.” said Dr Tan. “They care to the extent that they ensure all their policies are sustainable.”
Rahayu Mahzam, Vice-Chairperson of PAPSG, explained this is why the PAPSG equips activists with clear guidelines on engaging older Singaporeans more impactfully through the PAPSG playbook.
“When you encounter a senior with a particular issue relevant to them, it’s important to speak in their language and terms, and explain that though we have a challenge, the larger system keeps it sustainable… Even locally, you can have your own support programme.” said MP Mahzam.
Low labour force participation after 60 in countries without retirement age
In response to a question about removing the retirement age to boost senior employment, Dr Tan mentioned that research indicates countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, the UK, and Australia, which are OECD members, maintain a retirement age.
In countries without a retirement age, labour force participation after age 60 is quite low, Dr Tan noted.
“Our labour force participation between 60 and 70 is not the highest,” he said. “It’s a mindset [issue]. If I don’t have this ballpark, employers will then take the other end. Once you past 60, they will convert you to a yearly contract.”
When asked if the government could continue the CDC vouchers scheme in the long run, Dr Tan reassured activists that as long as the government manages to achieve budget surplus, and breadth and latitude in its budget policies, the CDC vouchers will continue to benefit the “right segment of the population”.
On a suggestion to break down the Budget initiatives into bite-size information to help seniors understand, Dr Tan confirmed that Party branches would produce infographics summarising key points to disseminate on social media to achieve this.
“But we still need you to help articulate and verbalise it to some of the residents and your supporters. Why? Because there are so many schemes, and I can tell you today, our support is from cradle to grave,” he said.
Abot 100 activists participated in the PAP post-budget dialogue. In addition to Dr Tan and Madam Rahayu, Henry Kwek, also Vice-Chairperson of PAPSG, joined the panel to address queries from the activists.
