I think one way of looking at it is that they bring out all these unpopular proposals now, and then give sweeteners along the way before 2016. In this way, citizens''unhappiness more or less not so concentrated.
I don't think this tactic works anymore.
if you are caught in the jam not only in CBD area but at every major road, in HDB estates;
if you are rubbing shoulders while in the food courts, markets, shopping centres and practically everywhere you go;
if your kids are losing out on school, university, childcare placement;
if school leavers finding it hard to find reasonable jobs;
if your parents are having to delay treatments due to lack of hospital beds;
if the doctors are telling you that they will not save the lives of your old-age parents;
if every other person you meet on the streets is an unfamiliar face;
if you cannot understand what your neighbours, call centre operators, waiters/waitresses are talking about;
if your kids had to go overseas for university studies while foreigner students enjoys full tuition fees, pocket money & accommodations;
if you child tells you many of his schoolmates intend to migrates and he intends to do so too;
I don't think any sweeteners would help.
Punggol East is more than a by-election effects, we all know that.
I am looking forward to 2016.