Aug 7, 2009, The Straits Times
S'poreans happy with Govt, but not about rising costs
Survey finds eight in 10 confident of economic future
By Sue-Ann Chia, Senior Political Correspondent & Cai Haoxiang
MOST Singaporeans are happy with the way the country is governed, with many confident that Singapore has a bright future.
But some remain concerned about the affordability of basic needs such as health care, transport and housing. A small number are also dissatisfied with employment policies relating to foreigners and older workers.
These are the findings of a survey done once in two years by government feedback unit Reach, which polled 1,558 Singaporeans in June for their views on public policies.
Commenting on the results released yesterday, Reach chairman Amy Khor said: 'In the last year, we have seen a fair share of feedback on cost of living, employment and the foreign workers and talent issues, and that's not surprising, given the economic crisis.
'Hence it was also not surprising the Budget measures which are aimed at addressing the current downturn and prepare Singapore for the future were welcomed.'
More than eight in 10 are satisfied with the measures introduced in this year's Budget to help families, workers and businesses cope with the crisis. They support dipping into the national reserves to fund part of the $20.5 billion Resilience Package, which is aimed at saving jobs.
They are also happy with measures like Workfare, which supplements the income of low-wage workers.
Other aids that got the nod include extra conservancy rebates for smaller HDB flats plus the doubling of Senior Citizens Bonus and cash payout for people to cope with the rise in the goods and services tax (GST).
But what Dr Khor found encouraging was that most Singaporeans expressed confidence in the country's future despite the downturn.
More than nine in 10 believe Singapore is well-governed. Policies to build and protect the nation and maintain security received overwhelming support.
Eight in 10 feel confident about the economy's future prospects.
There were, however, some areas which made people frown. These range from cost of living issues to employment prospects.
While nine in 10 were satisfied with the quality of health care, three in 10 suggested that health-care financing can be improved further.
But when compared to 2007, Singaporeans appear happier now.
More say they are satisfied with measures to keep cost of living affordable and public services such as transport and health care reasonable.
But there was a dip in satisfaction when it comes to keeping housing affordable for the majority.
In the latest survey, relatively more appear to be vexed by work issues. Around one-third were unhappy with the job opportunities for older workers and measures to help the retrenched find jobs.
Almost three in 10 were also sore over employment policies that led to an influx of foreigners here.
Those most likely to be displeased were citizens who see themselves competing directly with foreigners for jobs, like the jobless and low-skilled.
Such sentiments are not surprising, said Dr Khor, as it is in line with feedback Reach receives via its website and other channels.
But, she added, the survey shows 'unequivocally the Government's efforts and initiatives are recognised and appreciated'.
Political observer Eugene Tan felt Singaporeans tend to be 'enlightened enough to look at the whole picture'.
'Most regard the downturn as a blip, and Government schemes like the Jobs Credit may have helped to shore up the confidence rating for the Government,' said the Singapore Management University law lecturer.
'It shows the Government is on top of issues (although) there may be a small pocket of citizens who are unhappy due to their personal situation.'
Like Mr Tan, sociologist Terence Chong is not surprised with what people are sore about, like employment woes. 'These are perennial issues that plague other societies too,' he said.
On what can be done to placate people over issues like jobs for older workers, he said: 'Ultimately, you have to legislate and make it illegal to discriminate against older workers.'
Singapore will introduce a re-employment law by 2012, requiring employers to re-hire workers beyond the retirement age of 62.
But nothing can be done about Singaporeans' unhappiness with foreign workers. 'You just have to pat Singaporeans on the back, and say: 'You're treasured',' he added.
The Government, however, is reviewing the foreign worker policy, with an eye on reducing reliance on them.
S'poreans happy with Govt, but not about rising costs
Survey finds eight in 10 confident of economic future
By Sue-Ann Chia, Senior Political Correspondent & Cai Haoxiang
MOST Singaporeans are happy with the way the country is governed, with many confident that Singapore has a bright future.
But some remain concerned about the affordability of basic needs such as health care, transport and housing. A small number are also dissatisfied with employment policies relating to foreigners and older workers.
These are the findings of a survey done once in two years by government feedback unit Reach, which polled 1,558 Singaporeans in June for their views on public policies.
Commenting on the results released yesterday, Reach chairman Amy Khor said: 'In the last year, we have seen a fair share of feedback on cost of living, employment and the foreign workers and talent issues, and that's not surprising, given the economic crisis.
'Hence it was also not surprising the Budget measures which are aimed at addressing the current downturn and prepare Singapore for the future were welcomed.'
More than eight in 10 are satisfied with the measures introduced in this year's Budget to help families, workers and businesses cope with the crisis. They support dipping into the national reserves to fund part of the $20.5 billion Resilience Package, which is aimed at saving jobs.
They are also happy with measures like Workfare, which supplements the income of low-wage workers.
Other aids that got the nod include extra conservancy rebates for smaller HDB flats plus the doubling of Senior Citizens Bonus and cash payout for people to cope with the rise in the goods and services tax (GST).
But what Dr Khor found encouraging was that most Singaporeans expressed confidence in the country's future despite the downturn.
More than nine in 10 believe Singapore is well-governed. Policies to build and protect the nation and maintain security received overwhelming support.
Eight in 10 feel confident about the economy's future prospects.
There were, however, some areas which made people frown. These range from cost of living issues to employment prospects.
While nine in 10 were satisfied with the quality of health care, three in 10 suggested that health-care financing can be improved further.
But when compared to 2007, Singaporeans appear happier now.
More say they are satisfied with measures to keep cost of living affordable and public services such as transport and health care reasonable.
But there was a dip in satisfaction when it comes to keeping housing affordable for the majority.
In the latest survey, relatively more appear to be vexed by work issues. Around one-third were unhappy with the job opportunities for older workers and measures to help the retrenched find jobs.
Almost three in 10 were also sore over employment policies that led to an influx of foreigners here.
Those most likely to be displeased were citizens who see themselves competing directly with foreigners for jobs, like the jobless and low-skilled.
Such sentiments are not surprising, said Dr Khor, as it is in line with feedback Reach receives via its website and other channels.
But, she added, the survey shows 'unequivocally the Government's efforts and initiatives are recognised and appreciated'.
Political observer Eugene Tan felt Singaporeans tend to be 'enlightened enough to look at the whole picture'.
'Most regard the downturn as a blip, and Government schemes like the Jobs Credit may have helped to shore up the confidence rating for the Government,' said the Singapore Management University law lecturer.
'It shows the Government is on top of issues (although) there may be a small pocket of citizens who are unhappy due to their personal situation.'
Like Mr Tan, sociologist Terence Chong is not surprised with what people are sore about, like employment woes. 'These are perennial issues that plague other societies too,' he said.
On what can be done to placate people over issues like jobs for older workers, he said: 'Ultimately, you have to legislate and make it illegal to discriminate against older workers.'
Singapore will introduce a re-employment law by 2012, requiring employers to re-hire workers beyond the retirement age of 62.
But nothing can be done about Singaporeans' unhappiness with foreign workers. 'You just have to pat Singaporeans on the back, and say: 'You're treasured',' he added.
The Government, however, is reviewing the foreign worker policy, with an eye on reducing reliance on them.
