I have replied in regards to the Budget in another thread. You can fool a layman who hasn't learnt about economics in University, but you can't fool one who's studying economics in Australia.
http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?t=15511&page=2
Well like I have mentioned. This is the first time, first time (in many years) our great PAP government has made this Budget schemes to tackle the current problems. The situation is Singapore is not as bad yet. If the situation is worse along the way, surely our great PAP government will take further cuts and rebates in those areas you have mentioned in that thread you have listed. You can't expect the government to one shot lower or cut everything, as an economics student yourself, you should know that constant reviewing and monitoring the situations and performances is very important to make all the necessary changes. So, lets hope this first Budget schemes will help Singapore to pull through this difficult time. 3 cheers for our great PAP.