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Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.
- Thread starter LaoTze
- Start date
Lawrence has a reminder for Singapore. 
My colleague Vivian Balakrishnan set out in Parliament today Singapore’s position on the Ukraine crisis. We strongly condemn Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which has resulted in many casualties and the loss of innocent lives. We must respect the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries — big and small.
In the face of this unjustified attack, the people of Ukraine have rallied together to defend their country — thousands are volunteering to take up arms and fight, despite many having no previous military experience.
What we see happening in Ukraine is also a reminder for all of us in Singapore. No one owes us a living — ultimately it’s up to us and us alone to defend our nation. That’s why we must always ensure we have the resources to protect ourselves against any external threats in this dangerous world.
On the economic front, we are monitoring closely the impact of this crisis. My colleague Gan Kim Yong just provided an update on this during the Budget Debate. If the situation worsens, we will introduce additional measures and do more to help households, workers, and businesses.
Lawrence Wong
3 hrs ·My colleague Vivian Balakrishnan set out in Parliament today Singapore’s position on the Ukraine crisis. We strongly condemn Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which has resulted in many casualties and the loss of innocent lives. We must respect the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries — big and small.
In the face of this unjustified attack, the people of Ukraine have rallied together to defend their country — thousands are volunteering to take up arms and fight, despite many having no previous military experience.
What we see happening in Ukraine is also a reminder for all of us in Singapore. No one owes us a living — ultimately it’s up to us and us alone to defend our nation. That’s why we must always ensure we have the resources to protect ourselves against any external threats in this dangerous world.
On the economic front, we are monitoring closely the impact of this crisis. My colleague Gan Kim Yong just provided an update on this during the Budget Debate. If the situation worsens, we will introduce additional measures and do more to help households, workers, and businesses.
from msn.com:
Wong was speaking in Parliament on the phased hike in the GST to 9 per cent over two years during the debate on Budget 2022.
In his Budget Speech on 18 February, Wong announced that the GST will be raised from 7 to 8 per cent on 1 January 2023, and from 8 to 9 per cent on 1 January 2024. He said then that the revenue from the GST increase will go towards supporting Singapore's healthcare spending, taking care of the senior citizens, and other expenditure needs.
On Wednesday, Wong said he was aware of the concerns about inflation and cost of living. If inflation turns out to be persistent and higher than expected, the government would deal with it separately through various measures.
He reiterated that the government is cushioning the impact of the higher GST on households of different income levels through the Enhanced Assurance Package and the permanent GST Voucher Scheme.
Citing the example of a family with two young children with an income of $2,500 a month and living in a three-room flat, the family will receive $2,400 per year of benefits over the next five years, more than the total GST expenses of around $2,000 per year over the same period. Wong pointed out that most low-income families will receive more benefits than what they will pay in GST.
Wong noted that the Workers’ Party (WP) and the Progress Singapore Party object to raising GST, claiming that the government’s offsets are temporary and the GST is regressive and disproportionately impacts the poor.
“It is not true that the GST increase hurts the poor, not in the way we have designed it. And even for the middle income, you can see they continue to pay an effective rate which is well below the headline 9 per cent rate,” Wong said.
Wong also responded to a question by WP Member of Parliament He Ting Ru on whether the government can implement a multi-tier GST system for different items, or exempt certain essential items from GST.
A multi-rated GST system would lead to highly arbitrary distinctions between products and "creative efforts" by businesses to get their products classified into the lower tiers, and would be costly and onerous to implement, Wong said. A GST exemption for a basket of goods tends to benefit the well-to-do more as they spend more on everything, from luxury items to basic necessities, he added.
Wong also rejected the “simplistic and divisive” suggestions by the opposition to close Singapore’s funding gap without having to raise the GST by making the wealthy, large companies, and future generations pay more.
Singapore cannot sustain a tax system where the bulk or all of the burden is borne by a small group of people at the top end, Wong argued.
“It will not be possible to hold our society together if only a small group of people are required to pay more taxes all the time, while the rest simply get to piggyback on their contributions to enjoy more benefits. And that's why having a broad-based tax like the GST is so vital.”
‘Not true that the GST increase hurts the poor’: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — Singapore cannot keep delaying the increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as it is facing pressing revenue needs, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (2 March).Wong was speaking in Parliament on the phased hike in the GST to 9 per cent over two years during the debate on Budget 2022.
In his Budget Speech on 18 February, Wong announced that the GST will be raised from 7 to 8 per cent on 1 January 2023, and from 8 to 9 per cent on 1 January 2024. He said then that the revenue from the GST increase will go towards supporting Singapore's healthcare spending, taking care of the senior citizens, and other expenditure needs.
On Wednesday, Wong said he was aware of the concerns about inflation and cost of living. If inflation turns out to be persistent and higher than expected, the government would deal with it separately through various measures.
He reiterated that the government is cushioning the impact of the higher GST on households of different income levels through the Enhanced Assurance Package and the permanent GST Voucher Scheme.
Citing the example of a family with two young children with an income of $2,500 a month and living in a three-room flat, the family will receive $2,400 per year of benefits over the next five years, more than the total GST expenses of around $2,000 per year over the same period. Wong pointed out that most low-income families will receive more benefits than what they will pay in GST.
Wong noted that the Workers’ Party (WP) and the Progress Singapore Party object to raising GST, claiming that the government’s offsets are temporary and the GST is regressive and disproportionately impacts the poor.
“It is not true that the GST increase hurts the poor, not in the way we have designed it. And even for the middle income, you can see they continue to pay an effective rate which is well below the headline 9 per cent rate,” Wong said.
Wong also responded to a question by WP Member of Parliament He Ting Ru on whether the government can implement a multi-tier GST system for different items, or exempt certain essential items from GST.
A multi-rated GST system would lead to highly arbitrary distinctions between products and "creative efforts" by businesses to get their products classified into the lower tiers, and would be costly and onerous to implement, Wong said. A GST exemption for a basket of goods tends to benefit the well-to-do more as they spend more on everything, from luxury items to basic necessities, he added.
Wong also rejected the “simplistic and divisive” suggestions by the opposition to close Singapore’s funding gap without having to raise the GST by making the wealthy, large companies, and future generations pay more.
Singapore cannot sustain a tax system where the bulk or all of the burden is borne by a small group of people at the top end, Wong argued.
“It will not be possible to hold our society together if only a small group of people are required to pay more taxes all the time, while the rest simply get to piggyback on their contributions to enjoy more benefits. And that's why having a broad-based tax like the GST is so vital.”
Lawrence gives a quick update.
Quick update after my speech to round up the Budget debate in the Parliament of Singapore.
I thank our Members of Parliament for sharing their suggestions on the Budget.
#SGBudget2022 is about all of us — as we chart our new way forward. Together, we can build a fairer, greener, and more inclusive home
Lawrence Wong
29 mins ·Quick update after my speech to round up the Budget debate in the Parliament of Singapore.
I thank our Members of Parliament for sharing their suggestions on the Budget.
#SGBudget2022 is about all of us — as we chart our new way forward. Together, we can build a fairer, greener, and more inclusive home
People's Action Party
Yesterday at 16:24 ·In his Budget round-up speech in Parliament, Finance Minister @LawrenceWongST emphasised that the Budget is part of a multi-year agenda to renew and strengthen our social compact for a post-pandemic world. Responding to our MPs’ concerns on the rising cost of living, job opportunities for Singaporeans and support for our SMEs, Mr Wong said the government will monitor the situation, consider MPs’ suggestions, and roll out more help if necessary.
@edward.chiasg @derrickgohsh @hellowanling @melvinyong.sg @ShawnHuangWeiZhong @ PatrickTayTG @SeahKianPeng @hongtat.chee @donweebh @denisephuapage @henrykwek @ LouisNgKokKwang
#PAP4SG #PAP4Opportunity #TeamPAP #SGBudget2022
See less
— with Lawrence Wong.
People's Action Party
2 March at 16:24 ·In his Budget round-up speech in Parliament, Finance Minister @LawrenceWongST emphasised that the Budget is part of a multi-year agenda to renew and strengthen our social compact for a post-pandemic world. Responding to our MPs’ concerns on the rising cost of living, job opportunities for Singaporeans and support for our SMEs, Mr Wong said the government will monitor the situation, consider MPs’ suggestions, and roll out more help if necessary.
@edward.chiasg @derrickgohsh @hellowanling @melvinyong.sg @ShawnHuangWeiZhong @ PatrickTayTG @SeahKianPeng @hongtat.chee @donweebh @denisephuapage @henrykwek @ LouisNgKokKwang
#PAP4SG #PAP4Opportunity #TeamPAP #SGBudget2022
See less
— with Lawrence Wong.
People's Action Party
2 March at 16:24 ·In his Budget round-up speech in Parliament, Finance Minister @LawrenceWongST emphasised that the Budget is part of a multi-year agenda to renew and strengthen our social compact for a post-pandemic world. Responding to our MPs’ concerns on the rising cost of living, job opportunities for Singaporeans and support for our SMEs, Mr Wong said the government will monitor the situation, consider MPs’ suggestions, and roll out more help if necessary.
@edward.chiasg @derrickgohs…
See more
— with Lawrence Wong.
Lawrence explains why GST is needed........................... in response to WP. 
In my round-up speech to the Budget Debate, I shared how we are committed to help our lower- and middle-income households cope with cost concerns.
I also shared that the GST increase will not impact low income households, because of the significant offsets they receive on a permanent basis. So, the objection to the GST increase because it disproportionately impacts the poor is a misguided one and is not grounded on facts.
Middle-income households too get considerable help from the enhanced Assurance Package and GST Vouchers. In fact, the bulk of the GST burden in Singapore is borne by higher-income residents, tourists, and foreigners.
We have carefully thought through all the tax options before putting together this balanced package of measures for the Budget, which include GST, income as well as wealth taxes (on property and luxury cars). At the same time, we continue to be responsible in stewarding our reserves, so that future generations will have the resources they need to meet any future challenges and crises.
The changes in the Budget will ensure a fairer and more inclusive system of taxes and transfers. That means everyone contributes something in taxes and receives some tax-funded benefits. But those with greater means contribute more and get less support; while those with fewer means contribute less and get more support from the government.
Lawrence Wong
9 mins ·In my round-up speech to the Budget Debate, I shared how we are committed to help our lower- and middle-income households cope with cost concerns.
I also shared that the GST increase will not impact low income households, because of the significant offsets they receive on a permanent basis. So, the objection to the GST increase because it disproportionately impacts the poor is a misguided one and is not grounded on facts.
Middle-income households too get considerable help from the enhanced Assurance Package and GST Vouchers. In fact, the bulk of the GST burden in Singapore is borne by higher-income residents, tourists, and foreigners.
We have carefully thought through all the tax options before putting together this balanced package of measures for the Budget, which include GST, income as well as wealth taxes (on property and luxury cars). At the same time, we continue to be responsible in stewarding our reserves, so that future generations will have the resources they need to meet any future challenges and crises.
The changes in the Budget will ensure a fairer and more inclusive system of taxes and transfers. That means everyone contributes something in taxes and receives some tax-funded benefits. But those with greater means contribute more and get less support; while those with fewer means contribute less and get more support from the government.
from straitstimes.com:
SINGAPORE - Budget 2022 is not just about dollars and cents, but also encapsulates the Singapore spirit, both in planning for the future and not leaving anyone behind.
Rounding up the three-day debate on the Budget statement, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong told Parliament on Wednesday (March 2) that the Government's financial plans reflect as well the trust it has among people, as he pledged to do what is in the best interest of all Singaporeans.
Mr Wong, who gave his first Budget statement as Finance Minister on Feb 18, said the Government discusses and debates the "design of policy parameters or schemes in monetary terms" in every Budget .
"But the Budget is much more than that. It reflects something deeper: our ethos and our values. It's an expression of our shared compact to tackle our challenges together, to never stop thinking of tomorrow, and to never cease building a better Singapore," said Mr Wong.
The Budget is also about the conviction of Singaporeans to build a better society for all. The minister revealed that at engagements on the weekend after the Budget announcement, he came across an individual who told him he was happy to pay more taxes, as "it is the right thing to do".
And at a dialogue he attended, one of the participants volunteered that she did not need the money from the Assurance Package, which is meant to help cushion the increase in the goods and services tax (GST), and asked if she could donate her portion.
Mr Wong said he was cheered by this, and that an online portal would be set up in "the coming months" to allow Singaporeans to do so.
The Budget and its many announcements all boil down to trust - that between the Government and its people, that people have in one another, and across generations, he said.
Such trust is fragile and precious, taking effort and time to build up, but quickly destroyed, he stressed.
Mr Wong said that in his Budget statement, he set out "plainly" the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Singapore.
He also explained the need to move on difficult measures like the GST increase. While this may not be a popular thing for him to do, especially in his first Budget as Finance Minister, Mr Wong said he had a responsibility to do what was right and in the best interests of all Singaporeans, instead of what was "politically expedient now".
"I am convinced that the measures in the Budget are necessary and will put us in a stronger position - to strengthen the self-reinforcing system of trust we have now and to ensure that every citizen contributes their fair share to building our common enterprise, which is Singapore," he said.
Mr Wong called on MPs to always work on strengthening the trust in Singapore's institutions, and in each other, no matter their views on the Budget, or the differences they may have on policy issues.
"That means debating the issues based on facts and not biased soundbites or worse, half-truths and lies," he said.
"It means being honest and upfront with Singaporeans about what we need to do together; not sugarcoating realities or pretending that there are quick and painless remedies available."
Budget 2022 reflects Singapore's ethos of a shared compact in building a better future: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - Budget 2022 is not just about dollars and cents, but also encapsulates the Singapore spirit, both in planning for the future and not leaving anyone behind.
Rounding up the three-day debate on the Budget statement, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong told Parliament on Wednesday (March 2) that the Government's financial plans reflect as well the trust it has among people, as he pledged to do what is in the best interest of all Singaporeans.
Mr Wong, who gave his first Budget statement as Finance Minister on Feb 18, said the Government discusses and debates the "design of policy parameters or schemes in monetary terms" in every Budget .
"But the Budget is much more than that. It reflects something deeper: our ethos and our values. It's an expression of our shared compact to tackle our challenges together, to never stop thinking of tomorrow, and to never cease building a better Singapore," said Mr Wong.
The Budget is also about the conviction of Singaporeans to build a better society for all. The minister revealed that at engagements on the weekend after the Budget announcement, he came across an individual who told him he was happy to pay more taxes, as "it is the right thing to do".
And at a dialogue he attended, one of the participants volunteered that she did not need the money from the Assurance Package, which is meant to help cushion the increase in the goods and services tax (GST), and asked if she could donate her portion.
Mr Wong said he was cheered by this, and that an online portal would be set up in "the coming months" to allow Singaporeans to do so.
The Budget and its many announcements all boil down to trust - that between the Government and its people, that people have in one another, and across generations, he said.
Such trust is fragile and precious, taking effort and time to build up, but quickly destroyed, he stressed.
Mr Wong said that in his Budget statement, he set out "plainly" the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Singapore.
He also explained the need to move on difficult measures like the GST increase. While this may not be a popular thing for him to do, especially in his first Budget as Finance Minister, Mr Wong said he had a responsibility to do what was right and in the best interests of all Singaporeans, instead of what was "politically expedient now".
"I am convinced that the measures in the Budget are necessary and will put us in a stronger position - to strengthen the self-reinforcing system of trust we have now and to ensure that every citizen contributes their fair share to building our common enterprise, which is Singapore," he said.
Mr Wong called on MPs to always work on strengthening the trust in Singapore's institutions, and in each other, no matter their views on the Budget, or the differences they may have on policy issues.
"That means debating the issues based on facts and not biased soundbites or worse, half-truths and lies," he said.
"It means being honest and upfront with Singaporeans about what we need to do together; not sugarcoating realities or pretending that there are quick and painless remedies available."
Lawrence had a good discussion.
在今晚的 Mediacorp Channel 8 预算案大家谈，我跟中小企业业主劲晖、年轻妈妈美君、退休老师碧娟和工会代表爱红进行了坦诚的讨论。我解释了为何需要调高消费税，但政府也了解物价上涨带来的担忧，所以我们决定把消费税的调整延迟到2023年，并分两个阶段调高。
调高消费税不会影响到低收入家庭。 这是因为政府将会提供定心与援助配套，以及加强版的消费税补助券计划。政府也会尽力确保退休人士可以安心地享受退休生活。我们前几年推出了建国一代和立国一代配套 ，为年长国人提供终身的医疗保障，也将继续探讨如何更全面地帮助年长国人。
Had a good discussion at the Mediacorp Channel 8 Budget Forum with Singaporeans from different walks of life, including a mum of young kids Budget Babe, retiree, SME owner and union leader.
Some of the topics discussed included the GST increase and cost of living concerns. We need to raise the GST as part of a mix of revenue measures, and the GST revenues will go towards funding our rising healthcare expenditure and to look after our seniors. But the GST increase will not hurt the poor. We will continue to support our lower- and middle-income households, and provide them with the necessary help to cope with higher prices.
Catch our discussion here: https://go.gov.sg/budgetforum2022-ch8
#SGBudget2022
Lawrence Wong
2 hrs ·在今晚的 Mediacorp Channel 8 预算案大家谈，我跟中小企业业主劲晖、年轻妈妈美君、退休老师碧娟和工会代表爱红进行了坦诚的讨论。我解释了为何需要调高消费税，但政府也了解物价上涨带来的担忧，所以我们决定把消费税的调整延迟到2023年，并分两个阶段调高。
调高消费税不会影响到低收入家庭。 这是因为政府将会提供定心与援助配套，以及加强版的消费税补助券计划。政府也会尽力确保退休人士可以安心地享受退休生活。我们前几年推出了建国一代和立国一代配套 ，为年长国人提供终身的医疗保障，也将继续探讨如何更全面地帮助年长国人。
Had a good discussion at the Mediacorp Channel 8 Budget Forum with Singaporeans from different walks of life, including a mum of young kids Budget Babe, retiree, SME owner and union leader.
Some of the topics discussed included the GST increase and cost of living concerns. We need to raise the GST as part of a mix of revenue measures, and the GST revenues will go towards funding our rising healthcare expenditure and to look after our seniors. But the GST increase will not hurt the poor. We will continue to support our lower- and middle-income households, and provide them with the necessary help to cope with higher prices.
Catch our discussion here: https://go.gov.sg/budgetforum2022-ch8
#SGBudget2022
Nobody tells ah wong can increase gst on everything except healthcare ?Lawrence had a good discussion.
Lawrence Wong
2 hrs ·
在今晚的 Mediacorp Channel 8 预算案大家谈，我跟中小企业业主劲晖、年轻妈妈美君、退休老师碧娟和工会代表爱红进行了坦诚的讨论。我解释了为何需要调高消费税，但政府也了解物价上涨带来的担忧，所以我们决定把消费税的调整延迟到2023年，并分两个阶段调高。
调高消费税不会影响到低收入家庭。 这是因为政府将会提供定心与援助配套，以及加强版的消费税补助券计划。政府也会尽力确保退休人士可以安心地享受退休生活。我们前几年推出了建国一代和立国一代配套 ，为年长国人提供终身的医疗保障，也将继续探讨如何更全面地帮助年长国人。
Had a good discussion at the Mediacorp Channel 8 Budget Forum with Singaporeans from different walks of life, including a mum of young kids Budget Babe, retiree, SME owner and union leader.
Some of the topics discussed included the GST increase and cost of living concerns. We need to raise the GST as part of a mix of revenue measures, and the GST revenues will go towards funding our rising healthcare expenditure and to look after our seniors. But the GST increase will not hurt the poor. We will continue to support our lower- and middle-income households, and provide them with the necessary help to cope with higher prices.
Catch our discussion here: https://go.gov.sg/budgetforum2022-ch8
#SGBudget2022
Nobody tells ah wong can increase gst on everything except healthcare ?
Raising gst to fund rising healthcare expenditure and including Raising gst for healthcare itself
Raising gst to fund rising healthcare expenditure and including Raising gst for healthcare itself
Lawrence should listen to suggestions from WP.
Raising gst to fund rising healthcare expenditure and including Raising gst for healthcare itself
Pui Pui Pui you nameless coward Cantonese son of dirty whore evil sneaky manipulative criminal bully scammer hide in this internet rat forum spamming evil filthy lies of me. Pui!
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