This is why Singapore needs opposition parties in Parliament

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Pritam says Government has not adequately acknowledged people’s anxieties on housing​

Leader of the Opposition and WP chief Pritam Singh proposed an amendment to a motion on public housing on Tuesday. PHOTO: GOV.SG

Tham Yuen-C
Senior Political Correspondent

Feb 8, 2023

SINGAPORE – Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh on Tuesday suggested that the ruling party had not adequately acknowledged people’s anxieties about the affordability and accessibility of HDB flats, as he proposed an amendment to a motion on public housing.
Speaking as the House debated two motions on the subject – one by National Development Minister Desmond Lee and the other by Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency MPs Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa – Mr Singh asked if “the current anxieties of Singaporeans do not warrant greater effort by the PAP government to review its commitment to affordability and accessibility”.
The House debated both motions for some 12 hours over Monday and Tuesday.
Mr Lee called on the House to say that it “affirms the importance of keeping public housing affordable and accessible while protecting the interests of current and future generations of Singaporeans, and endorses the commitment of the Government to these twin goals”.
Meanwhile, Mr Leong and Ms Poa called on the Government to review and fix its housing policies.
But Mr Singh said the People’s Action Party (PAP) motion as drafted did not sufficiently take into account the reality that the Government should work harder to make Housing Board flats and Build-To-Order (BTO) flats more affordable and more accessible than they currently are.
“Voting for the PAP motion, as drafted... would mean that Singaporeans are satisfied with waiting up to four to five years for an HDB BTO flat. It will also mean that Singaporeans do not have any quarrel or concern with the price of some BTO flats such as five-room BTOs in Ang Mo Kio priced at $877,000, and a significant increase in resale flat prices across the board recently,” he said.

“It will also mean that young couples and first-time Singaporean families who cannot secure HDB BTO flats in a timely fashion and are pushed to the resale market where resale prices are higher than they have ever been, are not seeking better outcomes from public housing policies. We know from our engagement with Singaporeans that this is not the case,” he added.
Mr Singh proposed a change to the motion.
He called on the House to say it “affirms the importance of keeping public housing affordable and accessible while protecting the interests of current and future generations of Singaporeans and calls on the Government to intensify its efforts to meet these twin goals”.

In response, Mr Lee said that the Government was in no way suggesting that its housing policy is perfect.
It has, in fact, acknowledged that things can be improved, and has been continuously working to make things better, the minister added.
“By no way are we saying all is well and good,” Mr Lee said. “(But) for the Leader of the Opposition to characterise our motion as us sitting on our laurels... I think is misplaced.”
He urged MPs to “vote down WP’s attempt at politicking”.
The House eventually rejected the changes.


During the debate, the PSP NCMPs proposed an Affordable Homes Scheme, which came under criticism from both ministers and ruling party backbenchers as well as Nominated MPs, with many who spoke saying the proposal would erode the country’s reserves.
The scheme involves allowing people to buy new flats sans the cost of land upfront, but recouping the land cost recorded at the point of sale, along with some accrued interest, only when people sell the flats.
Mr Singh said such calls to look at how land costs can be accounted for in different ways have been made by many others over the years including the mainstream media, and not just the PSP, and should not be met with accusations of raiding the reserves.
He noted that under the Government Land Sales programme, land for industrial use is sometimes sold slightly below market valuation, and asked if this would constitute a draw on the reserves.
He added that there was scope to take a “different, more enlightened view about land costs” to make public housing more affordable, and asked the Government to be more transparent about how cost of land factors into HDB prices.
Mr Singh also questioned if the Government’s practice of giving subsidies to make flats more affordable could impact fairness and equity, since such subsidies are not the same across BTO developments.
He said the HDB should be able to disclose the subsidies for each project, given that the Government has provided these figures in the past.
He also said that if BTO flats in mature estates benefit from more subsidies, which are ultimately funded by the taxpayer, than those in non-mature estates, there would be an impact on equitability. This is especially so because flats in mature estates can later be sold for more profit, he argued.

 

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Sinkies need real opposition MPs, not uncaring NMPs like Calvin Cheng.
NMP scheme is a product of the PAP government trying to eliminate opposition MPs in Parliament.

Former NMP Calvin Cheng calls for food court that accepts cash only to be named and shamed​

Netizens say he is more shameful instead​

by The Online Citizen

11/02/2023



SINGAPORE — Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), Calvin Cheng has incurred the wrath of netizens from a post that he made on Friday, asking for shops in a food court which only accept payment in cash, with hundreds of comments questioning his disgraceful act.
Posting two images of stalls putting up signs stating that they accept cash only, Cheng calls for the food court in the Central Business District to be named and shamed.
Cheng also posted in his comments asking people to boycott all businesses that do not offer alternatives to cash.
“They must not hamper Singapore’s development as a smart nation, ” said Cheng.
“It’s unbelievable and embarrassing that there are people in the comments section here that are defending the use of cash ONLY. I hope this is the minority otherwise Singapore is finished. We will indeed be a village full of backward villagers.”
“I am constantly reminded that 3 generations ago Singapore was still a nation of coolies and peasants. 5 decades can bring economic development , but we will need another 5 for cultural development. Sad. Failure to reach a Swiss standard of living is being held back by the villagers amongst us. I may be tough on us , but it’s out of love. We need to do better and shame those amongst us who think like villagers amidst first world infrastructure.”
On the same day of his post, Cheng made news after his Swiss digital asset firm, Damoon Technologies was granted membership to the country’s Financial Services Standard Association.
Cheng said: “I believe in the future of digital assets, but this has to be done in accordance with traditional finance’s compliance standards. Switzerland is the pre-eminent global financial hub, and is the ideal place to base crypto-fiat-crypto financial services, as well as a trusted custodian.”

Cheng was a former NMP of the Singapore Parliament from 2009 to 2011 and was appointed as Serbia’s honorary consul in Singapore in November last year.

Cannot believe a former NMP can make such comments, say netizens​

Andrew Tan, one of the commenters, wrote, “To boycott it is your issue and nobody cares. To shame is a disgraceful act. These biz owners have the autonomy to decide what they want to offer. It is their biz. Just like you have the right to boycott as you are using your own money to make a decision. Why not tell the nets company to reduce their charges?”
Shawn Tan wrote, “It’s a pity but DEFINITELY NOT A SHAME that they do not adopt technology. The only thing shameful I see is a person of your stature saying things like that.”
HL Tan wrote, “Why must you name and shame? Do the stall owner need to pay extra fees to use the electronic payment? If it is free now, can one ensure that the future platform won’t charge a single cent? What I observe is payment platforms usually try to get you into the ecosystem and then they start to charge a fee. Can I say I know finance or blockchain or AI, and you do not know is a shame also? no! Everyone has their level of knowledge to adopt certain skills.”
A netizen, Fiona Lim commented, “You are being obnoxious. There are many reasons why F&B outlets prefer cash transactions. They could have been victims of people who “scammed” them with fake paynow / Paylah transfers; or that the digital payments platforms slows down the process of simply buying 1 drink. Or that the banks are charging transactional fees. These are the main pain points that vendors face which should be reaolved by the payment gateways. Do not blame the business if they prefer the most efficient way to transact.”
In response, Cheng wrote, “paynow is free + printing out a qr code costs next to nothing. Silly excuses by embarrassing backward villagers.”
Another netizen, Anaria Marcella chimed into Lim’s comments, “My thought is the same with you. I’m not sure but do you notice that in some or most of his post, he frequently point the blames on other people side but never really illustrate any tips or helpful guides towards people who could use some help?”
A former cashier wrote, “As someone with experience as a cashier, I can say that when there is a long queue of people waiting to make payment, cash payment is the fastest mode of payment for anything below $100. Using credit card is second fastest but is most costly for the retailer. This is followed by NETS (because the customer needs to key in their PIN). PayNow is the slowest mode of payment, because very often, the customer fumbles with the app, waiting for the pages to load, point the camera to the QR code, show proof of payment, etc.”

He added, “As a retailer, I want to make the transaction as fast as possible, so that I can process more customers within the same period of time. This is why I will choose cash payment only. Less decisions for the customer, more sales, more revenue.”
Sally Tan criticised, “I can’t believe I am hearing from a former NMP and just shame the stall. My goodness.. I mean u r a public figure, former NMP. Is that how you should behave? I mean if the stall owners who know nothing or find it hard to keep up with the technology because they are the older generations and they need to feed themselves and families because everything in Singapore is so expensive. If u r shameful to be here, then migrate to somewhere else better than Singapore? I’m sure you are rich enough to do that.”
In response to Tan, Cheng wrote, “if there are people in our country who can’t even print out w qr code they shouldn’t be allowed to operate.”
Steven Goh Robo reasoned, “There can be many reasons why an outlet don’t want to go cashless transaction. It could be they are not as tech savvy, or the cost of using tech is too high for them, or they had experienced many dishonest consumers who don’t pay for their meals. Have you attempt to speak to them to understand why? In any case, they are the business owner, they have the right to decide what’s the mode of payment is best for them. Certainly to be named and shamed is not what an inclusive society should be doing.”
In response to Goh, Cheng wrote, “the reason for not being able to print out a simple qr code and turn on notifications for paynow payments, is laziness and close mindedness. Must be shut down,”

Very hard to speak to villagers​

Lack of empathy by former NMP​

 

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Sim Ann’s “stay tuned” reply to Leon Perera’s question on VERS draws flak from TikTokers​

Photos: YT screencaptures


February 21, 2023
By Jewel Stolarchuk

“I am glad of your interest in VERS. Please stay tuned,” she said.

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State (SMS) Sim Ann has drawn flak online after delivering a “stunning” one-liner, in response to a parliamentary question posed by Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament (MP) Leon Perera on the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS).
Mr Perera was among his WP colleagues, secretary-general Pritam Singh and Jamus Lim, who was seeking clarification from Ms Sim on housing policies. He asked the ruling party politician whether the Government will extend VERS to all blocks in Singapore and added, “That’s just one simple question. Thank you.”
Ms Sim responded, “I am glad of your interest in VERS. Please stay tuned.”


The exchange took place two weeks ago, on 7 Feb, but it went viral on social media over the weekend, when TikTok user @whatdoyouthinkleh posted a clip of Mr Perera’s question and the Senior Minister’s reply.
@whatdoyouthinkleh called her reply “stunning.” Others in the comment section called her reply unprofessional and criticised her for her inability in answering a simple question tactfully and her audacity to issue such a reply in an arena like Parliament. Some added that this was why more opposition MPs are needed in the ruling party-dominated Parliament.

This is not the first time Ms Sim has issued such irreverent comments. In an exceedingly sarcastic speech she delivered during the 2015 General Election campaign period, she personally attacked veteran opposition politician Dr Chee Soon Juan as someone who likes to “chut pattern”, or someone who is full of antics.

 

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Balance the needs of HDB flat buyers with interests of the owners​

Feb 25, 2023

I did not know whether to laugh or cry when I read about several MPs bringing up the revised CPF Housing Grant, which has been increased by between $5,000 and $30,000 for eligible first-timer families and singles buying resale flats (MPs debate BTO balloting, Feb 24).
Some MPs expressed concern that the increased grant might lead to higher HDB resale prices. Actually, giving grants is always a good policy to mitigate hardship.
My question is why MPs are keen to suppress HDB resale prices for the sake of a small percentage of buyers against the interests of 80 per cent of Singaporeans who are already flat owners and expect the value of their flats to appreciate.
As MPs, they should know the expectation of their constituents.
Moreover, we cannot expect the prices of HDB flats to remain depressed all the time when the cost of labour and materials for building new flats is bound to go up over the years.
Therefore, the prices of existing flats will naturally appreciate accordingly.
When new flat buyers get their unit a few years after applying for it, their salaries will have increased by then and will increase over the years, while their HDB monthly instalment will likely remain fixed.

Hence, it will no longer be a burden to service the loan. Monthly instalments are an investment and are different from rent, which is considered an expense.

Harry Ong Heng Poh

 

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Govt doing its best to help with cost of living, while opposition tries to exploit issue: PM Wong​

Though inflation has moderated in recent months, price levels remain higher than before, impacting people’s sense of well-being, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 24.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Goh Yan Han
Nov 25, 2024

SINGAPORE - The PAP Government is doing its best to shield citizens from the worst effects of global inflation, even as opposition parties in Singapore have tried to exploit cost-of-living concerns to turn sentiments against the ruling party, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

While he acknowledged Singaporeans’ worries about the cost of living, he noted that it is not an issue unique to Singapore, as countries everywhere are facing similar pressures due to the recent spike in global inflation.

Though inflation in most places, including Singapore, has moderated in recent months, price levels remain higher than before, impacting people’s sense of well-being, he said in his speech at the PAP’s biennial party conference on Nov 24.


About 3,000 party cadres, activists and guests – including from the labour movement – were gathered at the Singapore Expo, where cadre members had voted in the morning for the party’s next core group of leaders.

PM Wong, who is currently PAP’s deputy secretary-general, noted how frustration with the rising cost of living overshadowed other matters and contributed to strong anti-incumbency feelings in countries that held elections in 2024. Every governing party in a developed country that held elections in 2024 lost vote share, and a number lost the mandate to govern altogether, he noted.

“We feel the pressure in Singapore too. Opposition parties have tried to exploit this issue to turn sentiments against the PAP, even though they themselves do not have good solutions,” he said.


“We hope Singaporeans understand that these are global inflation trends. They impact all countries.”


The Government has rolled out major packages over the last few years, with more help on the way in the coming months, such as another tranche of CDC vouchers in January 2025, said PM Wong.


The Assurance Package that was first announced in Budget 2020 was enhanced by PM Wong at subsequent Budgets, with a total of over $10 billion earmarked so far to cushion the impact of cost-of-living increases.


“I am now preparing for Budget 2025, because I’m still the Finance Minister, remember. I will see how we can continue to provide additional support in the Budget,” he added.

On top of the national measures, the party branches in the constituencies have also rolled out their local schemes and programmes.

“As a government and a party, we are doing all we can… to help Singaporeans cope with the higher cost of living,” said PM Wong.

Other domestic challenges that Singapore has faced included the Covid-19 pandemic that was a baptism of fire for him and his team, he added.

“We are tackling the next challenge of our generation – to renew our social compact, refresh our Singapore Dream, and to give every Singaporean the assurance and hope that tomorrow will be better than today,” he said.

PM Wong said the PAP has stood for a fair and just society for all from its beginning, and built a system in Singapore that is clean and honest and that operates on the basis of merit.

The system also works because of the strong tripartite partnership among unions, employers and the Government forged over many decades, he added, citing the symbiotic ties between the PAP and NTUC.

“The PAP-NTUC link is strong and vital. We share your conviction that every worker matters, and we will continue to advance the well-being of all workers in Singapore,” said PM Wong.

While the core values and fundamentals will never change, Singapore has to adapt to new circumstances, and the evolving needs of society – which is why the 4G team embarked on the Forward Singapore exercise, he added.

Since then, big moves made in the past year include Age Well SG, the Majulah Package, enhancements to SkillsFuture and changes to the housing and education systems, he noted.

“We have a full agenda under Forward Singapore. The changes and transformations we seek are just beginning, and they will unfold over several years,” said PM Wong. “This is what I am most passionate about. Working together, hand in hand, we can chart a new course and build a better Singapore.”