Friday, 22 September 2023

We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!

PRs earn 46% more than Singaporeans?

By Leong Sze Hian

Don’t you sometimes get the “lingering feeling after doing something, that you may have missed something. In the matter of fact, as I am looking forward to get my Senior Citizens’ concessionary travel pass in 4 months’ time, this feeling has been occuring more often of late.

Well, I felt this after writing “Parliamentary reply on incomes: No “all workers”, “excluding employer CPF” data?”, Jul 9)

As I was early for my usual volunteer work doing financial counseling for bankrupts, I decided to go buy my favourite 50 cents you tiao, which I have not had for quite some time.

Like they say – munching on a you tiao can do wonders!

The sparks began to fly inside my mind – and I began to postulate – perhaps finally I can try to estimate the income of PRs relative to Singaporeans (Thanks to NCMP Mrs Lina Chiam).

Why thank Mrs Lina Chiam? You see, NCMP Mrs Lina Chiam had asked for the income of Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners in her Parliamentary question.

The reply to her question only gave the statistics for Singaporeans and Residents (Singaporeans and PRs).

So since there is no answer given, I shall attempt to estimate or even guess!

I may be wrong, but who can blame me right?

So, here goes:

Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey
Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey

The median income for Singaporeans and Residents was $3,248 and $3,480, respectively, in 2012.

(Singaporeans’ income $3,248 x 0.85) + (PRs’ income A x 0.15) = Residents’ $3,480 (assuming that the proportion of PR workers is about the same 15 % as that in the population)

Therefore PRs’ income A = $3,480 – $2,760.80 / 0.15
= $4,794.67

$4,794.67 / $3,248 = 1.476

So, does it mean that PRs earn about 47.6 % more than Singaporeans?

Perhaps the more significant question to ask is – does it indicate perhaps that most of the better paying jobs may be going to PRs, relative to Singaporeans?

Since the reply did not provide the Employment Pass and S-Pass median incomes (which I’m sure they have) – perhaps there can be a follow-up question in Parliament for the median income of Employment Pass, S-Pass and total foreign passes (Employment Pass and S-Pass combined). And for good measure – might as well ask for the income of PRs to verify my estimate computed above.

Finally, why is it that we can break-down some of the labour data into Singaporeans and PRs, like the unemployment rate, number of unemployed, but not for the total workforce, employment change, long-term unemployed, and of course now the median incomes?

Editor note :

Why is it important that answers are to be given for such questions asked? Not because PRs should be targeted upon nor complain against just because they are earning more than Singaporeans, but it is to have the truth revealed behind all these smokescreen so that real issues with policies on employment, immigration and benefits/cons for the citizens can be clearly defined.

Because only with real figures and clear statistics can we find out the implications of policies and plans set for the future, whether is it good or bad. Because should there be any hindsight by justifying current policies with half truths or just words of assurance, our next generation will be the ones carrying the burden of any side effects then.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Latest posts

Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

47
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.

Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

3
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric. We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election. This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry. Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.

Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future

19
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.

Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency

84
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President. Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public. Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.

Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...

38
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy

Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore

17
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.

Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...

35
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.

Trending posts