by Teo Kueh Liang
I refer to the report, “PAP conference: Urgent social and political challenges have to be tackled” (ST, Nov 11).
Undoubtedly, living in a highly commercialised, industrialised and swift-paced cosmopolitan city-state, bread-and-butter issues — such as inflation, increases in food prices and others — are the common and pressing concerns for most people, especially low-income groups including underprivileged and unemployed people.
Bread-and-Butter issues could be gradually or easily escalated into social issues.
If inflation is likened to a speeding car, then an increase in Goods & Service Tax (GST) can be likened to burning nitromethane to exaggerate the rate of inflation.
As a result of it, the situation will develop to a point beyond description.
Will pensioners and those people on social assistance get more monthly payout to keep pace with core inflation and the increase in GST?
Just based on ground sentiments alone, why can’t the increase of GST be postponed?
Pricing of a Built-to-Order flat may be likened to a dish of cooked fish head say priced at $80. When asked by a potential diner for a cost breakdown of the dish, the hawker refuses to disclose it and says such a breakdown is not helpful or meaningful.
People are puzzled as to why COE premiums continue to rise. What are the real causes behind the hike?
How much do the Skills Future courses really help the unemployed or underemployed? Are there any pragmatic or realistic statistics/figures to substantiate its usefulness?
Nowadays, the manner in which many of our young graduates seek employment may also be likened to beggars lining up at monasteries for a bowl of congee to allay their hunger. Their hunger could be exacerbated if the number of beggars suddenly increased or bloated from somewhere but the amount of congee remains the same.
Political “Challenges”
Most people in Singapore are apathetic towards politics. They rather concentrate or spend their precious time making more money to sustain the rising costs of living in this pressurised city.
In comparison, the ruling party has plenty of resources to recruit their preferred candidates to stand for elections.
The redrawing of the electoral boundaries prior to the General Election always remains unpredictable and the opposition could only bemoan its own inadequacy.
It is interesting to know if our political office holders, for the next few years, can lead by example in taking a pay cut or pay freeze for showing their unreserved commitment to dealing with hardship in life with the people.
In any case, the issues raised above are merely the tip of the iceberg of what needs to be pondered.
