Latest news with #Medisave
Independent Singapore
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Dennis Tan: I get feedback on cost of living issues every day
SINGAPORE: In a doorstop interview with the media, Workers' Party (WP) candidate at Hougang SMC, Dennis Tan Lip Fong, said that he receives feedback regarding cost-of-living issues from residents every day. Mr Tan, 54, who was elected Hougang MP in 2020, said he walks the ground daily, except when he's travelling. He visits not only Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks but also condominiums and private estates. 'To be honest, I get feedback on cost-of-living every day until today. This feedback is very important. They allow me to have a feel for the pulse on how our residents… and help me to know how I should convey their issues in Parliament,' he told members of the media. Aside from cost of living, residents also talk to him about many other issues, such as healthcare costs and subsidies. 'We have a lot of seniors in our midst, and they are concerned. For example, they'd like to use more of their Medisave, instead of being limited by the current cap. Of course, there is also a lot of feedback about municipal services, which I also carry back to Parliament.' Mr Tan, who is a lawyer by profession, is up against a new candidate from the People's Action Party (PAP), Marshall Lim. Mr Lim is also a lawyer and has served as Deputy Public Prosecutor in the Attorney-General's Chambers, and as Assistant Chief Public Defender in the Public Defender's Office. Mr Tan also talked about the improvements that he has helped bring about in Hougang, including lift upgrading, bus services, lifts at overhead bridges, and the extended covered walkway network, which residents have expressed appreciation for. 'Yesterday, a young resident spoke to me during my house visits and said that he would continue to vote for the Workers' Party to keep the government on their toes so that they can work harder for Singaporeans. 'Another resident spoke to me two days ago saying that Hougang must always remain the beacon of democracy in Singapore,' said Mr Tan, adding, 'I hope to be re-elected so I can continue to work with the town council consultants and contractors to continue to improve how and to make it a better place for all our residents.' Former WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang wrested Hougang SMC from the PAP in 1991, and the ward has stayed under the WP since then. Mr Low represented Hougang until 2011, when he, together with current party chief Pritam Singh, WP chair Sylvia Lim, vice chair Faisal Manap, and Chen Show Mao, contested and won at Aljunied, making history as the first opposition party candidates to win a Group Representation Constituency. From 2012 to 2020, the WP's Png Eng Huat took over Hougang from Mr Low. While the two older WP leaders have since said they will no longer contest in elections, they have continued to lend their star power this year, helping the party's candidates campaign in different constituencies. Mr Tan, who had served as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament between 2015 and 2020, contested and won in the last GE against the PAP's Lee Hong Chuang, winning 61.21% of the votes, an increase of 3.52 percentage points from the election in 2015. /TISG Read also: Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh calls WP MP Dennis Tan an 'honorary Punjabi'
Independent Singapore
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Grace Fu Faces Backlash Over Chicken Wing Phrase Controversy — Singapore News
SINGAPORE: People's Action Party (PAP) Minister Grace Fu has been the latest figure in the general election period to earn massive backlash online after she subverted the 'give chicken wing, take back whole chicken' colloquialism during a recent rally speech. The phrase is widely used across Singapore to express frustration over how the government may appear to give little to taxpayers, only to take a lot more in other forms. In recent years, the phrase has been used to describe how Singaporeans receive one-off cash payouts and supermarket vouchers, only for them to have to pay higher tax, with the goods and services tax (GST) hike. Ms Fu has come under fire for taking the phrase and giving it her own spin to make the ruling party appear in a better light. Speaking at a PAP rally for Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC), the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment said, 'Decisions like GST are never easy. We know the pain on the low- and no-income people. And this is why it came with a permanent system, a permanent support system—not one-time, not transitional, as the opposition would tell you.' Asserting that the GST vouchers include $850 in cash payouts, $450 in Medisave top-ups, $380 in U-Save rebates, and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates all help offset the 2% GST hike, she argued that GST 'allows us to tax tourists and those who do not pay income tax in Singapore but spend on items like cars and watches.' She then said, 'We may be taking a chicken wing from you, but we are giving you a whole chicken.' Comments across social media, online forums, and messaging platforms have been negative. Some voters suggested that the ruling party politician should not have even legitimized the 'chicken' colloquialism in her speech. Others also took issue with the content of her analogy, arguing that her example actually shows the opposite: that the Government seems to be offering a chicken wing in exchange for the whole chicken. A number of netizens also felt that the Minister's comments came across as tone-deaf. Some netizens pointed out that the support measures are offered once every few months and apply to each household, but the GST increase is charged on every transaction and applies to every individual. Some also added that the GST hike has caused prices to rise more dramatically than 2 per cent, with some businesses raising prices higher than the tax increase. One netizen said, in a particularly impactful comment, 'I don't feel proud living in a first-world country but needing handouts to survive.' Some netizens also took issue with Ms Fu's claim that the GST hike would allow Singapore to charge higher taxes on tourists. Pointing out that it is citizens and residents who will have to live with a tax like the GST day in and day out, not tourists who fly here for short trips, some critics pointed out that much of the GST that tourists are charged also gets refunded. Under Singapore's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), tourists are required to pay non-refundable GST on food, drinks, and accommodation, but can get refunds on high-value items like luxury bags and watches as long as the goods are purchased from participating retailers and are brought out of Singapore through Changi Airport or Seletar Airport.
Independent Singapore
28-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Sylvia Lim praised for focusing on Singapore's seniors at WP rally
SINGAPOREANS: The Workers' Party's (WP) Sylvia Lim, who is hoping for a fourth term as Member of Parliament (MP) for Aljunied GRC, zeroed in on the needs of older Singaporeans in her speech at a rally on April 26. Given Singapore's ever-increasing number of seniors, this earned her praise from commenters. Ms Lim began her speech by remarking that her last rally speech had been 10 years ago when she still had black hair. As GE2020 was held during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, physical rallies were not allowed. However, this time around, 'I stand here as a proud holder of a Passion Silver Card,' she said, taking her card out and brandishing it around. The WP chair also referenced her recent marriage to former national football player Quah Kim Song and waved her ring finger as the audience cheered and hooted with delight. Ms Lim, who recently turned 60, dedicated her speech to the senior citizens in the audience as well as those watching online. 'The march of time is something none of us can avoid. We will all grow old someday, and the challenges facing by seniors today will be faced by everyone sooner or later, and part of the privilege of being an MP for the last 14 years is growing old with our residents, sharing their joys and tribulations as we enter the next stage of our lives.' She affirmed the WP's commitment to Singapore's present and future seniors, saying that the WP would 'continue to stand alongside you, to fight for your interests in Parliament, because Singapore would be nothing without you'. Ms Lim then began to highlight three WP policies , especially for seniors . One is to allow seniors to use their Medisave for all their medical expenses not covered by other schemes. The party is also advocating for the removal of the current yearly spending limits of S$500 or S$700 for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. 'Frankly, I don't understand why this is not already the case. Once your annual spending limits are reached, you will have to pay out of pocket or ask your children for help, even though you have Medisave balances. Many retirees have no income. Since the money in your Medisave account is your money, why can't you use it to pay for your own essential treatments?' she asked. Secondly, the WP is calling for the mandatory retirement age of 63 to be abolished, as Singaporeans should be allowed to work as long as they are willing. The WP believes there should be no 'artificial ceiling' for when people should retire. 'If you look at the government, are there not PAP ministers who are already past the statutory retirement age?' Ms Lim asked, to raucous applause from the audience. The WP's third proposal concerns caregivers, especially those who care for elderly parents. The party calls for allowing family caregivers to take paid time off to help care for their elderly parents, with the government and employees sharing the costs . 'This will send a signal that society values our seniors being cared for at home by loved ones,' she added. 'The goal of the Workers' Party is to enable our seniors to live their golden years with security, dignity, and purpose.' Commenters on Ms Lim's speech thanked her for the WP's focus on seniors' needs. 'Salute to Ms Sylvia, who has (a) golden heart for the Senior. I am the caregiver for my mom and my late dad. Got to manage a lot of their medical appointments until I took a lot of leave from work. Totally agree with parent care leave. Go WP!!' wrote one. 'You touch on the issues of seniors! Very well reasoned,' commented another. 'Absolutely, the cap to use Medisave should be removed. When we are sick and need medical treatment, we should be allowed to get treated early and get cured, and when we still can get treated without hospitalisation and high cost from our own savings in Medisave,' a YouTube user wrote. /TISG Read also: Sylvia Lim: 'Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds'
Independent Singapore
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
'You deserve better': Chee Soon Juan responds to Ong Ye Kung's rally speech
SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan has offered a measured yet impassioned response to remarks made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung during a walkabout in Sembawang West. Mr Ong had suggested that he would be unable to help residents in the ward should they elect Dr Chee, claiming that Dr Chee had shown a lack of willingness to cooperate—a statement some observers saw as a veiled warning to voters. Dr Chee, speaking to residents and reporters, turned the conversation to policies, people, and the future of Singapore, instead. 'If people look to me as a modelist, then let it be said—I model what it means to speak up, even when it's hard. That's how we help people,' Dr Chee said. He did not shy away from highlighting policies that, in his view, have hurt ordinary Singaporeans—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'When the cost of living is going up, when people are struggling—how do you raise Medisave premiums? How do you increase GST?' Dr Chee asked. He added, 'We're talking about people's pain here. And I just wonder—was there ever a moment when Minister Ong sat with his Cabinet and said, 'Hey, maybe we should delay this GST hike?' Because if he didn't, then what does it say about his care for the people?' His words touched on the fear some have expressed that Singapore may be drifting toward a future shaped more for the ultra-rich than for the everyday citizen. When pressed by reporters about his decision to move on from Bukit Batok—a constituency he contested in the past—Dr Chee responded: 'Bukit Batok was dissolved and re-drawn. We've seen this before. Gerrymandering makes it hard for us to build long-term relationships with residents. But that's not a decision I made—it's a reality imposed on the opposition by the system we're in.' He stressed that his commitment to serve hasn't wavered—only shifted. And this time, it's Sembawang West that has called him. Addressing another of Mr Ong's recent policy highlights—bringing in horses for community activities—Dr Chee didn't dismiss the idea but questioned the priorities. 'I'm on record saying it's a nice initiative. But have you walked the blocks in Sembawang West with me?' he asked. 'Block after block—no space, no shade, no community areas. Horses are great, but how about more room for residents to live and breathe first?' In his closing remarks, Dr Chee lamented the personal attacks that sometimes dominate political discourse. 'When the PAP finds it hard to defend its policies, they start attacking the person. But voters aren't buying that anymore,' he said. Instead, he called for a real contest of ideas—on healthcare, housing, immigration, and most urgently, the rising cost of living. 'Let's not make this about personality. Let's talk about why groceries are more expensive, why housing is a burden, and why people feel left behind.' As the press conference wrapped up, Dr Chee reiterated that Sembawang West residents are not just pawns in a political chessboard—they are Singaporeans with dreams, needs, and the right to representation. 'I'm not asking for power. I'm asking for a chance to serve. If that's seen as being uncooperative, then maybe we need to redefine what cooperation means in politics,' he concluded.
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Singapore Democratic Alliance proposes levy on EP holders, higher NSF pay in manifesto
Singapore The opposition party also suggests allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies in "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region. SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) published its manifesto on Wednesday (Apr 23), proposing a staggered levy on Employment Pass (EP) holders and to use the proceeds to fund a higher full-time national servicemen (NSF) allowance. In a 22-page election manifesto ahead of the May 3 polls, the SDA laid out four main areas of focus. These are reducing high cost of living pressures on common Singaporeans, improving job prospects for Singaporean talents, making public housing affordable and easily obtainable, as well as increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare. The opposition bloc also announced its campaign slogan as "Make Change Happen". "Our role is simple - to raise the concerns of common Singaporeans to today's 'ivory tower' government, and to propose good policy reforms that will improve lives of the many and not just the elite," SDA chief Desmond Lim wrote in a message. "We want to better your quality of life today, and lay a good foundation for the generations to come so they will be proud to be Singaporeans." The SDA is a coalition currently comprising the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) and the Singapore Justice Party (SJP). In its manifesto, SDA also dedicated a page to how it would improve lives at Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, the only constituency it is contesting in this year's General Election. Proposals here included devoting more community spaces for "mental wellness counselling centres" as well as "community employment networks" for residents. Earlier on Wednesday, the party successfully submitted their nomination papers at Yusof Ishak Secondary School. SDA's Pasir-Ris Changi GRC slate consists of Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed, Mr Harminder Pal Singh and Mr Chia Yun Kai. They will go up against a People's Action Party team helmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, alongside Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan, Mr Sharael Taha and new face Ms Valerie Lee. As part of proposals in its manifesto to reduce the cost of living, the SDA suggested the formation of an independent body similar to the CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) to "proactively" check on government spending. "Cost savings from trimming wasteful spending will reduce the need for unnecessary tax hikes," the manifesto read. "The move will also improve the accountability of the government when it comes to prudent use of taxpayers' monies." The SDA also proposed rent controls on coffee shops and commercial shop spaces in residential neighbourhoods, to prevent landlords from raising rent "unfairly and exorbitantly". This will be coupled with property tax rebates to reward landlords for offering "sustainable" rent increases, the party added. "To make life better, local small businesses must be given a fair shot at starting up, competing and prospering," said SDA. "And when they can afford to offer lower prices to compete, cost of living will be reduced for common Singaporeans." HELPING NSFS The party also proposed a "staggered levy" on EP-holders, to incentivise companies to hire and groom young Singaporeans to take on high-skilled and managerial positions, as well as level the playing field for middle-aged Singaporeans who face the prospect of being too expensive to hire. Singapore Democratic Alliance chairman Desmond Lim speaking to a man on Pulau Ubin, Apr 20, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan) The levy would be higher for positions that require entry-level skillsets, and taper down for high-skilled positions, said the SDA. The party estimated that S$2 billion would be collected annually from its proposed levies. This could then be used to fund a S$1,600 base allowance for all NSFs, it said. Any unused revenue from levies would be put in a "national service fund". The S$1,600 figure brings the NSF allowance in line with the local qualifying salary of full-time local low-wage workers, said the SDA. It also proposed free local university education for NSFs who qualify for and choose to pursue higher education opportunities. The SDA also proposed allowing Singaporeans to use their Medisave monies at "accredited healthcare institutions" across the ASEAN region, pointing out that countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have "good, advanced medical facilities and capable doctors". "More options abroad for Singaporeans will lessen the strain on our local healthcare system, which is already suffering from bed and labour shortages," said the party. "Increased competition will serve to lower the overall cost of the healthcare here, which in turn opens up more choices for Singaporeans." GE2025 Singapore Democratic Alliance
