Budget 2022 debate: Mariam Jaafar on a vision of Singapore that is ‘Beyond Great’

Singaporeans are increasingly looking for more in a Budget than simply “What’s in it for me?”, said MP Mariam Jaafar in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 1). She said they want to see that the values represented by proposed policies and initiatives align with their own core values. In her view, Budget 2022 - which aims for an evolution of the social compact towards a fairer, greener and more inclusive Singapore - delivers. Ms Mariam focused her speech on outlining three strategies for Singapore’s development, also driven by an alignment of values. First, proactively attract and nurture leading global companies, those in a league dubbed “Beyond Great”, to anchor in Singapore. Second, implement a permanent growth dividend - tied to GDP growth or Budget surplus, with varying payouts based on wealth or income - to give every Singaporean an additional stake in the country’s economic progress. Third, build a positive national culture involving traits such as aspiration and mutual respect.