Budget 2023 debate: Seah Kian Peng on Singapore's evolving social compact
Budget 2023 is “an inspired political statement that spells out duties for the rich, welfare for the poor and opportunities for all” - that is the assessment of MP Seah Kian Peng. He said with its strong focus on redistribution, it shows that there can be free lunches for those who need them and that most Singaporeans get far more than they pay for. However, he suggested that Singapore can improve the COE system to make it more progressive by introducing a special category for super cars, which will have little impact on the majority of Singaporeans who own “only one relatively moderately priced car”. In Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 22), Mr Seah also spoke about how to ensure that greater welfare provision does not erode Singaporeans’ self-reliance and ambition. First, by keeping debates “vigorous and honest” so that it is clear when and where subsidies are truly needed; and second, by keeping opportunities open and plentiful for all by growing SMEs which collectively provide the most number of jobs to Singaporeans.
Budget 2023 is “an inspired political statement that spells out duties for the rich, welfare for the poor and opportunities for all” - that is the assessment of MP Seah Kian Peng. He said with its strong focus on redistribution, it shows that there can be free lunches for those who need them and that most Singaporeans get far more than they pay for. However, he suggested that Singapore can improve the COE system to make it more progressive by introducing a special category for super cars, which will have little impact on the majority of Singaporeans who own “only one relatively moderately priced car”. In Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 22), Mr Seah also spoke about how to ensure that greater welfare provision does not erode Singaporeans’ self-reliance and ambition. First, by keeping debates “vigorous and honest” so that it is clear when and where subsidies are truly needed; and second, by keeping opportunities open and plentiful for all by growing SMEs which collectively provide the most number of jobs to Singaporeans.
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