Budget 2025 debate: Pritam Singh on government’s ‘poor fiscal marksmanship’
The government has shown “poor fiscal marksmanship” in trying to match Singapore's expenditure needs with revenue, said Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday (Feb 26), he stressed the need for the money that is set aside for spending to be accounted for in a more institutionalised fashion, with greater public scrutiny. He reiterated the Workers’ Party’s call for an independent Parliamentary Budget Office. Mr Singh also called for some measures announced in the Budget to be reviewed immediately. For example, the government should free the second portion of the SG60 Vouchers for use anywhere, beyond participating supermarkets to include all small businesses and shops in shopping malls. This would help small- and medium-sized enterprises and “enlarge choice” for Singaporeans, he said. Turning to the wider strategic environment, Mr Singh stressed the need to strengthen national unity amid the unpredictable times. He highlighted the importance of the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team and National Service, and urged all Singaporeans to give the country’s “men and women in uniform” their full support.
The government has shown “poor fiscal marksmanship” in trying to match Singapore's expenditure needs with revenue, said Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday (Feb 26), he stressed the need for the money that is set aside for spending to be accounted for in a more institutionalised fashion, with greater public scrutiny. He reiterated the Workers’ Party’s call for an independent Parliamentary Budget Office. Mr Singh also called for some measures announced in the Budget to be reviewed immediately. For example, the government should free the second portion of the SG60 Vouchers for use anywhere, beyond participating supermarkets to include all small businesses and shops in shopping malls. This would help small- and medium-sized enterprises and “enlarge choice” for Singaporeans, he said. Turning to the wider strategic environment, Mr Singh stressed the need to strengthen national unity amid the unpredictable times. He highlighted the importance of the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team and National Service, and urged all Singaporeans to give the country’s “men and women in uniform” their full support.
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