Debate on President’s Address: Gan Thiam Poh on effective and sustainable support for the disadvantaged and low-income groups

More support should be given to the disadvantaged and low-income earners to improve their lives but this should be done more effectively and sustainably, said MP Gan Thiam Poh. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 18), he urged the Government to continue to invest heavily in education and skills upgrading. He also raised concerns with an ageing population and a declining birth rate. He said there may be a need to consider getting each generation to “self-finance” its own needs in old age to avoid burdening future generations. He urged the Government to do more to boost marriage and parenthood. One way is to play a bigger and more active role to bring singles together and improve on facilitating social interactions for prospective couples. Another way is to support families in public housing by building earlier to meet demand, he said.