Debate on President’s Address: Poh Li San on support for singles

Singapore’s policies have been pro-family for decades and this has continued even though the country’s total fertility rate continues to plunge, said MP Poh Li San. She said policies related to housing, caregiving and taxation are causing a divide that favours married Singaporeans over singles and that this has created rising dissatisfaction among the growing proportion of singles. Ms Poh said if singles are not taken better care of, they may decide to work overseas or migrate altogether. She put forward several proposals in Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 19). With caregiving of elderly parents typically landing on singles, she called on the Government to consider mandating leave for caregiving and taking parents to medical appointments - for all employees, not just singles. She also suggested developing co-living spaces for elderly Singaporeans who are single, divorced or widowed - perhaps by leasing out existing HDB flats in mature estates. Finally, she noted that single seniors may be concerned about securing their finances, especially as they do not have partners or children to help them. She urged the Government to set up trust arrangements for this group, possibly administered by the Central Provident Fund, so that their retirement funds can be well-managed and protected.