Don Wee on Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill
The Government's assistance schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic kept many businesses afloat and Singaporean workers employed, said MP Don Wee. Speaking in Parliament on Friday (Feb 16), he noted that speed was crucial to prevent the interruption of cash flow for businesses and incomes for workers, as civil servants worked long hours to ensure that applicants received the support they needed. They received “many calls and chases” to approve and disburse the money, he said. However, when they were flagged for over-payments due to calculation errors made under time pressure, the remarks were not kind towards them, he added. Mr Wee wanted to know how the proposed amendments would enhance the efficacy of the whole-of-Government grant administration. He also asked how the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) would ensure that the investigative powers to be granted under the Bill would be used appropriately and in the public interest. He wanted to know how IRAS plans to develop its capabilities, such as tapping on the Commercial Affairs Department for a start, to minimise incurring additional expenditure.
The Government's assistance schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic kept many businesses afloat and Singaporean workers employed, said MP Don Wee. Speaking in Parliament on Friday (Feb 16), he noted that speed was crucial to prevent the interruption of cash flow for businesses and incomes for workers, as civil servants worked long hours to ensure that applicants received the support they needed. They received “many calls and chases” to approve and disburse the money, he said. However, when they were flagged for over-payments due to calculation errors made under time pressure, the remarks were not kind towards them, he added. Mr Wee wanted to know how the proposed amendments would enhance the efficacy of the whole-of-Government grant administration. He also asked how the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) would ensure that the investigative powers to be granted under the Bill would be used appropriately and in the public interest. He wanted to know how IRAS plans to develop its capabilities, such as tapping on the Commercial Affairs Department for a start, to minimise incurring additional expenditure.
Popular Shows
