Now the significance of this post is that today is Singapore’s Budget Day. I’m glad that we’re finally tapping on our reserves, though I hope that it won’t go to waste.
This speech was given last year, but perhaps we might look back at it now and examine if we have made any progress on the objectives spelt out. In addition, perhaps many of these issue have been superceded by others? Take the current recession for example. This was my summary of issues mentioned.
The economy
Be ready for uncertainty as the US teeters on the edge of recession. Prices have shot up high this year, but no panic, the government is ensuring we won’t starve. Other contries are faring worse, what with panic buying and riots. The poor have recieved lots of packages already; and remember the goodies dealt out during Budget. To help the (oddly very large and varied) middle-class, Growth Dividends will go up by 50% and electricity rebates too (I don’t quite know what those mean, but people like it).
Cars, and the ERP
No really, it’s actually cheaper to own a car now. ERP has made you pay more, but the bulk of car related costs go to the COE and road tax. This bulk has gone down, just that nobody notices it as *beeps* aren’t heard when one types out taxes. The principle has changed from paying for ownership to usage. In addition, cars may not be necessary as more people consider what will become a first-class public transport system.
A gracious society
We have made improvements, but there’s much we can still do. There’re lots of examples, but I think most are usual ‘problems’ (the real problem is that we don’t see our habits as problems). Anyway, this stuff is important because we’ll be hosting the F1 this year, APEC next year, and Youth Olympics 2010. Sydney 2004 and now Beijing 2008 have managed to impress vistors, and we must do the same. Not only does it give us a good name, but we will feel proud to be Singaporeans.
Babies
Singapore is still running low on baby production. 1.3 fertility is far from the 2.1 needed. This issue was spoken lengthy, blunt and humourous, but is so crucial that dating tips were actually given. Have a good circle of friends, don’t dress sloppy for dates, men to bring a gift for ‘meet her parents’. PM Lee says put career second, preferably get married by 30, especially for women. The government will play matchmaker through the People’s Association, but more men have to take courage to ask for help. Share responsibilities in child-rearing, maybe guys have to be taught how to change diapers. “One for dad, one for mom, one for Australia” campaign was quoted, lot’s of considerations were mentioned, but basically firms and people have to become family-oriented. To further encourage all that, more incentives have been dished out in hopes of more babies and more marriages. I think the government’s getting desperate.
The internet
This is changing the way the world works. Like how I’m summarising a speech that’s already on the web. It’s changing the way we live (there’re more registered handphones in Singapore than people, and more than the number of babies), but I guess the PM’s mostly concerned as to how it changes politics. Korea went into chaos with Mad Cow Madness rumors, politicians most everywhere make it if they use the Net well. Anyway, now rules on political media will be somewhat relaxed, like posting nothing false or emotional. In related stuff, outdoor demonstrations are finally allowed (but only in Speakers’ Corner – a small place for a few old folks to see).
Conclusion
No matter how big we develop in various ways, we will still be a geographically little red dot. We will still need social cohesion, and the drive to survive, strive, and thrive. There are many who have lived their Singapore story, go make yours too.
