In his hurry to sow doubts, he wrote:
As some PG seniors may have died since its inception — does it mean that the average benefits that the seniors received may be less.... as there were 110,000 more PG seniors now compared to the 340,000 PG seniors eight years ago?
The number of people honoured in this package does not increase. It will only decrease with time as more of them pass on.
The number of people honoured in this package does not increase. It will only decrease with time as more of them pass on. So there will never be a situation described by Leong where the number of PG seniors is more now than at inception.
@sgmatters You'll be miserable if they come to power, but they're good for a laugh. At that point, even God can't help you. #leongszehian #Singapore #opposition ♬ Happy Laughing - Sound Effect
... given that the initial S$8 billion was meant to finance a projected cost of S$9 billion for an estimated 20 years.
since there is $6.16b left of the original $8b... does it mean that the Government overestimated the expenses or under-utilised the fund to assist the Pioneer Generation?
340,000 pioneers left out of an initial 450,000 means about 76% of the original group is left. $6.16 billion left out of $8 billion is about 77% of the original $8 billion. Pretty good estimates actually. It certainly looks like there is neither over-estimation nor under-utilisation of the package.
Would the $8 billion PGP be fully utilised by the end of 20 years?
They're budgeted for 20 years for the PG Package and on average, the Government expects to spend $400 million a year for such top-ups and subsidies for the pioneer generation.
In Conclusion
Leong Sze Hian tried to cast doubt on the good intention of the Government in honouring pioneers for their contribution towards building Singapore. He fails.
Here’s what you really need to know about the Pioneer Generation Package.
There are already various subsidies available at Specialist Outpatient Clinics for lower and middle-income households in Singapore. In addition to this, Pioneer Generation receives another 50% subsidy for their outpatient care costs.
- Common illnesses – up to S$28.50 per visit
- Chronic conditions – Between S$360 and S$540 per year, depending upon the complexity
- Selected dental services – S$21 to S$266 per procedure
The Pioneer Disability Assistance Scheme gives lifelong cash assistance of $100 each month for Pioneers who permanently need assistance in at least three of the activities of daily living.
