WP Jamus Lim incredibly equates temporary supermarket discounts with exemption from GST
One thing is certain: supermarkets giving 1% discounts on essential items for a limited period of time is not equal to a policy to exempt ‘essential’ items from GST. First, the discount is only for a limited period of time while an exemption policy is ‘forever’. Secondly, a discount of 9% for all time – […]
Singapore is the only non-oil producing country to benefit from our reserves for our annual budget
The most unique thing about Singapore’s finances is that we get a significant amount of money each year from our reserves, that can be spent for the good of Singaporeans, President Tharman said in a Facebook post (8 Jan 2024) This is an outstanding fact, he said. It is outstanding because we are the only country […]
Debunking 3 common myths about the People’s Association
The People’s Association (PA) – you know them as the people who handle your community spaces in your HDB estates, those who do community events – but who are they really? We debunk 3 common misconceptions (or ahem, conspiracy theories as sometimes conjured up by opposition parties) about these unsung heroes. Myth 1: The People’s […]
The Online Citizen strikes again – spreading falsehood about Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong!
Recently, the National Trades Union Congress held its annual May Day Rally to celebrate workers in Singapore. Present at the event were union leaders and political office holders – the likes of Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. DPM Wong gave a speech at May Day Rally 2023, addressing the […]
WP clarifies their position on regressive GST upon being probed, says it does not oppose GST
Since the GST was introduced on 1 April 1994, the WP had opposed it as a ‘regressive’ tax. At every stage also when the GST was hiked – 4% in 2003, 5% in 2004 and then 7% in 2007 – the WP had opposed it. Had it not been for the recent exchange in Parliament […]
Did the PAP mischaracterise the WP’s working paper on lease decay? An English test will answer this question.
Before COVID-19 in 2020, HDB resale prices had been going down, down and down. In fact, prices had fallen for six consecutive years. Analysts at that time were divided over whether prices would continue to fall in 2019. You can watch the video here: Against this backdrop, the Workers’ Party published their Working Paper […]
Lawrence Wong cautions PSP and WP against pricing Singapore out of competition
One year ago during the budget debate in 2022, the WP suggested that corporate tax be raised in lieu of the GST hike. In particular, WP MP Louis Chua suggested that raising the corporate tax rate to the proposed global minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent, under Pillar Two of BEPS 2.0, could […]
Many governments spend first, then look for funding. The PAP Government has a different approach.
In many countries, governments spend first and then look for money to fund the spending. The result is a huge debt burden for future generations when governments make big promises to get elected and then borrow to fund their promises. The Singapore PAP Government’s approach to spending is different. The Government set aside money for […]
Land reclamation costs for coastal protection can be met from Past Reserves: Lawrence Wong
Climate adaptation is a long-term endeavour by the PAP Government to ensure that Singapore remains resilient to rising sea levels and climate change. We need to keep our shores and people safe. Mean sea level around Singapore is projected to rise by up to 1m by 2100 (source). Singapore is especially vulnerable to sea level […]
There is no escaping the GST hike starting next year. Here’s how you can cope with rising costs.
Goods & Services Tax (GST) will proceed to increase from the current 7% to the proposed 8% from 1 Jan 2023 and subsequently to 9% from 1 Jan 2024. With the rise in GST, the cost of living goes up and workers bear the brunt, especially those from the lower to the middle-income group. Thankfully, […]