[SINGAPORE] Goods and services tax (GST) vouchers, cash payouts and utilities rebates may not seem much, but these support measures and others are substantial when they are added up, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah on Monday (Apr 28).
The government has buffered Singaporeans against the GST increase with the Assurance Package, and this has effectively delayed its impact for 10 years for those in the lower-income group and five years for the middle-income group, she said at the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) lunchtime rally in Raffles Place.
“We know that Singaporeans worry that this help may be just temporary but for the PAP, our assurance is that we will provide support for as long as necessary,” said Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development.
“But we also understand your desire for assurance that you can afford things on your own without support. And that is why our other big focus is the economy, generating jobs and finding ways to allow you to earn higher incomes.”
Indranee, who’s leading the PAP’s team in the new Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, was the first of nine candidates from the ruling party who spoke during the two-hour event, also known as the Fullerton Rally. Seven of them are first-time candidates, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivering the final speech.
Bernadette Giam, who’s contesting in the Workers’ Party-held Sengkang GRC, also challenged the view put forth by opposition parties that targeted support measures were Band-Aids.
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“I like to call them what they are – healing efforts from within that (are) part of the PAP’s plan to build a more equitable society where help is given to those who need it the most,” she said.
Aljunied GRC candidate and trade unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo shared how he has heard voters’ concerns about keeping their jobs, learning new skills and securing their futures.
He said: “We must continue to protect every worker. We must help every worker learn new skills and find good jobs. We must make sure no one feels left out or forgotten.
“The world is changing quickly. Technology, global competition and new ways of doing business make it harder for many workers.”
PM Wong said new jobs will be different from the ones today, and the government will invest significantly in Singaporeans to help them reskill, upskill and prepare themselves well for these new opportunities.
“For new graduates, I say ‘Do not fear’. We will be there all the way for you… We will help you secure apprenticeships and traineeships. We will help you find jobs,” he said.
“For those who are already in the workforce, we will give you a fresh and substantial injection of skills. This will help you stay competitive and relevant.”
The government has invested significantly in Skillsfuture, and will continue to promote lifelong learning, PM Wong said.
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which was launched a few weeks ago, provides temporary assistance for up to six months, but it is not just about the payouts, he added.
“We are going to walk alongside you, support you, provide you with career counselling, coaching and job training,” he said.
“As we encounter more storms, more uncertainty, if there are more retrenchments, there will be a safety net to help you and support you.”
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