A big boost Giving healthcare - 行动报 - People's Action Party
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
行动报 www.pap.org.sg July / August 2012
Giving healthcare
a big boost
• The Sticker Lady issue
• Interview with Xiaxue
• Playing parliamentarians
Hock Lian Seng Holdings Limited (“Hock Lian Seng” or “the Group”) is one of the leading civil
engineering group in Singapore, with an established track record of more than 40 years. The
Group was listed on the Mainboard of Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-
ST”) in December 2009.
Established in 1969, Hock Lian Seng has undertaken and completed wide range of civil engineering
projects for both the public and private sectors in Singapore. We carry out civil engineering works for
bridges, expressways, tunnels, Mass Rapid Transit (“MRT”), port facilities, water and sewage facilities
and other infrastructure works. The Group has successfully completed Kim Chuan Depot, one of the
world’s largest underground depots with housing capacity for up to 77 trains , for the Circle Line in 2007.
Our major customers include government and government-related bodies of Singapore, such as the Land
Transport Authority, Housing Development Board, PSA Singapore Terminals, Public Utility Board and
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
The Group also procures and sells building material (concreting sand and aggregates) for building and
construction purposes mainly for Singapore public sector contracts. The Group has added property
investment and development activities in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors as principal
activities.
Website : www.hlsgroup.com.sg Email : info@hlsgroup.com.sg
80 Marine Parade Road #21-08, Parkway Parade
80Singapore
Marine Parade Road #21-08, Parkway Parade
449269
Singapore
Tel: (65) 449269
6344 0555 Fax: (65) 6440 9049
Tel: (65) 6344 0555 Fax: (65) 6440 9049
“I’m
a Singaporean; my forefathers arrived here in
the early days, back in the 1880s. Through
the years, my family’s fortunes have ebbed
and flowed, just like the tides of our shores.
I am a true son of the soil. My past, present and future lies here. My own
destiny also rises and falls, sometimes just meandering but that is my fate
and, most of the time, my own doing.
I come from a generation in which life was characterised by many fears
and uncertainties: just getting an education was a strain on my parents’
limited resources, and there were the dark clouds of Confrontation, the
British withdrawal and racial riots hovering over us. Life was not a bed of
roses but I was too young to comprehend the sacrifices my parents were
making for me. It was only years later that I could understand why my
mother stayed up all night when I had a fever, or why my late father went
out to work every day when the sun was high or the rain was hard. Even
when he was extremely ill, the tears in his eyes were not so much the result
of his pain but because we were young and vulnerable then. Correspondingly,
I am certain the leaders of Singapore went through the same trials and
tribulations during the formative years of our young nation.
Today, I am extremely grateful to our leaders, past and present, and especially
to the father and architect of modern Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Through
his far-sighted visions for the country, he has brought about a stable and
thriving environment for us to live and work in, one in which I am able to
care for my parents in the way that I hope to. At the same time, I am able to
give my children what my parents had to strive so hard for in the past.
I now wish all the people of Singapore especially Singapore’s leaders - past
and present - the very best of health. May they be able to bring themselves
to enjoy the hard-earned fruit of their labour - what they have created and
worked so long and hard to achieve.
An afterthought... When I was young, I did not recognise the importance
or significance of national service. It was merely a requirement that had to
be fulfilled. If given a chance to live that part of my life again, I would do
it wholeheartedly because I am now convinced of the need to defend my
country and family. At the same time, if I could go back to the troubled
years of the 50s and cast my vote, I would have voted exactly as my father
did.”
Today, I publish this unaltered salute for the nineteenth consecutive year
and reaffirm my salute to Singapore.
Thank you Singapore!
Happy National Day!
Chew Chong Khay, Frank
Diamond Industries Pte Ltd
Royal Diamond Industries Pte Ltd
Bel Gems Jewellery Pte Ltd Shipmart Pte Ltd
20 Harbour Drive, PSA Vista, #01-03 368 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 117612 Singapore 098834
Contents
06 Editorial
A healthy Singapore
30 My Say
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong
elaborates on the two objectives to
ensure a healthy Singapore.
What really is the
* Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil
11 Quick News
essence of democracy…
A round-up of new policies. Law professor Walter Woon zeroes in
on the tough task of policy-makers.
12 Face to Face
Should laws against
graffiti be changed?
Minister K Shanmugam gives his views
on what most Singaporeans want.
14 Hot Topic
Moves to put
Singaporeans first
A round-up of policy adjustments
to give citizens the edge.
Xiaxue upfront
In the aftermath of the online row,
Petir catches up with the blogger
for an update.
20 Behind the Scenes
Transport Minister
for a day
Reflections of the Young PAP
Model Parliament.
Publicity and Publications Committee
Chairman • Lawrence Wong Vice-Chairman • Seah Kian Peng Secretary • Lim Wee Kiak
Members • Alvin Yeo, Arther Fong, Devi Vasantha Haridas, Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis
District representative • Diana Pang Young PAP • Hamidah Aidillah PAP Policy Forum • Malminderjit Singh PAP WW • Teo Lin Lee
Editor • Lim Huan Chiang Editorial and Design • Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319 2392)
Printer • timesprinters, Singapore. Photos courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings and istockphoto.com
JULY / AUGUST 2012
22 Behind the Scenes 32 Forum
One-Stop@Paya Lebar Our Singapore identity –
reopens What's next?
After a one-year hiatus, help centre YP member says building a strong
One-Stop@Paya Lebar has resumed national identity is the best gift for
its social welfare services. Its monthly the next generation.
PAP CaRES sessions also provide legal
and family counselling and letter-
writing.
24 Dialogue 34 Happenings
• Visit from Guangdong
Of childhood dreams, party secretary
pets and politics • PS. We care
Comrades Christopher de Souza and • Getting more volunteers on board
Chia Shi-Lu discuss these subjects in
MPs Unplugged • Festive cheers
• Painting with love
26 View from the Front
和谐社会 — 新加坡的经验
高级政务部长李奕贤概述新加坡独立至 35 Backbencher’s Bite
今在经济发展、住房政策、社会建设以
Taking care of
及政治体系方面如何贯彻新加坡的信约
the mentally ill
背后的主要思想。
Comrade Tin Pei Ling calls
on society to integrate them.
Building a harmonious
society – The Singapore
story
Forty-seven years on, Senior Minister of 36 Overheard
State Lee Yi Shyan says our aspiration is Best of the sound bites by
still the same. parliamentarians.
MICA (P) 151/11/2011
Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without
the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the government. All rights reserved.
PAP Headquarters
Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 • Telephone: 6244 4600 • Telefax: 6243 0114 • Internet: www.pap.org.sg
EDITORIAL
A heal hy Singapore
A
ll of us are naturally concerned
about our health. We want to not
only live long, but also to live well.
Over the next five years, the Government
will double its annual healthcare budget
from $4 billion to $8 billion to build
capacity and ensure health care remains
affordable. Let me elaborate on each of
these two objectives.
Increase healthcare capacity
First, we need to ensure adequate ca-
pacity. The Government has announced
plans to significantly increase the capacity
of our healthcare services and invest in our
healthcare workers to ensure Singaporeans
can get the treatment they need.
Our population is ageing. Almost 90
per cent of the increase in inpatient load
in our public hospitals over the last 10
years came from elderly patients. By 2020,
we will add 1,900 beds to our acute hos-
pitals, and 1,800 beds to our community Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best to keep healthcare cost down.
hospitals. We will also add 6,600 beds to
our nursing homes to cater to the needs One key strategy is to provide a up overall healthcare costs. The Govern-
of our ageing population. portable subsidy through the Commu- ment has enhanced healthcare subsidies
Many seniors prefer to live at home nity Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS). to help Singaporeans with their share
as they age, rather than to be in an in- Eligible patients can enjoy government of healthcare costs. Medication cost is a
stitution. We will help them do so, so subsidy when they are treated by partici- major component in bills. We raised the
that going forward, seniors need not be pating private doctors so that they have subsidy rate and expanded the list so that
a burden to society but can be an asset. other choices besides polyclinics. We will more drugs will now be subsidised. We
We will, therefore, build capacity and also build more community healthcare also raised the subsidy rate and introduced
capability for home care. More day care facilities to bring health care closer to more flexibility for non-standard drugs to
facilities for seniors will also be needed in the patients. make them more affordable, including for
the community. middle-income patients.
Our hospital specialist outpatient More financial support We are mindful that some middle-
clinics (SOCs) and polyclinics have in- for Singaporeans income families may face difficulties in
troduced measures to cope with patient Second, we need to ensure healthcare paying for the intermediate- and long-
growth and to manage waiting time. services remain affordable. Patients are term care of their elderly parents. We
Elderly patients contributed to about a required to co-pay part of the medical have, therefore, enhanced the subsidies for
third of the growth in outpatient load in bill. This helps to instil discipline and the lower- and middle-income families in
our polyclinics and SOCs over the last encourage both the doctors and patients community hospitals, nursing homes as
10 years. The trend will continue. We to be prudent in their decisions on well as home care.
will need to innovate and develop new medical treatment. This way, we minimise The 3Ms (Medisave, MediShield and
models of care. unnecessary treatment that will drive Medifund) are a key part of our healthcare
6 PETIR JULY / AUG 12
By Gan Kim Yong
Minister for Health
patients. We are currently reviewing
MediShield to update and enhance
its coverage. To help Singaporeans Steps to
good health
pay for the likely premium increases,
we will provide a one-time Medisave
top-up of up to $400 per person. We
will review Eldershield next year. As More financial
our healthcare needs evolve, we will support
continue to refine the 3Ms system.
• Higher subsidy rate for medication,
Keeping Singaporeans Healthy
with an expanded drug list.
Even as we build more facilities, • More flexibility for non-standard
train more healthcare professionals drugs.
and provide more funding, one im- • More subsidies for community
portant question which I hope Sin- hospitals, nursing homes and
gaporeans will ask is: "How can I stay home care.
healthy?" After all, staying healthy is • Enhance 3Ms (Medisave,
the most effective way to keep health- MediShield and
care costs low. Medifund) .
We need a three pronged approach: • Up to $450 top-up in Medisave
• Reach out to engage every year (as part of GST
Singaporeans to spread the voucher).
healthy lifestyle message. • $600 million top-up to Medifund
Exercise regularly, eat sensibly,
• Review MediShield to enhance
financing system to help Singaporeans and adopt a healthy lifestyle. coverage.
with their share of co-payments. Medisave • Promote screening to detect and
Expand capacity
is a personal savings scheme that helps treat diseases early.
patients pay for their share of healthcare • Better integration of care
costs. MediShield is a catastrophic illness delivery across sectors to be • Add 1,900 beds in acute hospitals,
insurance scheme that provides insurance more patient-centric. 1,800 beds in community hospitals,
protection against large inpatient bills. 6,600 beds in nursing homes (by
Medifund is an endowment fund set up Today, our key health indicators 2020).
by the Government to provide direct already rank high among even the de- • Portable subsidy through the
subsidy to the low-income families. veloped countries. Our life expectancy Community Health
We have recently strengthened the at birth is 81.4 years (2010) compared Assistance Scheme (CHAS).
3Ms system. The permanent annual GST to 79.5 in the OECD countries. Our • More community healthcare facilities
Voucher includes a Medisave component infant mortality rate is 2.2 deaths per to bring health care closer to the
of up to $450 a year for older and lower- 1,000 live births compared to 4.6 in patients.
income Singaporeans. The Medisave an-
nual withdrawal limit for chronic diseases
has also been raised to $400.
The Government has put another
the OECD.
I believe we can still do better. But
the Government cannot do it alone.
If we can mobilise the people to
Keep Singaporeans
healthy
• Spread the healthy lifestyle
$600 million into the Medifund this year work with the Government and our message.
so that we can provide about $20 million healthcare professionals, we can build • Promote health screening.
more a year from Medifund to help needy a healthier Singapore.
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 7
建设一个
健康的新加坡
政府将注入更多资源培训本地的医疗人员以确保国人能获得良好的医疗服务。
Singapura yang Sihat
Oleh Gan Kim Yong pekerja penjagaan kesihatan kita demi dan menangani masa menunggu.
Menteri Kesihatan memastikan rakyat Singapura menerima Satu strategi utama adalah menerusi
rawatan yang mereka perlukan. Skim Bantuan Kesihatan Masyarakat.
Mulai 2020, kita akan menambah Pesakit yang layak akan menikmati sub-
K
ita semua prihatin tentang kesiha- 1,900 katil di hospital rawatan rapi, 1,800 sidi apabila mereka menemui doktor
tan diri kita. Kita bukan hanya in- katil di hospital-hospital masyarakat dan privet, menawarkan satu pilihan lain selain
gin hidup lama, tetapi ingin hidup 6,600 katil untuk pusat-pusat penjagaan poliklinik. Akan terdapat lebih banyak
dengan baik. Jadi untuk lima tahun akan bagi menampung keperluan rakyat kita kemudahan penjagaan kesihatan bagi
datang, Pemerintah akan menggandakan yang semakin tua. Kita akan juga mem- mendekatkan pesakit dengan penjagaan
belanjawan kesihatan kepada $8 bilion bangunkan keupayaan dan kemampuan kesihatan.
setahun bagi membina keupayaan dan bagi penjagaan di rumah. Lebih banyak ke- Kedua, kita perlu memastikan khidmat
memastikan penjagaan kesihatan kekal mudahan untuk penjagaan siang hari juga penjagaan kesihatan kekal dimampui. Kos
dimampui. diperlukan masyarakat bagi menyokong ubat-ubatan adalah satu komponen utama
Pertama, kita perlu memastikan keu- penjagaan di rumah. dalam bil. Kami telah meningkatkan kadar
payaan mencukupi. Pemerintah telah Klinik-klinik spesialis pesakit luar di subsidi dan meluaskan senarai agar lebih
mengumumkan rancangan untuk mening- hospital-hospital kami dan di poliklinik banyak ubat-ubatan diberi subsidi.
katkan secara meluas khidmat penjagaan telah memperkenalkan pelbagai langkah Sesetengah keluarga mungkin meng-
kesihatan dan membuat pelaburan ke atas bagi menampung pertumbuhan pesakit hadapi kesukaran dalam membuat pem-
8 PETIR JULY / AUG 12颜金勇
卫生部长
我
们大家都关心自己的健康。 计划（Community Health Assistance 金，使我们每年多出2000万元帮助有
我们不仅要活到老，还要活 Scheme，简称CHAS）。合格的病人 需要的病人。目前，我们也在检讨健保
得好。接下来五年，政府将 能在征询某些私人医生时享有津贴，这 双全计划。为了帮助国人支付更高的保
使我们的年均保健预算增加一倍至80 样一来，病人除了综合诊疗所，还多了 费，我们将为每个国人的户口进行一次
亿，加强我们的能力，并确保医药保健 一个选择。将来也会有更多社区保健设 性的400元添值。我们的保健需求演
是人人负担得起的。 施让保健服务更贴近病人。 变的当儿，我们也会不断修饰我们的
首先，我们必须确保我们有足够的 其次，我们必须确保保健服务是人 三M。
容量。政府已宣布计划显著提升我们的 们负担得起的。药物的费用占了医药账 尽管我们正在建设更多设施、训练
保健服务的容量，同时投资在我们的医 单的绝大部分。我们提高津贴，并使得 更多专业医护人员、注入更多资金，然
护人员身上，确保新加坡人能得到所需 更多药物获得津贴。 而，确保保健费用开销低廉的最有效方
的治疗。 有些家庭在中期或长期照顾年长者 法是保持身体健康。我们可通过三项措
到了2020年，我们将在急症医院添 的当儿，也许会面对经济困难。我们已 施达到这一点：（一）宣扬健康生活的
加1900个床位、在社区医院增加1800个 经在社区医院、 疗养院和家庭护理方 讯息；（二）提倡医疗检验以尽早发现
床位，并在疗养院添加6600个床位。 面为中产阶层和低收入家庭提高津贴。 并治疗疾病；以及（三）更好地综合保
这都是为了应付人口老化的需求。我们 近日，我们也加强了三M（保健储 健服务。
也会加强家庭护理的设施和能力。我们 蓄[Medisave]、健保双全[Medishield] 我国的平均寿命为81.4岁，而我们
的社区需要更多日间护理设施来支持家 以及保健基金[Medifund]）系统。年 的婴儿死亡率按每1000名活产儿计为
庭护理。 长和低收入的新加坡人将获得永久性的 2.2。在发达国家当中，这是相当高的
我们的医院专科门诊诊所和诊疗所 年度消费税礼券，其中的医药保健部 数据。我相信我们能做得更好。但政府
也实行措施应付病人的增幅以及等候 分每年达450元。慢性疾病病患每年能 不能独自取得这个目标。如果我们能动
时间。 从保健储蓄户头扣除的顶限提高至400 员国人和政府一起与医护人员合作，我
其中一个主要策略是通过社保援助 元 。 今 年 ， 政 府 将 6亿 元 注 入 保 健 基 们将能打造更健康的新加坡。
bayaran bagi penjagaan kesihatan untuk Medifund bagi membantu pesakit yang Menyebarkan mesej gaya hidup sihat 2)
jangka pertengahan dan jangka panjang. memerlukan. Kami kini sedang menye- Mempromosikan pemeriksaan kesihatan
Kami telah memperkukuhkan lagi subsidi mak Medishield. Bagi membantu rakyat bagi mengesan dan merawat penyakit di
bagi keluarga berpendapatan sederhana Singapura membayar jumlah premium peringkat awal 3) Menyepadukan khidmat
dan berpendapatan rendah di hospital yang semakin meningkat, kami akan mem- penjagaan.
masyarakat, pusat-pusat penjagaan selain berikan tokokan Medisave sekali sahaja, Jangka hayat kita semasa lahir adalah
penjagaan di rumah. yang jumlahnya mencapai sehingga $400 81.4 tahun dan kadar kematian bayi
Baru-baru ini kami telah memantap- setiap orang. Sedang keperluan penjagaan adalah 2.2 kematian bagi setiap 1,000
kan lagi sistem 3M (Medisave, Medishield kesihatan kita berkembang, kita akan terus bayi yang dilahirkan. Kita dinilai lebih
dan Medifund). Terdapat pemberian memperhalusi 3M. tinggi berbanding negara-negara yang
Baucar GST yang diberikan secara tetap Sedang kita membina lebih banyak telah membangun. Saya percaya kita boleh
setiap tahun dengan jumlah komponen kemudahan, melatih lebih ramai karya- melakukan lebih baik lagi. Tetapi Pemerin-
Medisave mencapai $450 setahun bagi wan penjagaan kesihatan, menyediakan tah tidak boleh melakukannya sendirian.
warga tua Singapura yang berpendapatan lebih banyak dana, cara terbaik dalam Jika kita boleh menggerakkan rakyat untuk
rendah. Had pengeluaran tahunan bagi mengekalkan kos penjagaan kesihatan bekerja bersama-sama Pemerintah dan
Medisave untuk penyakit kronik juga telah yang di tahap yang rendah adalah dengan karyawan penjagaan kesihatan kita, kita
ditingkatkan kepada $400. Pemerintah mengekalkan tubuh badan yang sihat. boleh membina sebuah Singapura yang
telah menyalurkan $600 juta lagi ke dalam Kita perlu pendekatan tiga serampang: 1) lebih sihat.
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 910 PETIR JULY / AUG 12
QUICK NEWS
Government shares New sex education
programme
blame for MRT T
he Education Ministry will roll
out a revised sexuality education
programme later this year.
breakdowns
The new curriculum will address
the dangers of social networking and
cyber relationships, among other things.
Abstinence will be the key message.
Teachers whose values align with that
of the ministry will be specially selected
and trained to teach the programme.
Each school will have at least 10.
HDB tightens
subletting rules
P
ermanent residents will now only
be allowed to sublet their HDB
flats for one year, down from the
current three years.
When the one-year period ends,
they have to apply for an extension and
approval will be assessed on a case-by-
T
he Government has accepted better to deliver a reliable system to case basis and granted only if there
responsibility in the two massive Singaporeans. are compelling reasons. They can only
MRT breakdowns last December The Government also accepts the sublet their flat for a maximum of five
that affected more than 220,000 findings and recommendations made years. Previously, there was no cap.
commuters. by the Committee of Inquiry, which The revised rules is to deter those
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew had concluded that the disruptions were who buy flats for rental yields or
told Parliament in July that although preventable if adequate maintenance investment.
train operator SMRT has fallen short in measures and checks had been carried There are no changes to subletting
its maintenance regime, the Ministry of out. It will work with train operators rules for Singapore citizens.
Transport, as the supervising ministry, to develop plans on maintenance,
and Land Transport Authority, as the
regulator, could have done more and
upgrading and how to deal with
breakdowns.
High school fees
for PRs, foreigners
Death penalty: Judges' discretion
F
rom January next year, school
fees for permanent residents and
international students studying
J
udges will soon have discretion death penalty will apply only where in government and government-aided
to impose life imprisonment with there is an intention to kill. It will schools will go up.
caning instead of the mandatory remain in firearms offences. PRs will pay $50 to $80 more per
death penalty in specific cases of drug The Government proposed these month. International students pay an
trafficking and murder. changes in July and will draft them extra $115 to $250. School fees for
For drug trafficking, the accused into law later this year. Singaporeans remain the same.
must have only played the role of the Meanwhile, all executions have Monthly miscellaneous fees, last
courier. He must also have cooperated been suspended since July last year. revised in January 2005, will also
with the authorities in a substantive When the new law takes effect, be increased by $1 at primary level,
way or has a mental disability. Drug all accused persons who meet the $2 at secondary level and $2.50 at
kingpins, producers, distributors and requirements, including those currently pre-university level for all students.
retailers will still face the death sentence. awaiting execution, can choose to be Needy students can apply for financial
In murder cases, the mandatory considered for resentencing. assistance.
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 11Face to face
Should laws against
By Suresh Nair
S
hould Singapore allow anyone to
write, paint, stick posters as they
like on any public building, HDB
void decks, school buildings?
Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K
Shanmugam was asked this question in
a recent interview with Petir.
He responded to that question with a
question: what do you think the majority
of Singaporeans want?
He answered his own question:
“This is an area where we need to give
considerable weight to social and public
values and mores. My sense is that many
people want artists to be given the space
and freedom to express themselves, in
designated spaces, buildings.
“But I don’t think the majority of
Singaporeans want a situation where
anything can be painted or written, or
drawn, by anyone, in any public place
they choose.”
He continued: “There are differences
of views on the kind of punishment that
should be meted out. I think there is Mr Shanmugam stresses that the Government is obligated to
much less consensus on this. And this is explain public-related issues such as housing and immigration.
an area of legitimate debate.”
The recent “Sticker Lady” incident Government’s Engagement Does this include engaging bloggers?
had sparked off a public debate on What approach does he take on Mr Shanmugam was asked about his
what constitutes art and vandalism. Mr Government engaging the public on meeting in June with blogger Gintai, a
Shanmugam was sharing his thinking issues? Mr Shanmugam said that the train officer with SMRT. He had learnt
on the general topic of vandalism as Government has an obligation to explain about the blogger when he was alerted
well as various other subjects during a clearly issues, be it about housing, CPF to his posting “Is this my Singapore”, by
45-minute interview on July 24 at the or ministerial salaries and that it is not someone on his Facebook site.
Foreign Ministry in Tanglin. “shutting (its) eye to these questions”. “I saw his post on housing. I read it,
12 PETIR JULY / AUG 12graffiti be changed?
“And we need to ensure that whatever
policy we choose, Singaporeans’ interests
must be taken care of. We must also take
care of the quality of life including housing,
education, transport and other issues.”
stand those issues from the perspective the allegations.”
of the people directly affected and then
try and address them. We are genuinely Immigrants
trying to solve the issues, across the board The influx of immigrants has been
for the benefit of all Singaporeans.” a sore point with many. Mr Shanmu-
Gintai later commented on his blog gam said the tradeoffs in restricting the
that “the honourable Minister treated me influx of immigrants need to be under-
as a true blue Singaporean with a stake stood.
in our country’s future, sharing with me “We need to put it in context,” he
his concerns and challenges.” explained. “We are a fast-ageing society,
and with a very low Total Fertility Rate
Limits of Debate and Engagement (TFR). What is going to happen to our
What are the limits of debate and society, our economy? What are the im-
engagement? Mr Shanmugam said “there plications if the economy doesn’t grow
should be a full debate on issues.” But he for many years? What happens if our
and thought he was genuine,” he said. “I added: “If you want to make personal al- young people can’t see opportunities for
checked out and he was willing to meet legations, like a person is corrupt and so themselves?
me and we had frank discussions.” on, then you should prove the allegation. “And we need to ensure that whatever
They discussed issues ranging from “We keep the debate on issues – it policy we choose, Singaporeans’ interests
housing affordability, immigration to can be a hard, tough debate, and that can must be taken care of. We must also
social welfare, medical, CPF, defence help clarify our public and social policies. take care of the quality of life including
expenditure and employment. No need to engage in character attacks housing, education, transport and other
Mr Shanmugam said “we must under- – unless of course you can indeed prove issues.”
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 13hot
topic
Moves to put
Singaporeans
As Singapore celebrates its 47th birthday this year, citizens have more
first
reason to cheer than just a spectacular parade or fireworks display
By Ben Nadarajan
O
ver the past year, the Govern- are vacancies. only half the amount of subsidies that
ment has adjusted its policies The change also gives Singaporeans Singaporeans get, the second time since
– in areas like healthcare, educa- priority over PR applicants who may live 2010 that the difference between the two
tion and housing – to put Singaporeans nearer the school. had been widened.
first. Previously, Singaporeans were given From Oct 1, a PR occupying a C-
A year ago, at his first National Day two ballot slips and PRs only one, to class hospital ward will receive a subsidy
Rally speech after the general elections in ballot for Primary 1 places, although that of 38.5 per cent to 55 per cent while a
2011, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong still meant that the PRs could get a place citizen will receive 65 per cent to 80 per
pledged to place Singaporeans first and before a Singaporean on the waitlist. cent. From April 1, the PR’s subsidy will
announced several initiatives to give citi- Welcoming the move, Member of Par- be further lowered to 32.5 per cent to 55
zens the edge over foreigners here. liament and chairman of the Government per cent.
Parliamentary Committee for Education In a B2 ward, the PR’s new subsidy
In education: Lim Biow Chuan said it sends a clear will range from 25 per cent to 40 per cent,
In June, the Ministry of Education signal that Singaporeans are valued. while the subsidy for a citizen will be 50
(MOE) announced that PRs and foreign- “For some branded schools, balloting per cent to 65 per cent.
ers will have to pay higher fees in primary takes place for just one or two places, so PRs made up about 5 per cent or
and secondary schools as well as junior if you can give Singaporeans priority, it’ll 13,000 of subsidised hospital patients last
colleges and centralised institutions. PRs go a long way,” he said. Mr Lim added year, and also about 5 per cent or 144,000
have to pay between $50 and $80 more that some “PRs won’t be happy” but they of subsidised patients at specialist outpa-
a month, while foreigners residing here “cannot expect the same degree of priority tient clinics. The subsidies for PRs cost
have to fork out between $115 and $250 as citizens”. the Government $56 million last year and
more each month. There was no change In the universities, foreign student the changes are estimated to save about
to how much Singaporeans pay. enrolment was capped at present levels. $6 million.
Three months before that, the MOE Meanwhile, PM Lee said in his speech
announced that if balloting is necessary last year that the Government would be In housing:
in any phase of Primary 1 registration, increasing the number of places for Sin- In July, the HDB announced new
Singaporeans would be given “absolute gaporeans in the local universities. rules to cap the duration of lease and limit
priority” over PRs, who typically make up on who can rent out HDB flats, making it
about 10 per cent of each year’s cohort. In healthcare: more difficult for PRs to sublet their flats.
Balloting takes place only if there are more In April, the Ministry of Health Under the new rules, only PRs who
children applying for schools than there (MOH) announced that PRs would get have not sublet their flat before will be
14 PETIR JULY / AUG 12Pro-Singaporean
changes…
• Foreign students to
allowed to do so, but only for a
year. If they want this extended,
they will need to seek approval
pay more school fees.
• Primary 1 registration
priority for citizens.
open to foreigners but that the
core of its workforce must re-
main its citizens – a point PM
from HDB, which said it would Lee had raised in his rally speech
h
do so only when there are “ex- as well.
tenuating reasons”. The entire • Healthcare subsidies The new guidelines mean
duration PRs can sublet their lowered for foreigners. that employers will now have to
flats will now be capped at five ensure that all jobs being adver-
years. tised are open to Singaporeans
HDB said the revisions were and to also groom Singaporean
meant to reinforce the policy of • Fair hiring guidelines employees to take on higher-
providing HDB flats as homes for Singaporeans and level jobs by developing their
to PRs, and to “deter those who skills.
foreigners.
are buying the flats for rental Professor Tan Khee Giap
yield or investment”. of the Lee Kuan Yew School of
PRs here own just under Public Policy said at the sidelines
50,000 HDB flats, of which • Higher Stamp Duty of the Singapore conference of
only about 2,000 are sublet. for foreigners buying the Pacific Economic Coop-
Towards the end of last year,
the Government also intro-
duced higher Additional Buy-
er’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of
C properties.
• Stricter subletting
rules for PRs owning
HDB flats.
eration Council (PECC) that
jobs here should also have a
“Singapore first” label and that
employers should be allowed
10 per cent for foreigners buy- to hire foreigners only if they
ing properties. This helped can show there are no deserv-
to curb the possibility that Fair Employment Practices (Tafep) an- ing citizens to fill the vacancies.
foreigners were snapping up homes nounced new guidelines to end discrimi-
here and driving property prices up. natory hiring practices where companies Striking the right balance
give preference to hiring foreigners in- As the world becomes more intercon-
In employment: stead of Singaporeans. nected, many countries are facing greater
In October last year, the Manpower Minister of State for Manpower, Mr social issues linked to migration. Coun-
Ministry and the Tripartite Alliance for Tan Chuan-Jin, said Singapore was still tries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong and
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 15hot
topic
Australia have also had to deal with the “We don’t want a “We don’t want a situation where it
issue of its citizens feeling that foreigners is too imbalanced also – where foreign-
were getting it easier than them in the situation where it is ers feel penalised to be here. We need
respective countries. too imbalanced also – the right blend so that everyone can live
While most Singaporeans welcome the together as good neighbours. That would
shift in government focus towards making where foreigners feel be something to be truly proud of. If
citizens the priority, many also felt that penalised to be here. everything we get is easy from the Gov-
there was a need not to alienate PRs and ernment, then there’s no pride in it also.”
citizens who have plans to settle down in
We need the right blend Bishan resident Toh Siow Ling, 34,
the country eventually. The “Singapore- so that everyone can said she was proud to be a Singaporean
ans First” message should not damage the
country’s desire to attract top talent from
live together as good because “we are a country which takes care
of those who need extra help”.
overseas from living and working here. neighbours...” Delivery driver Mohamed Shafiq,
Apart from these policy changes, there 52, from Bedok, said the new attractions
are also many other changes going on, – Factory worker G Murthi made him proud because that is what
with new attractions constantly coming many foreigners ask him about Singapore.
up to add vibrancy to the country. economy is slowing down. “They want to know how we got
The recently-opened Gardens by the Factory worker G Murthi, 48, who so many different plants from various
Bay is set to enhance the country’s clean lives in Toa Payoh, said he felt the Gov- countries here and so on,” he said. “I
and green image; and the River Safari with ernment had made distinctions between think that even in hard times like these,
its two pandas are also due to open soon. citizens and foreigners clear enough and Singaporeans can be proud that they have
Overall, Singaporeans have a lot to be he did not want the difference to go the chance to spend time with family and
optimistic about even though the global too far. friends exploring these new facilities.”
Some Singaporeans say new attractions like the Gardens by the Bay make them proud to be a Singaporean.
16 PETIR JULY / AUG 12Xiaxue
upfront
X
iaxue (aka Wendy Cheng) is a
prominent local blogger and a
supporter of the PAP. While her
blogs are mainly about beauty, fashion
and personal lifestyle pieces, her political
views have been the subject of strong at-
tacks, especially in the run-up to the Hou-
gang by-election. Opposition supporters
have flamed her and her friends online,
with sexual taunts and other insults.
In a no-holds-barred riposte, Xiaxue 2. What is it about the PAP that you supporters tend to be very quiet because
revealed the faces behind these critics, like? once they voice out their support they get
exposing their real identities, along with attacked like crazy.
those of their families. This post “Faces I like that the PAP is made up of the
of haters” on her blog which has more country’s best and I trust them to do the 4. Have you any political ambition?
than 100,000 followers and more than best for my country. They have a proven
40,000 visits a day, stirred up consider- track record and they made our country So far – no!
able controversy for its name-and-shame low crime, low corruption, if any at all,
tactic. Petir caught up with Xiaxue, who highly progressive and well, we are rich. 5. Would you react the same way if you
lives in Aljunied GRC. A lot of people dislike the PAP because were similarly attacked again?
Singapore is getting too cosmopolitan for
1. You said, “I hate that I have an opin- them, with higher costs of living stressing Yes, I will.
ion and a party I support.” Would you people out.
like to elaborate? I personally do not believe in slowing 6. What are the positive things that
down or reversing our progress to becom- came out of your recent online experi-
I feel that politics divide Singapo- ing one of the top cities in the world. We ence?
reans and it makes me feel disliked by cannot return to a kampong state... Yes it
my friends who have a differing opinion is stressful, yes it is tough – but we must Other than an increase in publicity for
from me. I’m sure they feel the same progress WITH Singapore... Or get out. me, I also had a lot of support from peo-
way as well. Prior to this election I had I believe that that is the attitude all ple who actually support the opposition.
no opinion about Singapore’s politics Singaporeans should have. I like the It is nice to be reminded that a
and neither did they. Over the course Singapore that Singapore has become, lot of them are still nice, reasonable
of years, you pick your friends based on and I wish for it to continue with PAP’s people because those anti-PAP people
whether you can accept their values and guidance. online usually sound very crude and
over personality similarities. Just when I scary.
thought I can accept all my friends for 3. Do you know of many young people
who they are, out pops something very who are supporters of the PAP? And 7. After your recent experience, do
important that I’ve never considered be- do they think like you? you think the internet should be
fore – their political inclinations. I cannot regulated?
say I’ve lost good friends over this issue, A good portion of my friends support
but it certainly made things a bit tense the PAP but most people I know sup- No, I believe it is capable of regulat-
during elections. port the opposition. A lot of times PAP ing itself.
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 17SINGAPORE
Behind the scenes
Transport Minister for
Reflections on the Young
PAP Model Parliament
By Jagathishwaran Rajo
B
eing one of the participants in
Young PAP Model Parliament
(YPMP) was a memorable and
enriching experience. When the idea of
the YPMP was mooted, I was thrilled
and decided to join the initiative. With
an array of portfolio choices, I picked the
role of Transport Minister.
First and foremost, the YPMP offered
an immense opportunity to understand
the Transport Ministry and its various
policies. Before the Model Parliament, I
had a passing knowledge of the policies
under the Transport Ministry.
However, the weeks leading to and
after the Model Parliaments sessions al-
lowed me to gain a deeper understanding.
I began to appreciate the logic behind
both public and private transport.
Several participants raised con-
cerns over the $1.1 billion government
spending on buses. I had to defend and
persuade everyone of the motivation for YP members get a first-hand experience of what it is like to be in the Parliament.
the government to spend a huge sum of
money on buses.
Second, the Model Parliamentary ses- replies for each session was a challenge. activists and students.
sion gave me valuable experience about The team had to conduct their individual It was heartening to observe young
parliamentary debates and procedures. research and put the facts and thoughts people coming forward to discuss gov-
The Arts House at the Old Parliament together in one piece. Along the way, I ernment policies with passion. Person-
House provided an authentic atmos- became conscious that policies cannot ally, this is a clear signal to indicate the
phere. be perfect and may not satisfy everyone. changing political culture in Singapore
Some of the backbenchers, both from There was a need to strike a balance where many youths are interested in the
the “government” and “opposition”, between the heart and mind. Polices can- politics and governance.
raised pertinent concerns with regards not be too emotional (heart) or purely Personally, I look forward to more
to the hot issues on housing, transport, rational (mind). of these initiatives for young people to
healthcare and immigration. In general, Overall, the YPMP provided a good express and exchange their views.
the debates were intense but thought- platform for young activists to come to-
provoking. gether and debate over the government The writer is chairman of Zhenghua
Third, I realised that it was not a sim- policies. A pool of constructive ideas YP and region chairman of
ple task to be a frontbencher. Preparing were crafted and shared among the young Holland-Bukit Timah
20 PETIR JULY / AUG 12a day
What is the
Youth
Parliament?
• The YPMP comprised 80 youths:
42 YPAP activists, as well as 38 youths
and university students. The debate
was the 2012 Budget, with special em-
phasis on population, housing afford-
ability, transportation, and economic
policies.
• Launched by YP Chairman and
Minister of State Teo Ser Luck. Also
attended by Minister K Shanmugam,
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sim
Ann, Speaker Michael Palmer, Deputy
Speaker Seah Kian Peng, MP Zaqy
Mohamad, MP Vikram Nair, and MP
Baey Yam Keng.
• After four 'parliamentary' sittings
each lasting eight hours, the YPMP
achieved bi-partisan support for the
Budget.
The Alternative Budget
Four key ideas in the final YPMP Budget:
• Encourage Singaporeans to have • Launch of consultation exercise to Enhancement for Active Senior
more children earlier by: 1) intro- generate consensus among various stake- (EASE) to cover the 100,000 disabled
ducing an additional two months of holders in Singapore with regards to 1) Singaporeans, so that they can benefit
parental leave (for either the father increasing TFR among Singaporeans; 2) from flat fittings.
or mother) on top of the current the appropriate number of foreigners;
four months; 2) helping couples who and 3) enhancing integration between • Fund an agency that monitors the
want to start their family early obtain Singaporeans and new immigrants. factual accuracy of what is said by
HDB loans for down-payments; and politicians from all parties, as well as
3) increasing baby bonus. • Extend the 2012 Budget Programme, by new media.
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 21Behind the scenes
One-Stop@Paya Lebar
Help centre One-Stop@Paya Lebar recently resumed its social welfare services after a
one-year hiatus. On top of job placement and social welfare services, its monthly PAP
CaRES sessions include legal counselling, family counselling and letter-writing
I
n Hougang, an unobtrusive corner
called One-Stop@Paya Lebar next
to a kindergarten at the void deck of
Block 115, Hougang Avenue 1, was an
oasis for people who needed help.
They would find the jobs they des-
perately needed or apply for the funds to
pay for food.
In May last year, the centre, which had
been open since March 2008, closed its
shutters. In the wake of the opposition
Workers' Party win in the Aljunied ward,
the staff and grassroots volunteers who ran
One-Stop wanted to do a review.
Grassroots volunteer Vincent Tan, 25,
who has just graduated from the Nanyang
Technology University with a biological
sciences degree, said: “We found after
our review that people still needed help.”
On June 28 this year, the revamped
One Stop@Paya Lebar re-opened its
doors. On top of the usual job-matching
and application for Comcare funds, it
started a once-a-month session called
PAP CaRES (Community Assistance for
Residents).
Sitting in the same room during PAP
CaRES sessions is a lawyer and a family
counsellor. Grassroots volunteer Abner
Koh, 30, a tax adviser, said: “Residents Andy Wang (left) and Vincent Tan are
volunteer letter drafters with the PAP CaRES.
who come here can get on-the-spot advice
on legal and family matters.”
Fellow grassroots volunteer and en- families, but also those middle-income out to meet with and talk to youth about
terprise architect Andy Wang, 34, added: residents who may need legal advice and what they are doing. Its first “Paya Lebar
“PAP CaRES acts as an avenue for us to those who need help getting their children Talk and Chill” session which stretched
help the residents staying in Paya Lebar. into schools,” said Mr Koh. from 9pm to midnight was held at a
This is how we can better serve the peo- To get the news out, volunteers also McDonalds outlet opposite the Kovan
ple.” started a Facebook page. “We want Community Centre in July.
Six people living in the area who had to reach out to the youth and get the They would have talked about the
heard of PAP CaRES by word-of-mouth word out on what we are doing,” said satisfaction they feel in helping residents
walked in for the inaugural June 28 ses- Mr Wang. like former piano teacher Irene Diong,
sion. The organisers saw 18 cases in July. The youth outreach aspect of PAP one of the six residents who turned up
“We help not only the lower-income CaRES is key: The volunteers take time on June 28.
22 PETIR JULY / AUG 12reopens
Help at hand
One-Stop @ Paya Lebar
• provides job placement and
social welfare services
• from 10am to 5pm on
weekdays
PAPCaRES
• family counselling, legal
counselling and letter
drafting services on
residents’ behalf to
government agencies
• every 4th Friday of the month,
from 7.30pm onwards
www.facebook.com/#!/PAPCaRES
Robbed of two fingers on her right colleague asked me, can you really do it? opment Board, asking for assistance to
hand when she fell prey to a rare form of I was discouraged,” said Ms Diong, who deal with her ballooning mortgage loan
soft-tissue cancer in 2009, the 49-year-old had a history of depression. She hung on arrears.
did not let the amputation get her down, for a year but ultimately resigned. “There is no dignity in asking for help.
even though she could no longer play the She turned to One-Stop. She success- If I could help myself, I would,” said Ms
piano, teach or earn an income. fully applied for Comcare again, which Diong. “But the people here have been
After a year-long recuperation, she will give her $300 a month for three great. The counsellor here, she is doing
stepped into the unfamiliar corporate months. more than just her job, she’s my friend. I
world where she sat at a keyboard slowly At the PAP CaRES session, volunteers can just call and talk to her if I need to.
typing delivery orders with eight fingers. listened to her story and also helped her “To me, to receive help like this gives
“I was not even two days there when a to write a letter to the Housing Devel- me hope. There are people who care.”
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 23Dialogue
Of childhood dreams,
pets and politics
MPs Christopher de Souza and Chia Shi-Lu talk about childhood
ambitions, politics and pets in the second session of MPs Unplugged
By Huang Huimin
O
ne describes himself as a late
bloomer who found his bright
spot only in junior college; the
other was so talkative in primary school
that he was made prefect so that he could
put his talking “to good use”.
These were the snippets let on by
post-65 MPs Christopher de Souza and
Chia Shi-Lu at the second session of MPs
Unplugged, a dialogue series organised
by the Young PAP’s Political Discussions
Committee to allow activists and mem-
bers of the public to get up close and Participants asked myriad of questions from personal to political issues.
personal with PAP MPs.
During the one-and-a-half-hour
session held on July 21 at the NTUC
Income Marina Bay Centre, the two MPs
answered questions ranging from their
path to politics to questions about their
childhood.
“You could summarise me in two
words: late bloomer,” said Mr Souza, who
is also a former national hockey player.
“That’s why I really believe in pockets of
opportunity for students right throughout
the spectrum, from Primary One all the
way up to ITE, polytechnic and univer-
sity… It’s not that the student is dull, it’s MPs Christopher de Souza and Chia Shi-Lu
just that sometimes it takes time for things sharing a light-hearted moment with YP members.
to fall into place, as it did with me.”
Mr De Souza’s personal experience polytechnic graduates. He also keeps a to take away some of the current empha-
has given him a heart for students who lookout for disadvantaged youths who sis on results in co-curricular activities
may not have found their footing early need help advancing their education, and (CCA), especially in sports.
on in the education system. Over the last then tries to guide and help them achieve He recalled how even though he was
six years in Parliament, the second-term their potential. not chosen to be a member of the school
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC has On the same topic of education, tennis team, he enjoyed his time as part
spoken up several times on the issue of Dr Chia, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, of the tennis club.
upgrading opportunities for ITE and believes that there is a need for schools “CCAs should be an outlet for stu-
24 PETIR JULY / AUG 12MPs Unplugged offers participants an opportunity to get up close and personal with the MPs.
dents to explore… My worry is that now President Scholar, and is now an ortho- “I wanted my work to translate into
there is a lot of focus on those who can paedic surgeon at the Singapore General the betterment of my country,” he said.
play very well, rather than teach those who Hospital. “I was schooled from a very young age to
want to learn.” Mr De Souza, on the other hand, was be patriotic.”
The MPs also showed a softer side as less decided on his ambition when he was While neither had planned for the
they spoke about the pets they had – Mr younger. At one time, he had contem- foray into politics, they are more than
De Souza had grown up with pets but now prepared for the challenge now that they
finds it difficult to take care of them with have taken the plunge.
two young daughters, while Dr Chia no “CCAs should be an outlet Dr Chia had started out with grass-
longer keeps pets after the dog he and his roots work. Later, he caught the attention
family saved and loved as a family went for students to explore… of the Party, and was asked to shadow MP
missing. My worry is that now Yeo Guat Kwang at the then-Aljunied-
They also revealed a little about what
they were like as children.
there is a lot of focus on Hougang branch.
“Over a period of one or two years
Dr Chia recalled how he was first made those who can play very you have to decide for yourself if you can
a prefect in Primary Four as punishment
for being too talkative in class. He had
well, rather than teach handle the work. I felt that it is something
I can manage. This is my realistic answer,”
started the school year with a seat at the those who want to learn.” Said Dr Chia.
back of the class, but was moved to the – Dr Chia Shi-Lu Calling the decision to stand as can-
front of the class, one row at a time. His didate for the Party at the 2006 General
Primary Four teacher finally decided to Election a “joint decision” between him
make him prefect so he could have a taste plated following his father’s footsteps to and his wife, Mr De Souza said: “If we do
of what it was like to discipline other a career in the army. Later, even when he this, we must do it together.”
talkative children. was reading law in university, he had toyed While he admitted to worrying about
Said Dr Chia: “I guess one way of deal- with the idea of becoming a diplomat. He how his daughters might be thrust into
ing with so-called problematic kids is to eventually found his calling in the legal the spotlight because of his position as
put them into positions of responsibility service, where he spent four years before MP, he believes that it will all be worth-
and see how they adapt. I became quite a moving on to private practice. Still, he had while.
good boy after that!” always known that he wanted to contrib- “At least I can tell my daughters, I tried
The same boy went on to become ute to Singapore, in some way or another. to make a better Singapore for you.”
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 25View from front
和谐社会 — 新加坡的经验
“和
谐”这两个字，对
新加坡的政治有特
别深远的意思。
从1965年独立以来，我们就了解新
加坡的脆弱性。首先，新加坡是个面积
很小的国家，无论是要开发资源，发展
经济，进行防卫，都没法提供有效的基
本条件。其次，我们是个多元种族，多
元宗教的社会，种族之间的和睦相处，
宗教之间的敏感和容忍，都不能被视作
理所当然。
这就是为什么我们的学生从小一开
始都会在升旗礼过后宣读新加坡公民
信约：
“我们是新加坡公民，誓愿不分种
族、言语、宗教，团结一致，建设公正
平等的民主社会，并为实现国家之幸
福、繁荣与进步，共同努力。”
这个誓约是1965年开始采用的，时
隔47年，誓约的内容和含义一直是许多
政府的政策和运作背后的主题。
我就以以下四个方面的政策和措
施，来说明我们如何贯彻公民誓约里提
到的和谐社会相关思想。 新加坡的信约强调的是为国民建立一个平等、公正、和谐、民主的社会。
经济发展－各尽所能，各取所值 工的技能、鼓励企业创新，否则他们将 切合作，设计相关的培训课程。
从动荡不安的独立历史走出来，新 面对淘汰的厄运。企业如此，行业如 持续教育和再培训的工作是非常迫
加坡深知经济的发展先决条件是政治稳 此，国家也如此。 切的。在一个包容和谐的社会里，我们
定。而为了确保政治稳定，政府初期的 2010年，政府成立了并拨款20亿新 要竭尽所能，让工友掌握最新的技能，
一项重要工作，就是说服工会和群众， 元给“全国生产力和延续教育理事会” 以便能够胜任新的工作，与时并进。就
放弃罢工、暴动的手法，对抗的态度， ，让它协助各个行业拟定提升生产力的 业是工友福利的最佳保障。
而接受一个事实：即劳、资、政必须 蓝图和策略，也监督各个行业生产力计 在全球化的经济体系里，低薪工友
携手合作，打造一个适宜外资投资的 划的实施，以确保全国能取得每年2% 的工资很难单靠市场力量上调，并长期
环境。 －3%的生产力提升。这个计划，也有助 处于低靡。好多国家就为此选择了“最
经过多年的磨合，“劳资政”三方 于实现在十年之内将低薪工友的收入， 低薪金制度”。而新加坡则选择了实行
的合作和运行已经形成一个成熟的体 提高30%的目标。 所谓的“就业入薪补助计划”来协助低
系。这个体系是我们核心竞争力的一个 为了确保劳动队伍持续保有国际竞 收入工友。与最低薪金制不同的是，薪
重要元素，也是保障工友利益的有效 争力，我们拟定了中长期的员工技能培 金补贴所需的资金来自政府，而不是雇
机制。 训和再教育的策略。其中，人力部和其 主。我们觉得我们的做法不会违背市场
随着经济的全球化，唯有不断的提 属下的劳动力发展局积极领导工作，并 运作规律，也不会给中小企业带来人为
高生产力、加强产品开发能力、提升员 和工会、雇主和各个中专及大专学院密 的成本负担。
26 PETIR JULY / AUG 12李奕贤
关怀和服务社会。人民协会属下的居民 60%的选票，81个议席。工人党则赢得
委员会，也经常主办各种各样的居民联 其他6个议席。
谊和康乐活动，加强邻居之间的互动和 人民行动党自1959年起，已经蝉联
了解。我们在组屋区内实施“种族比例 执政53年。在自由选举制度下，一党长
限额”，目的是为了促进各种族的融合 期执政的国家恐怕很少。为什么行动党
以及和谐相处。建屋局所实施的政策和 能历久不衰，在一、两代人的时间里，
项目的目的是要为居民营造一个和谐以 把新加坡从第三世界带到第一世界？
及具活力的居住环境。 李光耀先生这么说过：“要成立诚
实政治体系的先决条件，就是参选人不
社会建设－多方援手，自力根生 能耗费大量的资金参选，得选。否则就
总理在2011年国会开会演讲时给 会导致腐败周期的出现”。
包容性社会下了一个定义：“什么是包 所以，新加坡设立了一套严格的选
容性社会？一个包容性社会要能够让国 举法。政党选举期间所收的捐赠和开
民享受到国家进步的好处；每个国民都 销，都必须向选举局呈报。其中，开销
可以表达意见、都是利益相关者，并对 的总数不能超过选民总数x3.50新元。
国家有归属感；大家都努力追求更美好 这个条例有效、严格地防止金钱政治的
的生活，也觉得有真正的机会向上提 产生。
升”。 当然，李光耀先生和其他开国元老
要了解政府对低收入家庭和弱势群 树立的诚实、朴素和严谨的作风，也塑
体的关怀，我们可以参考近两年的财政 造了未来新加坡政治和民事服务的献身
预算和政府开支：财政部长尚达曼先生 精神，专业精神和清廉的风气。
在2011年二月发表财政预算案演讲时 除了维持一个清廉透明的行政系
说：“今年的预算案旨在达成两大目 统，我们还需要优秀人才。每届大选前
标。首先是争取在未来十年把国人的实 后，行动党都会从各个领域物色杰出的
际工资提高三成。其次是强化新加坡社 人才，说服他们从政。这种人才选拔制
住房政策－民无恒产，则无恒心 会以实现建立包容性社会的愿景。” 度，丰富了行动党的人才基础，也不断
新加坡住房政策启动的很早。从 今年的财政预算里，直接拨给低收 的为行动党注入新血，为内阁提供可造
1963年开始，建屋发展局就推出了“居 入家庭的财政补贴是12亿新元。项目包 就之才。更重要的是，新加坡没有所谓
者有其屋”的计划。但当时大部分人没 括了：消费税回扣，水电费回扣，医药 永久的统治阶级。因为不管出身贫寒或
法掏出20%的定金。 保险金的津贴等。而间接拨款于家庭的 富裕，只要是工作上证明有才华，诚实
1968年，政府修改了公积金法令。 财政补贴就高达74亿新元。措施包括了 可靠的有识之士，都能参与领导这个国
公积金缴交率从原来的10%分段提升到 消费税退税基金，巴士服务提升预算， 家的工作。这本身就是社会流动性的体
1984年的50%。购买政府组屋的人从 雇佣年长者预算，学习储备金，医药保 现，也是和谐社会上通下达，机会平等
1967年的3000个增加到1996年的7万 健储备金，社会关怀基金等。 的表现。
个。 除了直接拨款给低收入家庭，政府
目前，新加坡有多过90万个政府组 也积极鼓励和配合民间组织和慈善机
屋单位，为超过80%的新加坡人提供住 构，为弱势群体提供各种各样的协助和 作者为贸易及工业部兼
屋。而90%的政府组屋住户拥有自己的 服务。我们的理念是“多方援手”。 国家发展部高级政务部长。
房子。 上文摘录自他于6月间
随着人口老化，我们计划提供更多 政治体系－任人唯贤，廉洁高效 向访新的广东省委书记汪洋及
的相关配套，鼓励民间组织和政府一起 2011年的大选，人民行动党赢得了 该省代表团所发表的演说。
PETIR JULY / AUG 12 27View from front
Building a harmonious society
– The Singapore story
By Lee Yi Shyan
“H
armony” is a word that “leaves no one behind”.
that bears profound This year’s Budget, for exam-
meaning for Singa- ple, set aside $1.2 billion as sub-
pore politics. sidies for low-income families.
We have always understood In addition, the Government
Singapore’s vulnerabilities: its also works with community and
small physical size means that we charity organisations to provide
lack the basic conditions for the assistance to the needy, making
resource development, economic for a multi-pronged approach
growth and national defence that to building an inclusive society.
come so naturally to our bigger
counterparts, while our multi-racial Our Government
and multi-religious makeup means The tone for Singapore poli-
that it is not our place to take for tics was set by former Minister
granted the respect that we have Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and our
cultivated for one another. nation-building pioneers – the
Forty-seven years on, the aspi- Singapore administration, led
ration to build a harmonious soci- by the PAP, has always been
ety, as epitomised by our national seen as selfless, professional and
pledge, continues to guide and corruption-free. Election laws
undergird our government policies. are also deliberately stringent.
The PAP government also
Economic Development recognises the need to have men
Tripartism plays an important and women of calibre to run the
role in building a competitive edge government and is hence always
for Singapore and is an effective on the lookout for political talent
mechanism in protecting worker through several changes with the times. from all walks of life to join the
welfare. Today, 90 per cent of HDB dwellers are party. This not only strengthens the Party
There is really no better guarantor of also homeowners. talent base, but also rejuvenates it. Most
worker welfare than continued employ- Various initiatives have been set in place importantly, however, it shows for the fact
ment. It is hence imperative that we do to encourage community service and bond- that there is no ruling class in Singapore.
what we can to equip our workforce with ing. Residents’ Committees, for one, help Anyone who is able can be given the op-
the newest skills so that it is able to main- create opportunities for neighbourly inter- portunity to lead, reflecting the social
tain its competitiveness. action by organising community events. mobility that characterises a harmonious
Singapore also adopts the less con- The Ethnic Integration Policy, which stip- society.
ventional wage subsidies programme that ulates a certain racial proportion for each
shifts the burden of subsidisation from housing estate, has also been implemented The writer is Senior Minister of State
employer to government, while leaving the to promote racial integration and harmony. for Trade and Industry and National
economy free to respond to market forces. Development. The above is summary of a
An Inclusive Society Chinese speech he made during the visit
Housing Policies An inclusive society, as defined by by Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang
Our housing policies have gone Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is one and his delegation to Singapore in June.
28 PETIR JULY / AUG 12You can also read
