Concerned about housing prices in Singapore? Wonder when inflation will stop acting up like our stomachs after a meal of McSpicy burgers?
Kaypoh about what the government thinks about the recent politician scandals in Singapore?
All of that, and more, were addressed in the National Day Message 2023 by PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Here’s everything you need to know, simplified for you.
Scandals
It has been an eventful 2023, especially in the political arena.
Two ministers were accused of enjoying preferential treatment when it comes to renting out colonial bungalows in Singapore.
One minister is currently being investigated for corruption.
And two PAP members, a speaker of the house and an MP were involved in an affair since 2020.
All of these matters has been dealt with transparently and properly, PM Lee says.
The case of the preferential treatment has been thoroughly investigated by a committee, and they were cleared of the accusation.
The CPIB has opened an official investigation into the minister involved in the corruption case, and investigations are ongoing.
The two PAP members have resigned.
“Such issues come up from time to time. When they do, we deal with them properly and transparently. That is what we have always done; and that is what we have done this time too.”
In all of the three cases mentioned, the PAP government has sought to do the right thing and protect the integrity of the government.
The government is committed to maintaining “high standards of honesty, integrity and propriety”.
This is something that not only Singaporeans, but Singapore’s international partners, expect of the government here.
PM Lee emphasised that trust is what got Singapore through the three-year pandemic, and trust is what will allow Singapore to move forward safely.
Adjusting HDB Housing Scheme
Affordable public housing has been one of the main focal points for the Singapore government.
An HDB flat isn’t just as roof over Singaporeans’ heads, PM Lee pointed out.
It is a home that you are proud to own, a neighbourhood to raise your family in and a community to be part of.
Housing prices in Singapore has been at an all-time high, and it may increase further.
Currently, HDB is building new flats in both mature and non-mature estates.
Given that flats in mature estates are more popular, prices of homes in mature estates are higher compared to non-mature estates.
That’s logical since mature estates has all of the required amenities in place.
However, HDB is running out of non-mature estates to build in, as there are fewer and fewer undeveloped areas in Singapore.
This means that prices of new homes in Singapore will definitely see an increase.
To counter that, the government will be making some adjustment to the HDB housing scheme to keep public housing affordable and accessible to people of all income groups.
Earlier this year in 2023, the maximum amount of HDB Housing Grant was increased to $190,000 for first-timers buying resale flats. A new category of first-timers was also created to better support BTO first-time buyers with urgent needs.
More will be shared on the National Day Rally.
Ageing Initiatives
Singapore also has a rapidly ageing population.
Currently, 1 in 5 Singaporeans is a senior (65 years old and above). By 2030, that proportion will change to 1 in 4 Singaporeans.
The Singapore government has launched a few initiatives to serve the ageing population well.
This includes Healthier SG, a preventive care scheme which encourages regular health checks and helping people live healthier by providing them with activities and a lifelong doctor.
Infrastructure has also been rapidly deployed, including more visible signages and designs to help seniors find their way easier, more pedestrian-friendly zones and rest points, and more senior-friendly fixtures at home.
Moving forward, community spaces will be improved upon, including building more Active Ageing Centres, so seniors can remain well and in-touch with friends and neighbours.
CPF Savings
The CPF Savings is an initiative to help Singaporeans save throughout their working years so they’ll have enough for retirement.
Assistance has also been provided to lower-income workers.
However, there are seniors in their 50s and 60s who still do not have enough for retirement.
They need extra help.
And help, they will get.
More details will be revealed at the National Day Rally.
To end off the National Day Message, PM Lee says that foreign leaders were impressed by Singapore’s ability to “think long-term, set ambitious goals, and steadily achieve our aspirations”.
This is only possible because the people and the Government work closely together, he said.
For this National Day, take a look back at how far Singapore has come and look forward with hope, he urged.
“The best chapters of the Singapore story are yet to be written.”
