DIRECTOR Jack Neo is quick to capitalise on topical issues, like
the current inflationary climate and the increase in Electronic
Road Pricing (ERP) rates, in his latest movie, Money No Enough
2.
However, the Government, while not as fast, is certainly 'I Not
Stupid', quipped Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
His remark - punning on the film-maker's two hits - was in his
Mandarin National Day Rally speech delivered at the University
Cultural Centre yesterday evening. It was used to illustrate the
fact that the Government has indeed taken steps to 'mitigate the
impact of the increase' in prices.
On the ERP topic, which he acknowledged has generated much
public debate, he said: 'With more cars on the road, we need to
increase ERP to keep traffic flowing. When ERP was increased, we
also reduced road tax and improved public transport.
'Jack Neo did not mention the overall picture nor the steps by
the Government to help Singaporeans, so I will explain further in
my English speech.'
His English speech will be telecast at 8pm tonight, while the
Malay and Mandarin speeches were shown last night. This was so that
Singaporeans could watch the historic women's table- tennis team
play at the Beijing Olympics.
On inflation, PM Lee said: 'We have been monitoring prices since
last year. We have taken concrete measures to help Singaporeans to
cope.'
For example, he pointed out: 'The Ministry of Finance has
distributed part of the Growth Dividend and GST Offset. A further
Growth Dividend package will be given out in October.'
The Government has also given out $3 billion - 'enough to make
big impact'.
He added that some increases have been held back. There has been
'no increase in Town Council and service and conservancy charges in
PAP wards this year, (and) increases in water tariffs have been
held off'.
Still, 'some increases cannot be prevented because energy and
other operating costs have increased, (and) workers also need
salary increments, but the Government will try its best to keep any
increase small'.
In addition to speaking on such measures to help combat
inflation, he also urged young people to see marriage as an
important part of life.
He said that while inflation is an acute concern, Singapore
needs to address longer-term challenges, such as the country's low
birth rate.
He advised young people to 'achieve the right balance between
career and marriage'.
'Otherwise, (they) may miss out on chances to find love and
happiness, may miss (the) best window to have children and the
happiness of family life,' he explained.
He also spoke about the now-'extinct' mei po, or matchmaker, who
enabled singles to meet their partners more effectively.
He added: 'I hope parents will encourage their children in a
sensitivemanner and that children will take this matter seriously.
Ultimately, this is a personal matter and the Government can only
facilitate.'
Besides this, PM Lee also touched on the topic of foreign
workers.
He assured Singaporeans that 'the Government's responsibility is
to Singaporeans'.
'Our duty is to improve the lives of Singaporeans. We allow in
foreign workers and new immigrants because doing so will benefit
Singaporeans.'
You think we were born yesterday LHL?
u took so long to read this news that was published
on 18 Aug...
