Before getting ahead of ourselves, i believe the statement
should be: Are Singaporeans getting good value for the
taxes they pay? - As opposed to
'Singaporeans are the most
heavily taxed'.
Our taxes, including relief, insurance and other family-related
deductions, are still relatively managable, as compared to the
40-50% taxes in other developed countries.
However, instead of simply resting on their laurels, the govt can
introduce more public amenities that benefit the people, rather
than remain conservative.
Escalators for overhead bridges, lift upgrading for HDB flats and
handicap-friendly features on transportation, buildings and parking
space are examples of areas to work on and these certainly benefit
the elderly and wheelchair bound.
Other options such as improving medicare in govt sectors, rebates
to offset rising medical costs and subsidies for the needy with
regards to basic educational requirements can also be
reviewed.
I would like to see my taxes well spent on these sections, instead
of higher and higher ministerial and cabinet staff salaries, which
i find totally unjustified.
