Agreed. Look at the COE, the benchmark is 1.6L, discouraging
people from buying small cars. Road tax surcharge for old vehicles,
discouraginging people to drive old cars. Developing "World class"
transport system, Stop building 3 rooms flats, etc... etc...
All these are efforts put in to create the image of properity of
Singapore.
But are we that prosperous? Yes, the rich ones are. We are just
like the teenagers, trying to look rich with expensive branded
stuff, but actually broke and poor.
Most rules and policies including those mentioned above are set for
the rich. They have forgotten the poor and the old. These are the
group of citizens whom one old fellow refered to as the sacred
cow.
Our leaders are trying to mould a "world class" image for
Singapore, but forgetting that many can only afford "economy
class", yet blaming them of being resistant to change, not willing
to learn new skills, choosy and you name it they have it kind of
blames and excuses. Again, its like our snout teenagers despising
their old parents.
On the other hand, our policies always hinder the citizen to be
creative and find money to survive. Recently read from ST forum,
regarding a housing agent writing in to explain why the poor prefer
to hold on to big flats than to downgrade to ease the financial
crisis. This is because rules were set that for downgrading, 4%
cash is needed for bank loans as downgrader not entitled for HDB
loans.
When cases of poverty like the Wong brother and sister came to
light, our usual excuse from the grassroots or ministers will
always be the standard " There are several schemes and help
provider for the poor, but few utilise them." I would like to
remind them that even I do not know of the various help schemes we
have for the poor, how then can someone who cannot afford
newspaper, TV or internet know about the schemes?
My advise, If you are among the high income earners, sit back and
relax, you will become richer. If you are middle high income and
below, work hard, save hard to find yourself poorer.
