SINGAPORE : The vast majority of Singaporeans want regular
monthly pensions for the elderly, while nine in 10 feel more should
be done to promote interest in politics among young people.
These were some of the findings of a recent survey conducted by
NTUC Income in response to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call
last August for Singaporeans to "make a difference and shape the
country together".
The Cooperative polled about 370 people - members of its staff and
the public - a week after Mr Lee's inauguration speech.
Respondents shared their views on more than 20 national issues in a
questionnaire and 42 of them were invited to a session where they
discussed the results and offered further suggestions.
NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian said the Cooperative would present the
suggestions to government leaders soon.
The respondents were unanimous in their support for monthly
pensions for people 80 years of age or older.
Suggested amounts varied from $100 to $500. As civil servant Kit
Putt, 26, remarked: "It's a small amount for this group of people
who have contributed greatly to our country and who may not have
CPF savings." It was recommended that certain conditions be
imposed.
"Pensions should only go to those in need, since the money comes
from taxpayers. Let's consider criteria such as income level and
number of dependents," said Ms Putt.
On the topic of scholarships, seven in 10 respondents wanted them
replaced with grants, loans or bursaries. This, they said, would
reduce the problem of bond-breaking.
Said Mr William Foo, 33, a public relations consultant: "Providing
study loans would make students responsible for repaying them. Yes,
there might be less prestige but at least it would give them more
job mobility."
He suggested having a probation system for scholars where they
would be put on work attachments to assess their suitability for
the job upon graduation. In so doing, he said, the sponsoring
company would "know more about their scholars" and "ensure a right
job fit".
A total of 92 per cent of the respondents felt that younger people
should express their political views more openly. This would help
groom them to become future leaders.
Youths should be encouraged to write in to news groups, respondents
said.
Ms Lynn Ng, a corporate planning executive, said schools should
help dispel the mindset that "politics are boring and only the
high-flyers should be involved".
Said the 23-year-old: "On the whole, most people of my generation
are not interested at all. It's important to prepare for the future
as we don't want to have dinosaurs leading our country." -
TODAY
