SINGAPORE: Communications and Information Minister
and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has
described Budget 2013 as a brave step taken by the government to
achieve quality growth and an inclusive society.
Dr Yaacob made the statement during the first Budget
Forum to be conducted in Malay.
The forum will be aired on MediaCorp TV channel
Suria from 9.30pm to 10.30pm on Thursday.
He said the government has to make some specific choices to achieve
the two objectives.
These include reducing the number of foreign workers and extending
more help to businesses and those who are in need.
He said the economy also needs to be restructured in order to
improve productivity.
Some 20 people from all walks of life were invited to share their
views on the Budget.
Polls were also conducted during the show. Nearly eight in 10
participants felt Budget 2013 could bring about quality growth and
an inclusive society.
One way the Budget aims to do this is to have a more progressive
tax structure, with the rich paying more.
Dr Yaacob said such a policy is useful, but needs to evolve
depending on the conditions of the economy.
"If in the future, our economy slows down and affects all levels of
society, it may not be possible to implement this," he said.
"But as one of the policy tools, I feel this is one the government
can use in suitable times because we know the income inequality has
to be looked into as we do not want to see the emergence of two
classes in Singapore... which could affect our harmony," Dr Yaacob
added.
- CNA/al
sounds lie a re-run from old 1960s speeches.....everyuthing sounds
as vague AS SARAH CONNOR DRIVING HER CAR IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT WITH A
MACHINEGUN TRYING TO KILL SOME NEGRO ENGINEER...........talk is
cheep.show us some real increment of salary instead and more
tangible gains like hdb affordable and better cheaper n faster food
instead.
