NDR 2023 - on fairness, social mix (inclusiveness)

REACH

26 Aug 2023

Part 1/4

Ndr2023 mention fairness, social mix, (in fact it implies inclusiveness) as the theme.

But notice that, 2 big items has left out 20% of the population in the theme.

1. Early seniors of 1.4 million is announced and label for the 50 to 60s age group.

But only 80% is included in the Majullah package. 

That means 280,000 (20%) don't belong to the Majullah group unlike Pioneer and Merdeka groups whereby 100% received a Pioneer card and Merdeka card. 

The categorisation and card has a special meaning of recognising the generation group sacrifices, contributions and nation building.

2. 20% of the population are excluded from the HDB BTO flats with income ceiling $14,000 and above.

This unwittingly create an "Elite class" because they have no choice but to buy EC, private condo, landed properties and GCB about 700,000 people are in this category.

My worries are, will this unwittingly create problems to fairness, social mix and inclusiveness in Singapore society - in well meaning policies of uplifting the lower and middle income groups?  - by "Excluding 20% of the population?"

Part 2/4

Hence I smell a dangerous signal.

1. I feel it is not so simplistic to say the 20% contribute 80% to the Economy - because there are others in the society who are non-citizens such as foreign investors, foreign talents.

2. But an intelligent guess is, this 20% will still contribute a sizable amount in economic growth and development.

As they are entrepreneurs, boss, senior management, executives, professionals or influential people who will have made up the 20%.

3. Hence excluding this 20% unwittingly in a quest to uplift the other 80% of the population - will subconsciously build upon them - as being "overlooked or ignored" by the government.

Whereby their sacrifices and contributions are taken for granted.

4. Hence I "smell a dangerous sign" - even though this 20% will quietly conduct their daily business and will not be antagonists.

5. But taking a step back, I noticed a majority of the oppositions or those who consider themselves independent or non-establishment are in fact influential people from the past establishment - stepping up to contest in elections.

6. They are well to do, and I would deduce they could have come from the 20% that have been overlooked or excluded by the government policies.

They feel that they want to put things right for the society in which their "unfulfilled fairness, social mix and inclusiveness" could be unconsciously cloak and their motivation to oppose and contest could drive their thoughts, speeches and actions.

That's why I say "I smell a danger".

7. Putting this hypothesis to a test, when I treat everyone well with something for everyone, I noticed a genuine sense of harmony, serenity and peace.

But the moment I try to ignore one but treat others well, I can sense the equilibrium has been upset and unhappiness arise.

Part 3/4

Tan Cheng bok is past PAP MP.

Tan Kin Lian is past PAP member.

Sylvia Lim is a past police, a poly lecturer.

Pritam Singh is a colonel in SAF.

Tan Jee Say is an ex-civil servant.

Hazel Poa is an ex-civil servant.

Leon Perera is an ex-civil servant.

Chee soon Juan an ex-prof in NUS.

Jamus Lim an economic associate professor.

2 WP MP - one a lawyer, another an IT professional.

1 ex WP MP - an NUS associate professor.

Thambah SDP - a top pandemic doctor.

Nicole Seah - a rich professional.

They are all in the top 20% group.

Question:- why they feel the society is unfair and not govern well - when in fact the other 80% are always on the government radar and receive an overwhelming budget and financial assistance?

Actually, is it their own needs and aspirations have been ignored and overlooked - and they exploit the other 80% unconsciously to send a signal in which they may not be even aware or conscious of their actual motivation to come into politics and oppose?

I am just making this deduction and hypothesis based on observations and stand to be corrected.

My motive of bringing this up, is to identify the root cause of the problem - and find the right antidotes.

In fact, I would think "fairness, social mix and inclusiveness" - could have been overlooked for these 20% - and no one is conscious about it.

Part 4/4

Hence by conceptualising the right principles - will be crucial in getting social cohesion on the right track.

1. External diplomacy 

"Friends with All.

Enemies with None.

Forge mutual benefits with win-win outcome".

Will put Singapore in a good stead with foreign countries and benefit economically, politically and safeguard our security.

2. Domestic cohesion

"Leave no one out.

Leave no one behind".

- include everyone regardless of races, languages, religions, social classes, income groups - perfecting the social mix.

Refrain from artificially creating an "elite class" through well meaning policies.

"Perfect Inclusiveness".

- uplift lower and middle income groups to ensure no large gaps in income among the lower, middle and upper income groups.

And the nexus of these 2 principles is "Inclusiveness" - "Leave no one out"