REACH (Telegram) 123 - Which aspect of PM’s Round Up Speech resonated the most with you?
(SK)
26 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 3:48 pm]
Welcome Back! 😊
⏰ We will be opening the chat from 4pm to 8pm today. ⏰
House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:
1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.
2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.
3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.
4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.
5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.
Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/
We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all.
Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies.
The topic will be posted shortly.
Thank you.
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 4:01 pm]
📢 BUDGET 2026 ROUND UP SPEECH BY PM WONG📢
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong rounded up the debate on Budget 2026 on Feb 26. He addressed concerns and suggestions raised over the last three days by MPs following the delivery of the Budget statement on Feb 12 that laid out a record $154.7 billion expenditure plan for the year ahead.
A total of 68 MPs from both sides of the House have spoken over the last three days, covering the Budget’s plans for a national AI push, support for workers and businesses and a larger-than-expected $15.1 billion fiscal surplus.
💬 Which aspect of PM’s Round Up Speech resonated the most with you?
📌 Securing continued economic success and good jobs
PM Wong said that Singapore will harness AI to ensure growth translates into good jobs and better wages. "We will not have jobless growth", he added.
Historically, every major technological wave had displaced some jobs but also created new ones, and what had been observed in Singapore so far is that AI can augment jobs and help workers achieve more even as it automates certain tasks, he said.
AI could also make workplaces more inclusive, he added. Citing robots handling physically demanding tasks, allowing seniors and people with disabilities to choose to work.
Singapore’s labour market remains resilient, with the proportion of permanent employees at a record high of nearly 91 per cent with gains across most sectors.
Vacancies also continue to outnumber job seekers, and over 40 per cent of openings are entry-level PMET roles, indicating still healthy demand for young graduates, PM Wong said.
📌 Easing cost pressures and ensuring progress for all Singaporeans
In response to WP MP Gerald Giam's call for a re-evaluation of the GST hike, PM Wong said that raising the GST was the only broad-based and sustainable option to fund rising healthcare needs while preserving Singapore’s reserves framework.
He noted that the Government is already planning for the next tranche of measures to strengthen support for families, with more information to come during the debate on the Prime Minister’s Office budget.
Singapore’s expenditure on marriage and parenthood initiatives has grown from the $4 billion in the 2020 financial year to $7 billion in Budget 2026, as a result of recent enhancements such as shared parental leave and the Large Families Scheme, he says.
Singapore will boost the CPFs of those with lower balances and will continue to review the parameters of these schemes in a way that keeps the system fiscally sustainable, while ensuring that those with less get more support, says PM Wong.
He adds that CPF is looking at rolling out the new investment scheme in first half of 2028, will do so earlier if ready.
The Government is paying close attention to wealth inequality, with data being published and tracked more systematically. It will also continue to study ways to moderate excessive wealth concentration carefully and responsibly.
📌 Singapore’s fiscal strategy
Many MPs had spoken about Singapore's fiscal strategy. Casting his eye on the larger global context, PM said that since the start of the decade, countries have been tested in ways few could have anticipated, with many advanced economics now carrying record high levels of public debt. He added that Singapore's strong fiscal position is a strategic advantage.
To assume that a surplus means that the Government is taking more from the economy and leaving households and businesses to bear a deficit, is an over-simplified and inaccurate view of Singapore’s fiscal system said PM Wong while addressing the comments by MPs on what it means for Singapore to run a fiscal surplus.
PM Wong said Singapore’s revenue includes significant investment income from the past reserves, and not just taxes collected from businesses and households.
Excluding the Net Investment Returns Contribution component, which comes from the returns of investing Singapore’s reserves, expenditure exceeds revenue, he adds.
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 4:01 pm]
He said that this meant that money is being put back into the economy and not being drained from businesses and households. Singapore's fiscal system is fair, progressive, and sustainable, PM added that it is pro-worker, pro-enterprise, and pro-Singapore.
🔗 [ST] https://www.straitstimes.com/live-singapore-budget-cos-debate-2026
🔗 [ST] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pm-wong-assures-singaporeans-that-there-will-be-no-jobless-growth-amid-ai-push
🔗 [ST] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/strong-finances-gives-spore-a-strategic-advantage-in-an-uncertain-world-pm-wong
----
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 4:02 pm]
[ Poll : 1. The Round Up Speech adequately addressed the questions and suggestions arising from the Budget 2026 announcements. Share your reasons in the chat. ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:07 pm]
16 Feb 2026
====
1. Heated discussion on the topic - the need to keep GST vouchers and CDC vouchers permanent versus withdrawal of these 2 relief vouchers within my inner social circle over social media comm channel.
2. Pardon some of the strong words used during the emotional debate at the heat of the moment over some pertinent points as it happens before and just after CNY over the announcement of Budget 2026 because the high cost of living impact households and individuals.
3. But many useful and important points raised which I felt are good feedback to REACH.
====
After note:-
心法, [16/2/2026 9:23 pm]
****
****
****
心法, [16/2/2026 9:24 pm]
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/cna938-rewind/big-question-what-would-you-do-if-there-were-no-more-cdc-vouchers-5925121?cid=internal_sharetool_web_16022026_cna
CNA938 Rewind - The Big Question: What would you do if there were no more CDC Vouchers?
心法, [16/2/2026 9:24 pm]
Source:- Google AI
The Workers' Party (WP) in Singapore has generally expressed concerns regarding the reliance on Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers and GST vouchers as primary methods for addressing the cost of living, arguing that they do not tackle the root causes of inflation and financial stress. While the PAP government argues that the Assurance Package—including the $500 in CDC vouchers for 2026—helps households with rising costs, opposition voices often characterize these as temporary relief measures that "mask deeper economic inequality".
Key Arguments Against Reliance on Vouchers
Symbolic Gestures vs. Structural Reform: Opponents argue that CDC vouchers are "short-term, symbolic gestures" that allow the government to avoid addressing deeper, structural economic issues like wage stagnation.
"Taking from One Pocket to Put in Another": Critics often describe the voucher system as "hypocritical," suggesting that the government increases taxes (like the GST) and then returns a portion of it via vouchers, claiming credit for being generous.
Rising Costs Outpace Relief: The increasing size of the vouchers (from $300 to $800 in previous years, now $500 in 2026) is viewed as proof that the cost of living has risen significantly, rendering the relief insufficient for many households.
Administrative Confusion: The proliferation of different schemes (CDC vouchers, GSTV Cash, U-Save, SG60) is seen as complex, leading to the perception of it as a "confusing" and bureaucratic process.
Contextual Data (Budget 2026/2027)
CDC Vouchers 2026: All Singaporean households will receive $500 in CDC vouchers, to be disbursed in January 2027.
GST Vouchers (U-Save): Eligible HDB households will receive 1.5 times their regular GSTV-U-Save in the 2026 financial year to offset utility bills.
Expiration: Vouchers received in January 2026 will expire on December 31, 2026.
While the WP has not called for the outright abolition of these vouchers, they have historically pushed for more permanent, structural solutions rather than one-off, "food stamp" style assistance.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:24 pm]
[14/02, 08:00 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
Saw a CNA new article, WP position against CDC and GST vouchers plus a few young working people suggesting self reliance.
The motivation - working people refuse to finance the CDC and GST vouchers through the tax they pay and want to do away with CDC and GST vouchers.
This is done to guilt-trip retirees as free riders to benefit from the relief because retirees don't pay income tax, young working people do - and they feel that they are being exploited.
Hence to put the record straight - and put facts on the table, let make it transparent that whether retirees have exploited the young working people or whether the young working people have in fact exploited the retirees by climbing on their shoulders to demand and reap salary increment year after year.
Assuming CDC vouchers and GST vouchers are withdrawn - paying higher consumption taxes GST from 7% to 9% will largely bear by the retirees and lower income group while :-
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:08 pm]
1. Working people keep demanding and reaping higher salaries every year.
2. The purpose of ultra rich financing the GST as retirees and the rest of population shielded and cushion by relief through GST vouchers and CDC vouchers are taken away - breaking the very implicit social contract (which are promised by the government in 2025 Budget speech announced by the Minister of Finance that this is a permanent feature to cushion against GST increase) in which the population have supported the government to implement GST based on this assurance.
3. But retirees' retirement funds are stagnant and don't get annual increments like the working people and yet have to pay :-
a. Increasing goods and services cost every year - to pay the annual salary increment of the working people. Eg. Medical fees, transport fees, property taxes, utilities costs etc every year increases.
b. Higher cost of living - the high food costs, high groceries that never come down.
This means retirees experience triple whammy:-
a. Stagnant retirement fund that does not increase every year unlike working people salary.
b. Disproportionately fund GST increase as retirees don't get cushion by increasing income unlike working people.
Rightfully, working people with higher salaries should pay higher income tax to fund the government expenditure as retirees retirement funds are stagnant. But this is not the case - and wonder where is the social justice?
c. The GST and CDC vouchers rebate that suppose to negate GST increases are taken away - means the funding of GST taxes fall more heavily on the retirees whereas working people funding of GST fall - as their salary increases and they are not paying higher income tax to fund the GST and CDC vouchers.
Having the facts brought out now, shouldn't these young working people critics of GST relief got guilt-trip boomerang back by leeching on the retirees' stagnant retirement fund to fund their salary increment year after year?
a. Eg. Banks and financial institutions bankers and professionals got to rely on retirees savings to grow their income and wealth services. Buy their insurance products so that they can earn sales commission.
b. CPF got to rely on retirees huge CPF savings to grow the monies as a large fund base can get better ROI.
心法:
Source:- Google AI
Total CPF Balances: By September 2025, this grew to S$649 billion.
Retirement Account (RA) Weight: The Retirement Account, which is only created for members aged 55 and above, grew to S$131.5 billion by September 2025.
Out of $517.5 billions in CPF OA, SA and Medisave account - substantial portion are hold by 55 years and above.
Targeted Banking: Local banks like DBS offer "Golden 55 Plus" accounts and higher fixed deposit rates (e.g., an extra 0.10% p.a.) specifically to attract the high-liquidity deposits held by this demographic.
c. Young working people got to rely on retirees to buy their goods and services, medical care, transport, travel, f&b, retail, etc - so that they can get salary increment year after year leeching on retirees who give them business and profit.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:27 pm]
If companies don't earn big profit - many by getting business and earning from retirees fund - do you think the companies will give young working people salary increment every year or big bonus?
Self reliant? Capable? Market demand? Really?
This is the tune of self reliant sing by the young working people who guilt trip retirees - as the leechers of the income tax they pay.
Now with all the facts lay out, aren't this young working people the leechers of the retirees retirement funds and grace?
Young working people - Self reliant some more? Really?
----
心法, [16/2/2026 9:28 pm]
[14/02, 10:46 pm] Close friend comments: It is a very difficult balance... Different groups have different measurements on what is fair. For many years, I only received a token $100. Didn't I worked very hard, pay taxes and not enjoy any benefit at all?
[14/02, 10:47 pm] Close friend comments: But I think gov should re think, there'll be withdrawal symptoms from not getting free rides.
[14/02, 10:49 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Hmm...
Understand.
That's why I need to let those young high ego knows - to be respectful to elderly.
Since their parents unable to teach them filial piety - I will do the job for them.
Else our future young who carry our country lost the Confucian values that make Singapore successful.
[14/02, 10:51 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Yes.
We need to surface out all facts that there are no free rides in our fiscal policy systems.
Everyone needs to contribute and make our country successful.
[14/02, 10:54 pm] Close friend comments: I have relatives who don't work and just ask for money. Their rationale is "you got money I don't have, you must help" mentality. And their elderly actually sing along with them.. they are able some even well educated to university level - NUS not any 野鸡大学.
[14/02, 10:55 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Such mentality cannot encourage.
Everyone must contribute - should not encourage free riders.
[14/02, 10:56 pm] Close friend comments: So you see, their elderly are like kind gov, but people who worked hard day and night, scrimp to save to rainy days and retirement have to feed those who chose not to work.
[14/02, 10:58 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Understand.
That's why got to ensure the correct value system are put in place to ensure the country future are secure.
Everyone must be a useful contributor to the society and must not be a free rider.
----
心法, [16/2/2026 9:28 pm]
心法:
[15/02, 4:06 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: This notion of self reliance go against the very core of the "We Concept" - mutual inclusiveness and mutual benefits that the government want to infuse to the society.
Whereby "We Concept" hope to achieve the objectives of:-
1. Defunct "I" concept, "Me Only", "Me First". Total selfishness - want yearly salary increment but unwilling to pay more income tax; want the rest of the population to pay GST consumption tax even though their income are stagnant but unwilling to support GST and CDC relief vouchers in the name of self reliance to guilt trip retirees that benefitted them from their stagnant retirement fund - so that they gain from salary increment every year, refuse to support income redistribution jostling to scrap vouchers relief, benefit from profits make from higher and higher product and service cost every year, benefit from government grants in skillfuture grants, grants to business, tax relief, big sum for young family with children etc.
That is want left benefit, right benefit, top benefit, bottom benefit - but refuse to support relief for other communities by guilt tripping them in the name of "self reliance".
2. Instead of embracing "We" - for mutual benefits, help those fall behind to level up - "to acquire the fishing rods to fish in the mid and long term, but provide them immediate relief if they can't - to survive for the immediate term".
This apply to lower income groups, disabilities and other vulnerable groups - whereby every individuals and households must be able to contribute to the society in one way or another - whether in small ways or otherwise - so as not to be seen as burden to the society at large.
3. Prevent the break up of the society into divisiveness, polarisation and self centredness like what happens to US now. Whereby a small group of community benefits at the expense of other communities - that lead to unhappiness, violence, distrust, insecurity and mutual blaming that break the whole country apart in bitterness.
Also a reminder to those self serving people that guilt trip the retirees - whereby many of the benefits you received are relying and riding on the retirees monies to earn your yearly salary increment - even though they don't get yearly increment as you do.
It is not your so call self reliant that earn your worth - because you are very reliant on the retirees monies if you fail to realise.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:10 pm]
This is not individual family value system but related to the larger economic system, policies that ride on the retirees' fund that make the country economy successful.
Without the retirees fund, your business, your salary increment and the GDP growth would have been greatly discounted.
So do your sum properly before you start guilt tripping the retirees - because they eat salt more than you eat rice.
Because if you miscue or misdirected in the name of self reliance into "Me, I only Concept" by guilt tripping retirees and the rest of the communities instead of promoting "We Concept, Mutual Benefit, Inclusiveness" - you are sending Singapore into the direction of what US is heading into currently - mutual blaming, distrust, divisiveness, polarisation - that will bring our economic progress, prosperity and peace - into unrest, unhappiness and economic regress - if communities turn against one another.
After note:-
Harmony in Singapore must be actively renewed, and not taken for granted: PM Wong.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his Chinese New Year message that every generation has a responsibility to strengthen Singapore's harmony - through how they live, interact and treat one another.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/2026-chinese-new-year-message-pm-lawrence-wong-5932541
PM Wong also said that Singapore must be a place where seniors can age with dignity and purpose.
He noted that the government has implemented initiatives to help seniors live independently, stay connected to their communities and stay active and engaged.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:29 pm]
It is also strengthening support for retirement so that Singaporeans can enjoy greater peace of mind in their later years.
"In this year’s Budget, we have taken further steps - from CDC vouchers for every household to additional credits for every child," he said.
When families are taken care of, the bonds that hold society together become stronger, Mr Wong said.
He added that he is heartened to see more Singaporeans, especially young people, stepping forward to volunteer and champion causes ranging from sustainability to mental well-being.
"We will continue to support and encourage them. Together, we can build a society where we look out for one another, and act with a strong sense of collective responsibility," he said.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:29 pm]
At least these young people possess the right values - true "We Concept".
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
My above posts are direct response to WP's position and arguments - that will cause a mess to the society.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
WP alternative policies often bring us into a train-wreck disaster - indeed are a pile of garbage - pardon my language.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
[15/02, 5:52 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Different stages of the economic development, there will be different approaches in social policies.
Specifically,
1. During the beginning of Nation building after a crisis - when the whole country are devoid of the economic means, many areas are underdeveloped - then we need to emphasize "Self Reliant" - ie. Everyone take care of themselves - because there are no spare cash or resources to help the slower ones yet - in order to accumulate resources and wealth.
This is the Smaller Wheel ( 小乘）- the era of LKY and his eminent cabinet.
2. But as we build ourselves up and we have accumulated resources and wealth of abundance in a country reserves - we need to help those that fall behind to level up to take care of themselves - so that the income inequality and social inequality will not be too far apart - to share economic success - preserve peace and harmony - so that we won't face a society whereby rich become too rich while poor become too poor that lead to social unrest - hence the concept of mutual benefits, mutual inclusiveness and the "We Concept" come into picture.
But there must be no free riders - everyone must contribute including those that received reliefs.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:11 pm]
This is the era of a Greater Wheel (大乘) - an era different from LKY - our current modern governance.
So don't anyhow copy (monkey see monkey do) and don't know how to adapt as Singapore experience different stage of economic development and Nation building.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
Based on recent statements by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, particularly in the context of Budget 2026 (delivered February 12, 2026), the government has signaled that support measures, including CDC vouchers and enhancements to GST vouchers, will continue to help Singaporeans manage cost-of-living pressures, with a commitment to providing help "for as long as it is needed".
Here is a breakdown of the status of these vouchers as of February 2026:
CDC Vouchers
Not a One-Off: PM Wong has clarified that CDC vouchers are not merely a one-off exercise but a recurring, ongoing support measure.
Budget 2026 Announcement: In the Budget 2026 speech, it was announced that all Singaporean households will receive another $500 in CDC vouchers in January 2027.
Continued Support: These vouchers are part of a broader strategy to assist with daily expenses, with half usable at supermarkets and half at heartland merchants and hawkers.
GST Vouchers (GSTV)
Permanent Feature: The GST Voucher scheme, introduced in 2012, is a permanent scheme designed to help lower- and middle-income households offset GST expenses.
Enhanced Structure: The government has made certain components permanent, such as the Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) Rebate, in addition to the existing Cash, MediSave, and U-Save components.
Assurance Package (AP): While the GSTV itself is permanent, the "Assurance Package" (which includes additional cash and vouchers) is a temporary 5-year boost to cushion the GST rate increase, with payments running from 2022 to 2026.
In summary, while the Assurance Package for GST is temporary (ending soon), the underlying GST Voucher scheme is permanent. The CDC Vouchers have been described by PM Wong as an ongoing, non-"one-off" measure to combat cost-of-living pressures.
PM Wong at launch of latest tranche of CDC vouchers | The Straits Times
13 May 2025 — SINGAPORE – CDC vouchers are not a one-off exercise to help Singaporeans cope with cost-of-living issues, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who gave the assura...
The Straits Times
What is the difference between the GST Voucher scheme and ...
30 Dec 2025 — What is the difference between the GST Voucher scheme and Assurance Package? 🤔 ✅ GST Voucher: Permanent, targeted support for lower- to middle-income household...
PM Lawrence Wong said the CDC vouchers aren't a one-off exercise ...
13 May 2025 — The prevailing desire is for policies that prioritize sustainable employment and self-reliance, with government assistance serving as a safety net rather than a...
Facebook·Yahoo Singapore
Budget 2026: PM Wong says households to get S$500 CDC ...
12 Feb 2026 — Budget 2026: PM Wong says households to get S$500 CDC vouchers in January 2027 * About 1.4 million households will receive S$500 in CDC vouchers in January 2027...
The Online Citizen
GST Voucher - Overview - Assurance Package
25 Jul 2025 — Overview. ... The permanent GST Voucher scheme was introduced by the Government in Budget 2012 to help lower- and middle-income Singaporean households with thei...
Government Disbursement Schemes
Am I Eligible? - Assurance Package
5 Jan 2026 — Am I Eligible? * Assurance Package (AP) Cash. Every Singaporean aged 21 years and above will receive cash payments of between $700 to $2,250, depending on his/h...
Government Disbursement Schemes
#DidYouKnow that the permanent GST Voucher scheme was ...
23 Jun 2019 — #DidYouKnow that the permanent GST Voucher scheme was introduced by the Government in Budget 2012 to assist lower-income Singaporeans? The GST Voucher is given ...
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:12 pm]
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
[16/02, 12:50 pm] Close friend comments: Source: X
https://search.app/cC1wp
This is one type of taxing rich in general.
But there'll be segment of population want cars and screaming for concession.
Just no perfect solution.
[16/02, 12:52 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: This is one type of consumption taxes.
But wealth taxes, inheritance tax is a no no. This is double taxation. Gov already tax income tax, corporate tax.
Rich people can easily move their wealth to overseas countries if gov impose wealth tax and inheritance tax). End up common people got to pay higher income tax & GST to compensate. It backfire on them.
"Zuckerberg said to join billionaires fleeing California for Florida enclave over proposed wealth tax".
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/zuckerberg-said-to-join-billionaires-fleeing-california-for-florida-enclave-over-proposed-wealth-tax#:~:text=Zuckerberg%20said%20to%20join%20billionaires%20fleeing%20California%20for%20Florida%20enclave%20over%20proposed%20wealth%20tax
I support GST becos people benefit from goods they buy as they can afford it - rich.
At the same time, help the community through consumption tax.
[16/02, 1:02 pm] Close friend comment: And consumption tax in general is within individual's control. Other than necessities, we can decide how much more "luxury" we want.
[16/02, 1:04 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Yes.
This is what I mean.
If people feel they spend too much, they can stop buying.
But wealth tax is double tax.
Their income accumulated as wealth (inheritance) - have been tax thru income tax and corporate tax.
Now if inheritance tax again - it become double taxation.
People will get annoy because they get nothing in return unlike GST where they enjoy the goods they buy. Yet you double tax them.
In fact all my siblings wanted cars except me.
My son also wanted a car.
But now he can't even book driving lessons.
Pdl also expired.
Thus, I quietly happy.
Now got MRT, phv, bus & future av vehicle - so convenient.
Car not necessary.
[16/02, 1:06 pm] Close friend comment: It's a paradox - people will calculate if it were worth it to earn more.
[16/02, 1:06 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: Yes.
Consumption taxes no such problem.
That's why when those young working people say withdraw GST vouchers and CDC vouchers - I was annoy because government social contract to provide relief for those lower income and retirees to support GST consumption taxes. Now they suggest breaking this promise.
This very move break the merits of consumption tax becos it impose burden on those vulnerable groups who don't have yearly income increment unlike those working people.
Also this year Budget disproportionately benefit this working people - AI support, business support, young families with children grant - & very little for retiree.
Yet this young working people want to remove the very little relief to retiree and low income group - that really rile me. (Make me think of Trump & his billionaires cronies that reap maximum benefit - while disproportionately make the mid & low income groups inherit the burden - make my blood boil).
But PM Wong still supporting CDC vouchers and GST vouchers.
Though this year relief reduce abit - after election year.
Remove relief impact neighborhood food stalls, misc business struggling to survive as well as common people facing high price base needing to buy the higher groceries and food that are inelastic and never come down.
In fact, I see some food stall increase food price again for this CNY.
Without GST vouchers and CDC vouchers - the pressure on common people very big because many such people income didn't rise unlike those working people.
[16/02, 1:29 pm] Close friend comment: Gst should keep. It is a gesture to signal basic necessity should not attract gst but for ease of implementation, return back as a form of gst voucher.
CDC hard to justify. Why and why not.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:13 pm]
[16/02, 1:30 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
This is exactly what I mean.
The very big part of tax revenue will be gone if GST burden people and they start to withdraw support for the gov if GST and CDC vouchers relief are withdrawn.
CDC help those lower income groups.
Also every household benefit.
Because food price inelastic.
After COVID, Trump tariff - food price stick.
Until now food price didn't come down.
心法:
Singapore citizens and households are view as *shareholders* contributing to government budget via GST tax.
Hence, CDC and GST vouchers should be view as social dividends to be given out every year to individuals and households when there is budget surplus (to cushion the high cost of living whereby food prices are inelastic and prices stick and won't come down) rather than view as "handouts" or "food stamp" as coin by WP and other oppositions - which is demeaning to individuals and households who received the relief.
Singaporeans are not "beggars" - we are shareholders of the Country Economy as each individuals and households contribute GST tax to the Government Budget. And if budget got surplus, Singaporeans should rightfully rewarded with "dividends" in which we have contributed to the coffer in the form of GST.
Singapore GST tax is not view as regressive unlike other countries (in fact it is view as progressive tax) because of government transfer and reliefs through CDC vouchers and GST vouchers.
Whereby ultra rich people contribute a large part of the GST tax as they buy very expensive goods and services.
While lower, middle and even upper income groups receive GST and CDC vouchers relief to cushion against the regressive nature of consumption tax.
Withdrawal of GST vouchers and CDC vouchers go against the very core principle of our "progressive GST consumption tax" - and transform into regressive tax similar to overseas countries consumption tax.
心法, [16/2/2026 9:30 pm]
[18/02, 3:52 am] ☸️ Danny 心: "AI can narrow inequality, if rolled out well: Indranee".
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ai-can-narrow-inequality-if-rolled-out-well-indranee#:~:text=AI%20can%20narrow%20inequality%2C%20if%20rolled%20out%20well%3A%20Indranee
[18/02, 3:53 am] ☸️ Danny 心: Ms Indranee was also asked about CDC vouchers and whether they would become a permanent feature of the Budget.
She said that the vouchers were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, when times were bad for families across the board. They were then extended to deal with inflation caused by global wars, while also giving heartland businesses a boost.
With inflation having moderated, the economy doing better and incomes going up, it makes sense that slightly less in CDC vouchers was given out in this Budget, keeping in mind that there is still some need for assistance, she added.
****
心法:
Basically, the word "Self Reliant" has such a widespread implications that break the 3 very critical foundation of our Governance Policies, specifically :-
1. Financial and Fiscal Policy - that ensure we adopt fiscal prudency - so that government can maintain balanced budget or budget surplus.
Budget outcome has shown that GST tax policy is very effective to ensure our government maintain a sustainable budget .
2. Social Policy - that help to address income inequality and social inequality through income redistribution by government transfer, grants and relief.
People support GST tax is based on the promise that GST vouchers and CDC vouchers are the permanent features that help vulnerable groups to cushion the inflation fuel by GST taxes while the very rich pay higher consumption tax.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:13 pm]
Breaking this promise in the name of self reliant - break people's support for GST tax to ensure government balance budget and change the very nature of GST which meant to be a progressive tax (tax very rich, but help the rest) in Singapore context into a regressive tax (the lower income group got to inherit the biggest tax burden) like overseas countries regressive consumption tax.
3. Uphold We concept - to ensure Singapore Unity, Mutual Benefits, Mutual Help, Inclusiveness - to prevent Divisiveness, Selfishness, Mutual Blaming, Polarisation.
Hence I have spend so much time dwelling into this issue that rile me - and curb the danger of going along the path of "Trumpee" in the name of self reliant - that bent on benefiting his billionaire cronies, total selfishness, breed divisiveness, polarisation and social unrest that we see in US society today.
心法:
People initially support the GST tax based on the whole comprehensive compensating measures to cushion the impact on vulnerable groups.
Now after good outcomes emerge from the consumption tax - people who benefited from the whole tax programme conveniently forgot about how GST and GST support come about and try to cherry pick - in an attempt to dismantle the support measures by guilt tripping vulnerable groups in the name of self reliant - which I attempt to stop.
过河拆桥？(After crossing the river dismantle the bridge).
(It is WP and oppositions ploy to guilt trip so as to discredit the good outcomes of the GST tax, gullible people supported it) ?
Great harm will be done to the country if:-
1. The above 3 pillars fall apart.
2. Now vulnerable groups that supported the GST tax turn around jostling to dismantle it because a social contract promise is broken.
3. Make government look bad by breaking its social contract promise that have been used to solicit support for the GST tax.
****
****
****
****
G, [26/2/2026 4:13 pm]
😂 What kind of poll is this:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Agree
G, [26/2/2026 4:20 pm]
So actually, there wasn't a need to raise GST after all. After all that rhetoric about needing to pay for higher healthcare costs, higher operational costs etc
In the end, this surplus will likely go to the reserves, and then when people ask about it, that old and overused "raiding the reserves" phrase will be taken out and reused again
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:38 pm]
心法:
[26/02, 2:38 am] ☸️ Danny 心: "Budget 2026 debate: PAP MPs call for prudence, caution amid global uncertainties.
Members of Parliament from the People's Action Party also urged for more social support for vulnerable groups in society."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/budget-2026-debate-fiscal-surplus-global-uncertainties-pap-mps-5949516#:~:text=Budget%202026%20debate,groups%20in%20society.
[26/02, 2:41 am] ☸️ Danny 心: He also suggested reframing the Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers scheme as part of a broader social support framework.
Vouchers and credits can be repositioned as a social dividend, an annual sum given to citizens that signifies that they have a stake in the country and its collective wealth, said Assoc Prof Ho.
"The government can determine the size of the dividend it declares each year, depending on prevailing fiscal and economic conditions," he said.
"The dividend should be universal and progressive, meaning that everyone receives something, or the less well off receive more. A social dividend would be a form of social support that complements the structural transfers, is flexible in size and sends a clear message of solidarity and inclusion."
Echoing his sentiments, Mr Loh suggested a surplus sharing mechanism in the form of more CDC vouchers if the surplus exceeds a threshold.
CNA news:-
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 4:39 pm]
[ Poll : 2. I agree that the Government managed its fiscal position well. Share your reasons in the chat. ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:39 pm]
Very good suggestions by this PAP MP.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:42 pm]
Source:- Google AI
The Singapore government is consistently ranked among the best in the world for fiscal management, with high rankings for financial stewardship, accountability, and long-term planning. Key to this success is a disciplined, forward-looking budget framework that includes constitutional protections for past reserves, enabling strong, proactive responses to crises like the pandemic.
Monetary Authority of Singapore +4
Key elements of Singapore’s fiscal management include:
Strong Financial Stewardship: Often ranked near the top globally (e.g., #3 in 2022) for government effectiveness and financial management.
Budget Discipline & Transparency: The Constitution requires the government to balance the budget within its term, with strict rules on drawing from past reserves.
Proactive Planning: Policies focus on long-term needs, including, but not limited to, an aging population and climate change.
Progressive System: The tax and transfer system is designed to be fair and progressive, with a focus on shared responsibility.
Reinvestment: The government uses surplus revenue to fuel development in key sectors (e.g., AI, technology) and support households through various assistance schemes.
www.mof.gov.sg +7
These strategies have maintained a AAA sovereign credit rating and created a stable, trusted, and competitive environment.
Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review 2024 +2
Government and Regulations
8 Nov 2024 — We remain committed to building a sound Public Service with the means and ability to deliver on commitments, and meet the needs of citizens and businesses. Sing...
Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review 2024
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 4:42 pm]
Agree with the assessment.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 5:00 pm]
Noted independent credit rating comments on :-
Progressive System: The tax and transfer system is designed to be fair and progressive, with a focus on shared responsibility.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 5:01 pm]
GST vouchers and CDC vouchers - are the transfer system designed to be fair and progressive, with a focus on shared responsibility.
Withdrawal of GST vouchers and CDC vouchers - make our GST tax system regressive - that go against our tax core values and principles - designed to be progressive.
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 5:07 pm]
Dear Contributors,
Please take a moment to participate in our polls.
Note on Question 2: We have reposted this question to fix an error in the original multiple-choice options. If you already voted, we would greatly appreciate it if you could cast your vote again. 🙏
You can choose more option and your vote is anonymous.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic.
Thank you.
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 5:07 pm]
[ Poll : 1. The Round Up Speech adequately addressed the questions and suggestions arising from the Budget 2026 announcements. Share your reasons in the chat. ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 5:07 pm]
[ Poll : 2. I agree that the Government managed its fiscal position well. Share your reasons in the chat. ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 5:09 pm]
With reference to :-
In response to WP MP Gerald Giam's call for a re-evaluation of the GST hike, PM Wong said that raising the GST was the only broad-based and sustainable option to fund rising healthcare needs while preserving Singapore’s reserves framework.
He noted that the Government is already planning for the next tranche of measures to strengthen support for families, with more information to come during the debate on the Prime Minister’s Office budget.
----
I concur with the view of the PM.
It did not derail from the original intent of GST as progressive and not regressive tax.
Hence I support as long as the original intent of GST + its relief (CDC and GST vouchers are not withdrawn).
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:00 pm]
As for labour market remain resilient at record high, I agree with the statement.
Even my nephew graduated from university sustainability course - got employed recently.
So indeed, full employment within my social circle.
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 6:01 pm]
📢 BUDGET 2026 ROUND UP SPEECH BY PM WONG📢
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:05 pm]
As for AI, important to go down the road that encompass the following ingredients similar to invention of computer and invention of internet:-
1. It must supplement workers as productivity tools and not replace workers.
2. As some jobs, could be make obsolete by AI, new high values jobs must be created and redundant workers should be retrain to take on the higher value jobs.
3. AI must be moulded into usable tools that truly add values and productivity with measurable outcomes into ROI for business and workers - and not as gimmicks.
4. Help must be granted to business and workers to use AI effectively.
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:16 pm]
Comparing from previous years, this year budget seems stingy. The amount of support towards individuals are kind of limited
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:17 pm]
I think PM is looking into giving additional tranche in the coming PM Office budget.
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:18 pm]
With ai coming up this means Singapore no longer need so many population to produce productivity. It's time to reduce the intake of population
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:18 pm]
So to create more livable space and not being pack in mrt
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:18 pm]
With more space tfr will go up
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:19 pm]
But you need people to buy goods so that our domestic economy remains strong and vibrant.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:21 pm]
With lesser people to buy goods and services - consumption (a variable in the circular flow of income) GDP will drop.
Government tax revenue will drop.
Fiscal budget surplus will drop or go negative.
In the end, we got to pay higher GST, and no GST and CDC vouchers.
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:22 pm]
But the rate of gdp increase does it increase as much as population growth
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:22 pm]
Then we should increase our export isn't it
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:23 pm]
Population growth must be managed in such a way, we enjoyed livable space + ensuring GDP and fiscal revenue return remains healthy.
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:26 pm]
My suggestion is as ai grow we should prolong the minimum years be a PR to become Singapore citizens
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:26 pm]
We need 2 wings, external and internal wings.
Only rely on one wing - our economy will tank.
Also export need manpower to do, no manpower also cannot.
Also external trade is not within our control.
Look at Trump's tariffs....
A strong economy must have a strong domestic economy + external economy.
Strong domestic economy always come first, before we can do well in external economy.
If our backyard foundation is not strong, external economy can't grow.
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:27 pm]
https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/citizenship
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:27 pm]
Only minimum 2 years is too short
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:28 pm]
Imagine if we don't have finance, manufacturing, supply chain, wholesale, retail, talented people, domestic business, airlines, shipping, air flight cargo, port management etc - without a strong domestic foundation - export cannot take place.
Hence always must be 内强，外才强。
(Internal strong, only then external can be strong).
When internal is weak, how to trade?
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:35 pm]
1.) how do you expect anyone to integrate within 2 years?
2.)as housing are getting smaller tfr and marriage dropping why is our bto demand still high?
3.) this will remain internal goods purchase and companies can continue hiring these pr so it doesn't affect economy that much
4.) some may think twice to leave so there will be a slide drop. Those stay will more likely create a family
Jun Ming, [26/2/2026 6:38 pm]
On tfr dropping maybe can give marriage incentive
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:48 pm]
1. US economy has very high consumption 70% - that is why their GDP is strong.
2. China economy very trade dependent but internal consumption relatively low only 40%.
That is why their youth unemployment very high 16.5%.
3. India very high domestic consumption 60 - 70% but relatively weak trade - that's why GDP cannot catch up China.
4. Singapore 2 wings quite balanced though bigger in export - 3 times the size of GDP.
We cannot shrink our domestic economy - else we can't service our external economy and trade.
Figure Source :- Google AI.
LCL (Danny 心), [26/2/2026 6:56 pm]
Imagine we shrink our population significantly, many food stalls close, retail shops close, clinics close, entertainment outlets close etc.
Our living spaces bigger but we live with misery and got to pay even higher GST tax and other tax - because government tax revenue sources shrink significantly - due to low income tax, corporate tax.
But GST tax will shoot up to cover government budget.
And no GST vouchers and CDC vouchers for us.
RY, [26/2/2026 7:32 pm]
Is GST hike really necessary when the cost of living is increasing especially post Covid ?
Go shopping/dining and etc, almost every shop/biz/service there are price increase, in order to sustain the biz
Is there any other source of income that the Govt may generate instead eg GiC/Temasek investments besides taxes ?
On the other hand, I do appreciate the GST bonus/CDC vouchers/govt subsidy/SG60 bonus/incentives/financial assistance and etc from govt also ~ to me is sharing/distributing "dividends/bonus" to the people
I am glad that SG Budget does have surplus, comparing to other countries with Budget Deficit ...
If there is surplus, then may set aside for any emergency use in future, who knows maybe another pandemic ... ?
I think SG Budget quite comprehensive, as it covers the different age grp/biz/upskilling needs and etc
G, [26/2/2026 7:40 pm]
Yes. This. Isn't this the mandate for Temasek / GIC..?
Instead, what we saw last year was the below par returns for both. And this news was after GST was raised from 7% to 9%.
Temasek / GIC delivering below par returns equate to less NIRC
-> less money for govt to spend
-> raise taxes
-> raise GST
= higher costs of living for all
G, [26/2/2026 7:44 pm]
And here's the kicker:
Tax payments contribute towards GDP numbers.. An easy way to inflate GDP growth numbers is to increase taxes
And turns out GDP growth is a big KPI for political office holders' bonuses
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 7:45 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [26/2/2026 8:00 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
No comments:
Post a Comment