Build now for future demand

by Muneerah Bee Mohamed Iqbal

During debate on the Population White Paper, Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) brought up several issues, perspectives and suggestions.

On 4 February 2013, Labour MP Seah Kian Peng pointed out that “self-help” is one of Singapore’s key principles but over the years, this has hardened to an ideology of anti-welfarism.

He supports the government’s move to plan and build the country ahead of demand and it shows a deviation from one of our most deeply-held past practices.

However, it is imperative that before we go further, we need to resolve current strains on infrastructure especially transportation.

Touching on growth, he said pursuing growth without social goals, such as income disparity and social cohesion, creates a country without a soul, a population without an identity.