Mr Speaker Sir,
Since Prime Minister Goh announced the plan to cut CPF contribution rates at the National Day Rally, the NTUC has been in close consultation with the unions to discuss this issue.
All the union leaders have reacted very rationally; they know we have to face our current reality boldly. They agree that reducing employer contribution to the CPF is necessary in order to reduce labour costs and keep jobs for workers. They hope that employers would utilize the money saved to invest in improved facilities and to upgrade their companies' technology and equipment. This way, they can look forward to further business expansion which would mean secure jobs for existing workers and create new ones. The union leaders also urge employers to bear the welfare of their workers in mind and not keep the money they have saved from the CPF reduction for themselves only.
Leaders of the unions worry about the members' ability to repay their mortgages, medical and transport fees, town council and utility fees, etc. They hope that the government would understand the difficult circumstances workers find themselves in and lend a helping hand.
The government has announced a $1 billion aid package for individuals and businesses, which has brought much relief to all. Although the package would not satisfy everyone, it is understandable.
Mr Speaker Sir, in my "coffee shop" conversations with my residents, many have shared with me about their compounded difficulties as a result of the recent crisis. This is a difficult year even for the gods, not to mention for our government.
If it rains everyday, the homemakers grumble about the perpetually wet laundry. If it does not rain at all, outdoor workers grumble about not having enough money to buy drinks and indoor employees complain about the hot air coming from the air-conditioners. It is extremely difficult to be a government free from criticisms. This time, I asked them for their opinions on the aid package. They told me it is great, what more can we ask for? How about "kelong" 4 lucky digits for me to win the lottery?
Mr Speaker, an old friend of mine who is with the Taiwanese Automobile Drivers' Union told me that our workers in Singapore are wonderful. They are flexible and strong. It is not easy accepting both wage cuts and CPF cuts. He also felt that our government is great, in coming up with so many schemes to help those affected. I asked him how they were doing. He said, "Nobody cares over here. The government is too busy preparing for next year's Presidential Election".
Mr Speaker Sir, it is indeed a daunting task to be a good government. Ironically, the better a government performs, the higher the expectations of the voters would be.
It is comparatively easier to be a "lousy" government. The voters expect underperformance' they become used to it. They expect little and consider themselves fortunate if they do not starve to death. If you ask such a voter why he does not look for a job, he would reply that it is much harder than you think, and that first, he has to get the money to pay someone to obtain a job.
Mr Speaker, in comparison, Singaporeans are very fortunate. They work for money instead of paying money for jobs. The government has et up a Work Assistance Programme to provide financial assistance to those in the process of seeking employment and help them find jobs. Older workers will also benefit from the People-for-Jobs Traineeship Programme which helps those over 40 to make job transitions.
As a member of the NTUC, I am very proud of having a good government who demonstrates such care and concern for its workers.
DPM Lee Hsien Loong has announced that the public sector will do its best to reduce its expenditure and avoid raising fees. Acting Health Minister Khaw BoonWan ha taken the lead and announced that public hospital fees will not be raised. This is most commendable. However, the Singapore Sports Council has disappointed us with their decision to proceed with the increase in entrance fees for public pools from October. On weekdays, those below 18 will pay 80 cents instead of the current fee of 50 cents. Starting from July 2004, this will be further increased to $1.10. For adults, it will be raised from $1.00 to $1.50, then to $2.00. Senior citizens will pay $1.00 instead 50 cents. On weekends, those below 18 will pay $1.10 instead of 70 cents, and $1.50 from July 2004 onwards. Adults will pay $2.00 instead of the current $1.30, then $2.70. Senior citizens ill pay $1.50, a 60 cents increase.
For those living in condominiums, they would have already been provided with swimming pools. Wealthier Singaporeans are usually also members of private clubs which also have swimming pools. They 20 over pools managed by he Singapore Sports Council are located in the HDB heartlands for the use of lower and middle income Singaporeans. Imagine a grandfather bringing two little ones to the pool. On weekdays, he pays $1.50. In this October, he will pay $2.40, an increase of 90 cents. On weekends, the increase will be $1.30.
Mr Speaker, those living near the public pools will tell you that except for weekends, weekdays are for "beating mosquitoes" for these pools.
According to the explanations put forth by the SSC, the increase in fees is to help recover part of the operating costs of running these pools. However, I am concerned that with the increase in fees, our public pool would really turn into breeding pools for mosquitoes due to lack of swimmers.
It has crossed my mind that perhaps in order to recover operating costs, SSC could consider leasing out one of the pools in each swimming complex to Qianhu, the listed fish breeding company, for rearing fishes. This way, SSC would not have to raise fees but could still earn some revenue. Surely, this would be a win-win situation for all, especially for the residents who could enjoy their swims and view fishes at the same time.
I wish to know what the SSC is doing, when the entire nation is supporting our government in remaking Singapore?
Mr Speaker, Sir, the changes to our CPF are painful for both the government and the people. What is most important now is to change our mindsets and attitudes, accept reality, perform our best and live within our means.
One may be poor but the can still be happy. Another may be rich but he must have a heart. As long as we move together as one, Singapore's future is still bright and promising. Singapore is still our best home.
Winters do not last forever. Spring will be here soon.
Thank you.
