The government cannot have it both ways - low wages and a high cost of living. It is burning the candle at both ends.
Seeing the Front page headline of the Straits Times for the 19th April, that the government was working to keep the cost of living down, I said to myself "At last the government is waking up to its responsibilities'. But as I read the report, it turned to be hollow boast. The government was not doing anything. The report was about ComfortDelGro, that it had decided not raise fares for the moment. The government had no hand in this but was trying to take credit for this decision.
I cannot think of anything more dishonest.
I have been drawing attention to the very high cost of living in Singapore for several years now. The government has not done anything except to complain about high wages in Singapore harming the economy.
The government cannot have it both ways - low wages and a high cost of living. It is burning the candle at both ends.
There are several measures that the government can take to lower the cost of living but it simply does not have the political will to do anything for the people. Instead it continues to raise taxes and charges.
The Malaysian government is embarking on a plan to eliminate poverty. showing itself as a government of the people. The PAP, on the other hand, panders to a minority.
signed
J.B.Jeyaretnam
20th April 2004
Sources and Relevant Links:
J.B.Jeyaretnam Uniquely Singapore 14 March 2004
J.B.Jeyaretnam Finance Minister is like Robin Hood in reverse 03 March 2004
J.B.Jeyaretnam J.B.J comments on PAP MPs selecting PM 10 February 2004
J.B.Jeyaretnam J.B.Jeyaretnam writes to PM Goh 06 February 2004
