Fathership

冒充移民官员的骗子在马来西亚吉隆坡国际机场勒索外国人钱财

冒充移民官员的骗子在马来西亚吉隆坡国际机场勒索外国人钱财

|1 min read
冒充移民官员的骗子在马来西亚吉隆坡国际机场勒索外国人钱财

雪兰莪州雪邦:起初是出租车宰客,现在,另一种骗子据称正困扰着马来西亚的主要机场——他们冒充移民官员,向首次来到的毫无戒心的南亚旅客勒索钱财,从中牟取暴利。 《星报》获悉,在吉隆坡国际机场(KLIA),那些自称是移民局官员的骗子经常会把那些容易上当受骗的旅客——尤其是来自孟加拉国和巴基斯坦的旅客——拉到一边,勒索现金。 一个网名为@khanxze的TikTok用户发布了几段视频,视频中一名男子涉嫌向一名首次抵达马来西亚的巴基斯坦男子勒索钱财,事件由此曝光。“当我在吉隆坡国际机场 1 号航站楼的到达大厅时,一名垂头丧气的男子走近我,问我会不会说乌尔都语,我说会。这名男子告诉我,一名自称是移民官的陌生人从他身上拿走了 300 马币(85 新元)。”这名 TikTok 用户写道。 Khan先生说,他观察了这一情况,发现首次旅行的旅客,尤其是来自巴基斯坦的旅客,都会被索要现金。 他与所谓的冒牌“官员”的男子对峙,要求对方做出解释。该男子要求他离开。 在视频中,可以听到这名骗子告诉Khan先生,他会向每位旅客收取 200 令吉,他只是以此为生。“Jangan kacau. Kita ambil RM200 to RM300 tak ada masalah. (别烦我,我们只拿两三百令吉,没有问题的)”。Khan 先生说。 他补充说,此类事件给国家抹黑。 当《星报》联系他时,Khan 先生说他在机场接他的妹妹时,遇到的这名巴基斯坦男子。他随后向机场运营商马来西亚机场控股有限公司(MAHB)进行了投诉。“我将投诉通过电子邮件发送给了马来西亚机场控股公司。我收到了回复,要求我也向警方报案,但我还没有这样做。”他在电话中说,“不过,我希望有关部门能够迅速采取行动,因为这有损我们的形象。”当《星报》在机场到达大厅遇到食品店员工时,他们证实也看到过这些骗子。 一名员工说,在他工作地点对面的餐馆里经常坐着一群男人。“我们注意到,几乎每天都会有几批旅客被这些人拦住”,这名员工说。“我们不清楚发生了什么,但根据我们听到的消息,确实有一名男子会向这些旅客要钱。”这名员工补充说,这些兜售者几乎每天都会回到同一地点,并将目标锁定在那些看起来容易受到伤害的人身上,尤其是第一次来到这个国家的外国劳工。 然而,自从 4 月 12 日发布的第一段视频在网上疯传之后,就再也没有人见过这伙人了。“我希望能对此采取一些措施。他们显然做错了什么”,这名员工说。 与此同时,一名在吉隆坡国际机场一家食品店工作的外籍人士说,几乎每天都会有五六个人过来。“他们中有两到三个人驻扎在入境大厅,另外两到三个人(会)在食品店。”“几个月前,其中一名受害者告诉我,他们向他索要200马币”,他在《星报》上说。 他补充说,“他们会拍下刚抵达的外国人的护照照片,然后向他要钱。”这名员工还声称,有人看到其中一些人戴着似乎是机场员工所用的标签。 他说,“他们的目标是巴基斯坦人或孟加拉国人,这些人看起来很容易上当,而且是第一次抵达马来西亚。”其他社交媒体用户称他们也遇到过同样的情况。 一名社交媒体用户称,骗子向他的兄弟索要3000令吉;而另一名社交媒体用户称,她的朋友被索要900令吉,尽管其已经通过了移民程序。 移民局表示正在调查此事。“这项指控有损移民局的形象,令人严重关切。我已经指示进行调查,并找出主谋”,移民局局长拿督鲁斯林(Ruslin Jusoh)告诉《星报》。 拿督鲁斯林说,吉隆坡国际机场的移民局也已就此事向警方报案。 他说,“这将使当局能够调查移民局人员索要钱财的指控。”与此同时,马来西亚机场控股有限公司(MAHB)表示已向警方提出此事,以进行“彻底调查并采取适当行动”。 当局敦促旅客和公众在遇到类似情况时立即向当局报告。 另外,旅游业者表示,出现向旅客勒索钱财的骗子可能不利于马来西亚的形象。 马来西亚旅游和旅行社协会(MATTA)会长黄(Nigel Wong)说,“这些人的存在肯定会玷污马来西亚的形象,尤其是对第一次来马来西亚的游客而言。”他呼吁对这些骗子采取更严格的执法措施。 他说,“虽然我们承认当局目前所做的努力,但这种情况的反复出现清楚地表明,这个问题还没有得到充分的解决。”马来西亚旅游和旅行社协会期望对此类人员采取更严格的执法和更严厉的处罚。 入境旅游联盟主席乌扎伊迪-乌达尼斯(Uzaidi Udanis)敦促游客提高警惕,向当局报告此类事件。 他说,“一般来说,只要一个目的地受到游客欢迎,就会有人试图从中渔利”。他补充说,“许多国家都存在欺骗现象。”“他们(骗子)倾向于关注某些游客群体,认为可以利用他们。游客必须提高警惕。”星报/亚洲新闻网

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GE2025 - Here are the key points from SDP's manifesto

The manifesto focuses on reducing economic inequality, enhancing social welfare, reforming education, and strengthening democratic governance.

|7 min read
GE2025 - Here are the key points from SDP's manifesto

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) released its manifesto for Singapore's 2025 General Election under the slogan “Thrive, Not Just Survive,” presenting a comprehensive set of policy proposals to address key national issues.

1. Cost of Living

The SDP highlights Singapore’s rising cost of living, driven by high housing prices, healthcare costs, and regressive taxation like the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The party critiques policies that burden the middle and lower classes while wealth concentrates among the elite.

  • Tax Reforms:
    • Abolish GST on essential items (e.g., food, medicine, school supplies) to reduce costs of necessities. No specific list of items or fiscal impact estimate is provided.
    • Increase income tax on the top 1% of earners to fund social programs. No tax rate or revenue target is specified.
    • Reinstate estate duty to address wealth inequality. No thresholds, rates, or expected revenue are detailed.
  • Ministerial Salary Reduction:
    • Cut ministerial salaries significantly, redirecting savings to aid lower-income households. No specific reduction amount or savings estimate is provided (current ministerial salaries: ~S$1.1M–S$3.2M annually, 2022 data).
  • Minimum Wage:
    • Introduce a minimum wage to ensure a living wage. No specific wage amount (e.g., S$2,000/month) or implementation timeline is stated.
  • Economic Transparency:
    • Enhance transparency in managing national reserves to ensure equitable use. No mechanisms (e.g., audits, parliamentary oversight) or reserve figures are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
TaxationAbolish GST on essentials, tax top 1%, reinstate estate dutyReduce regressive tax burden, fund social programs
SalariesCut ministerial salariesRedirect funds to aid the poor
WagesIntroduce minimum wageEnsure dignified living standards
ReservesIncrease transparencyPromote equitable use of public funds

2. Housing

The SDP criticizes the high cost of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, driven by land costs and the 99-year lease decay issue. The party proposes restructuring the housing system to prioritize affordability and sustainability.

  • Non-Open Market (NOM) Scheme:
    • Cap HDB flat prices at S$270,000, excluding land costs, with flats sold back to HDB upon resale to maintain affordability. No details on flat types (e.g., 3-room, 4-room) or locations covered are provided (2024 BTO prices: ~S$300,000–S$600,000).
  • Voluntary En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (VERS):
    • Introduce a sustainable VERS to address lease decay, enabling collective redevelopment. No specifics on funding, scale, or eligible estates are mentioned.
  • Increase Housing Supply:
    • Build more affordable flats to meet demand, reducing waiting times and prices. No specific figure for annual flat supply (e.g., 20,000 flats/year, as in 2024 HDB data) or demand metrics (e.g., marriage rates) is provided.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
NOM SchemeCap HDB flats at S$270,000, exclude land costsMake housing affordable, curb speculation
VERSSustainable en-bloc redevelopmentAddress lease decay, maintain affordability
SupplyBuild more flatsReduce waiting times, stabilize prices

3. Jobs and Wages

The SDP aims to prioritize Singaporeans in employment, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and address wage stagnation, particularly for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs), in a workforce where foreign workers comprise ~39% (2024 data).

  • Minimum Wage:
    • Implement a minimum wage to ensure a living wage. No specific amount or benchmark (e.g., S$2,000/month) is provided.
  • Talent Track Scheme:
    • Introduce a points-based system for foreign PMETs, prioritizing Singaporeans for hiring and retrenchment protection. No criteria (e.g., skills, experience) or quotas are specified.
  • Foreign Labor Reduction:
    • Gradually reduce reliance on foreign workers to create opportunities for Singaporeans. No target percentage (e.g., from 39% to 30%) or timeline is stated.
  • CPF Minimum Sum Reform:
    • Eliminate the CPF Minimum Sum Scheme (Full Retirement Sum: ~S$213,000, 2024) to provide retirement flexibility. No alternative savings mechanism is proposed.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
WagesMinimum wageEnsure fair compensation
EmploymentTalent Track Scheme, prioritize SingaporeansProtect local job opportunities
Foreign LaborReduce relianceIncrease jobs for Singaporeans
CPFScrap Minimum Sum SchemeEnhance retirement flexibility

4. Social Safety Net

The SDP seeks to strengthen social support, focusing on healthcare, marginalized communities, and gender equality, replacing complex schemes with accessible programs.

  • National Health Investment Fund (NHIF):
    • Replace the 3M system (Medisave, Medishield, Medifund) with NHIF, where citizens contribute a fixed monthly amount, and the government funds the rest via taxes. No contribution amount (e.g., S$50/month) or total cost estimate is provided.
    • Make maternal and pediatric care mostly free. No scope (e.g., age limit for pediatric care) or budget is specified.
  • Malay Community Upliftment:
    • Implement a 10-point plan to address economic inequality, education access, and discrimination. No specific actions (e.g., scholarship funding, employment quotas) or metrics are detailed.
  • Gender Equality:
    • Promote women’s rights via the SDP Women’s Wing, focusing on healthcare, work-life balance, and anti-discrimination. No specific programs (e.g., subsidies, leave policies) or funding is outlined.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
HealthcareNHIF, free maternal/pediatric careReduce medical costs, support families
Malay Community10-point upliftment planAddress inequality, promote inclusion
Gender EqualityWomen’s Wing initiativesEnhance women’s rights, work-life balance

5. Education

The SDP critiques Singapore’s exam-driven education system for fostering stress and inequality, proposing reforms to prioritize holistic development.

  • Abolish PSLE:
    • Eliminate the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to reduce student stress. No replacement assessment (e.g., portfolios) or transition plan is detailed.
  • Smaller Class Sizes:
    • Reduce class sizes to improve learning. No target size (e.g., from 33.6 to 25 for primary, 2023 data) or funding estimate is provided.
  • Holistic Curriculum:
    • Emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and socio-emotional skills. No specific curriculum changes or teacher training plans are outlined.
  • Equal Opportunities:
    • Address socio-economic disparities in education. No interventions (e.g., subsidies) or disparity metrics (e.g., low-income student percentage) are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
PSLEAbolish PSLEReduce exam stress, promote holistic growth
Class SizesSmaller classesEnhance personalized learning
CurriculumFocus on critical thinking, creativityPrepare students for diverse futures
EquityAddress disparitiesEnsure equal educational opportunities

6. Governance

The SDP addresses concerns over the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) dominance and restrictions on freedom of expression, seeking to enhance transparency and civil liberties.

  • Ministerial Salaries:
    • Reduce ministerial salaries to align with public service ethos. No specific reduction amount is provided.
  • Freedom of Speech:
    • Reform laws like the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to protect constitutional rights. No specific mechanisms (e.g., judicial oversight) are detailed.
  • Constitutional Reforms:
    • Strengthen civil liberties through constitutional amendments. No specific articles or amendments are specified.
  • Government-Linked Companies (GLCs):
    • Divest inefficient GLCs to foster competition. No list of targeted GLCs or economic impact estimates is provided.
  • Regional Democratic Partnerships:
    • Foster partnerships with democratic neighbors (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia). No specific agreements or initiatives are outlined.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
SalariesReduce ministerial salariesPromote public service ethos
Free SpeechReform POFMA, protect rightsEnhance democratic expression
ConstitutionStrengthen civil libertiesFoster open society
GLCsDivest inefficient GLCsPromote market competition
Regional TiesDemocratic partnershipsStrengthen regional democratic values

7. Environment

The SDP emphasizes environmental sustainability, addressing climate change and resource management in a densely populated nation.

  • Climate Commitments:
    • Strengthen adherence to the Paris Agreement through emissions targets and renewable energy. No specific targets (e.g., 50% emissions cut by 2030) are provided.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs):
    • Provide incentives for EV adoption to reduce emissions. No details on subsidies (e.g., amount per vehicle) or infrastructure (e.g., charging stations) are included.
  • Population Control:
    • Oppose population growth to 10 million, rejecting long-term planning scenarios (e.g., 2013 White Paper). No alternative population cap (e.g., 6M) is proposed.
  • Haze Pollution:
    • Enforce the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. No specific actions (e.g., fines, regional agreements) are detailed.
  • Waste Reduction:
    • Reduce single-use packaging. No targets (e.g., 50% reduction by 2030) or mechanisms (e.g., bans) are specified.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
ClimateStrengthen Paris Agreement commitmentsReduce carbon footprint
EVsIncentivize EV adoptionLower transportation emissions
PopulationOppose 10 million targetEnsure sustainable growth
HazeEnforce Transboundary Haze ActAddress regional pollution
WasteReduce single-use packagingMinimize environmental impact

Conclusion

Launched ahead of the May 3, 2025, General Election, the SDP’s manifesto reflects its social liberal democratic vision, emphasizing affordability, equity, and sustainability.

Key proposals, such as the S$270,000 HDB price cap and opposition to a 10 million population, include specific figures, but most policies (e.g., building more flats, minimum wage, class size reductions) lack quantitative details, such as numerical targets or cost estimates.

Implementation challenges include fiscal costs (e.g., NHIF, GST exemptions), political resistance to bold reforms (e.g., PSLE abolition, GLC divestment), and the SDP’s limited electoral success (no seats since 1997).

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新加坡无法在中美冲突中保持真正中立

在全球地缘政治的风暴中,新加坡如何驾驭大国博弈?选择中立意味着在经济与安全上避免与任何一方结盟。然而,新加坡对中美两大市场的深层依赖,迫使其采取务实外交。这不是中立性的试炼——而是实力的彰显。通过在供应链、科技与外交领域砥砺锋芒,新加坡并非规避站队,而是化被动为主动,让大国竞相争取其青睐。这不是中立——这是实力。

|1 min read
新加坡无法在中美冲突中保持真正中立

新加坡能否在动荡的地缘政治格局中保持中立?

前贸易及工业部长、现任教育部长陈振声在新传媒播客中指出,问题不在于选择站队——有时这由不得你——而在于让新加坡变得如此不可或缺,以至于各方都想分一杯羹。

陈部长的洞见凸显了新加坡务实的外交策略,但却掩盖了一个冷峻的事实:在中美之间深厚的经济与战略纠葛面前,中立不过是一场海市蜃楼。

中立承诺公正,但新加坡的现实与之背道而驰

由于与美国和中国的经济、战略及地缘政治联系根深蒂固,新加坡在中美贸易战中无法保持真正中立。

2023年,中国占新加坡出口的14%(830亿美元),进口的13%;美国则占出口的13%(760亿美元),进口的10%。

美国的外国直接投资(2340亿美元)是新加坡经济增长的引擎,而中国的“一带一路”倡议则充分利用新加坡港口的枢纽地位,2024年处理了3700万标准箱(TEU)。

新加坡支持美国主导的印太框架,如2022年启动的“印太经济繁荣框架”(IPEF)。这一由14国(不含中国)组成的联盟,旨在促进贸易与供应链韧性。

被排除在IPEF之外的中国,将其视为美国遏制其地区影响力的棋局。中国外交部长王毅痛斥这是经济“脱钩”与“煽动对抗”的企图。

2024年,中国官媒点名批评新加坡在IPEF中的角色,暗示可能招致贸易报复,至今虽未见实质行动,但信号清晰:当最大贸易伙伴感到被背叛,中立不过是镜花水月。

在东盟走钢丝:平衡大国与区域挑战

在安全领域,新加坡依赖美国,尤其是在动荡地区维持威慑力量,这使其战略天平有所倾斜。

真正的中立要求疏远与美国的防务合作,但面对区域威胁——包括中国在南海对东盟的强硬姿态——这一选项几无可能。

尽管新加坡在南海没有主权声索,但其支持基于规则的国际秩序,暗中配合美国针对中国主张的“航行自由”行动。这一立场在《2024年新加坡外交政策报告》中清晰阐述,引发中国不满,重创其中立形象。

作为东盟核心成员,新加坡致力于区域团结。然而,东盟内部裂痕——柬埔寨与老挝亲近中国,菲律宾与越南倾向美国——使中立成为外交雷区。

新加坡的真正策略:不是中立,而是实力

选择中立意味着在经济与安全上避免与任何一方结盟,但新加坡对中美市场的依赖迫使其采取务实外交。

偏向一方可能疏远另一方,而超然物外则可能使新加坡在全球贸易网络中被边缘化。

因此,新加坡追求“战略自主”——两面下注、多元化伙伴关系、保持最大灵活性。这种策略宛如一辆精密战车,游走于大国博弈之间,而不被任何一方完全吞并。

2023年,新加坡6000亿新元的经济在关税逆风中仍增长1.2%,彰显其非凡韧性。

新加坡的真正优势不在于回避站队,而在于让自己成为不可或缺的枢纽,让大国竞相拉拢。

这不是中立——这是实力。

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Chee Soon Juan's choice of Ariffin Sha raises questions on vetting

No system guarantees flawless candidates, but knowingly selecting a convict pre-election reflects a clearer lapse in judgment.

|2 min read
Chee Soon Juan's choice of Ariffin Sha raises questions on vetting

Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) Chee Soon Juan has made a questionable choice nominating Ariffin Sha, the 27-year-old founder of Wake Up, Singapore (WUSG), to contest Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

The decision is not a minor oversight—it points to a lapse in judgment that may cast doubts on Chee’s fitness for ministerial office.

While the People’s Action Party (PAP) has faced its own scandals involving individuals who were later convicted (Eg. Iswaran), these typically emerge after elections, not before.

Background

In August 2024, Ariffin was fined S$8,000 after pleading guilty to criminal defamation for publishing a fabricated story about KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, falsely claiming a woman suffered a miscarriage due to negligence.

Chee’s response to Ariffin's red flag is has been evasive.

At a press conference on April 13, 2025, he urged voters to focus on SDP’s policies, not Ariffin’s past, and compared the case to former PAP Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin’s resignation over an extramarital affair. The comparison misses the mark: Tan’s personal lapse, while serious, did not involve lawbreaking or public harm.

Chee’s deflection sidesteps the core issue of vetting a candidate with a known conviction.

Leadership requires sound judgement

The PAP is not immune to scrutiny.

Cases like former Transport Minister S. Iswaran’s corruption charges in January 2024 and former Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui’s affair with Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin reveal vetting gaps.

However, these issues emerged after elections. The PAP acted decisively, removing Iswaran from his post and asked both Tan Chuan Jin and Cheng Li Hui to resign.

No system guarantees flawless candidates, but knowingly selecting a convict pre-election reflects a clearer lapse in judgment.

Zero tolerance on misinformation

Ariffin’s case strikes at Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on misinformation.

In 2024, POFMA was invoked 15 times to correct falsehoods, underscoring the harm of unchecked narratives. Ariffin’s defamation directly contravened this ethos, making his nomination a liability in a constituency where community cohesion is vital.

Residents value reliability in governance. Chee’s oversight suggests a disconnect, potentially eroding confidence in SDP’s ability to address bread-and-butter issues like job security and affordability.

Ariffin’s supporters may cite his work with Wake Up, Singapore, which amplifies marginalized voices, or argue his youth mitigates his error. These arguments carry limited weight.

Public office demands high standards, especially in Singapore, where trust underpins stability.

Ariffin’s conviction reflects a lapse in responsibility, and Chee’s endorsement suggests inadequate scrutiny.

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GE2025 - Here are the key points from PSP's manifesto

Implementation challenges include fiscal costs (e.g., GST reduction, caregiver allowances) and political resistance to reforms like GRC abolition.

|10 min read
GE2025 - Here are the key points from PSP's manifesto

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) released its manifesto for Singapore's 2025 General Election, titled “Progress for All,” outlining over 60 policy proposals to address key national issues.

The manifesto focuses on building a fair society, ensuring dignified living standards, providing diverse educational pathways, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Below is a detailed, reorganized summary of the manifesto’s key points, structured for clarity and coherence, based on the provided document.

1. Cost of Living

The PSP addresses Singapore’s escalating cost of living, driven by a 18% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from July 2020 to February 2025, with specific increases in hawker food (20%), public transport (20%), and water prices (18%). The GST hike from 7% to 9% in 2024 and soaring HDB resale prices (50% increase from Q2 2020 to Q4 2024) exacerbate the burden, while median wages have only risen 21% from $4,534 to $5,500.

  • GST Reduction and Exemptions:
    • Reduce GST to 7%, arguing it’s regressive and Singapore’s $1.2 trillion reserves (12 years of government expenditure) allow fiscal flexibility.
    • Exempt basic essentials (e.g., water, rice, eggs, cooking oil, formula milk) from GST, with price thresholds (e.g., rice under $2/kg) to target lower-income households.
  • Land Cost Reforms:
    • Defer land cost for HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, recording it at sale and recovering it with interest upon resale, treating public housing as essential infrastructure like schools.
    • Treat land sales proceeds as revenue over the lease period (e.g., 99 years), allowing 5% annual draw for budget use, providing a cumulative revenue stream without depleting reserves.
  • Commercial Rent Control:
    • Have the Fair Tenancy Industry Committee (FTIC) issue guidelines on annual rent increases for commercial properties, aligning with economic growth to moderate business costs.
  • Hawker Centre Reforms:
    • Set hawker stall rents at $500/month or 3% of gross turnover (whichever is higher), replacing the tender system to lower costs (current median: $1,625/month).
    • Phase out Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHCs) and centralize management under a new agency, “Hawker Singapore,” to reduce costs and promote hawker culture.
  • Food Affordability:
    • Provide government-funded food discounts for Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, and CHAS cardholders at hawker centres, funded by respective funds.
    • Increase CDC Vouchers for lower-income households to offset food costs, relieving hawkers from funding budget meals.
  • Healthcare Affordability:
    • Nationalize MediShield Life and CareShield Life, with government-funded premiums for all Singaporeans, costing $2-3 billion annually to ease premium burdens.
    • Centralize drug procurement for public and private healthcare facilities to reduce costs through bulk bargaining.
    • Offer a $3,000 “HealthierMother” cash gift per child to defray confinement costs post-childbirth.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
GSTReduce to 7%, exempt essentialsEase regressive tax burden
Land CostsDefer HDB land costs, spread land sales revenueLower housing and business costs
Hawker ReformsFixed/low rents, phase out SEHCsKeep food prices affordable
HealthcareNationalize insurance, centralize drug procurementReduce medical expenses

2. Housing

The PSP critiques the BTO system’s long waiting times and rising resale prices (50% increase from Q2 2020 to Q4 2024), driven by land costs (60% of BTO costs) and lease decay concerns. The government’s subsidies to keep BTO prices affordable increase fiscal burdens, necessitating a rethink of housing policies.

  • Affordable Homes Scheme (AHS):
    • Replace BTO with AHS, selling flats at construction cost plus a location-based premium, excluding land cost unless sold on the resale market.
    • Ensure affordability without depleting CPF savings, severing the link between housing and retirement, with minimal impact on resale market due to limited supply (20,000 flats/year).
  • Singles Housing Access:
    • Allow singles aged 28+ to buy 2- and 3-room BTO flats and all resale flats in any estate, compared to the current age 35 limit for 2-room Flexi BTOs.
  • Increase Flat Supply:
    • Build more flats based on forecasted demand (e.g., marriage and birth rates), using unused state properties (e.g., former schools) to reduce waiting times.
  • Millennial Apartments Scheme:
    • Offer affordable, high-quality rental apartments in the CBD and mature estates for young couples/singles on 2-5 year leases, providing flexibility and reducing pressure to buy early.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
AHSExclude land cost for owner-occupied flatsAffordable housing, protect retirement savings
SinglesLower age to 28 for BTO/resale flatsMeet young Singaporeans’ housing needs
SupplyBuild ahead of demand, repurpose propertiesReduce waiting times
RentalsMillennial Apartments SchemeFlexible housing for youth

3. Jobs and Wages

With foreign workers comprising 39% of the workforce, the PSP aims to prioritize Singaporeans while ensuring fair competition and better work-life balance, addressing overwork (90% work beyond official hours) and wage stagnation.

  • Minimum Living Wage:
    • Set a $2,250/month minimum wage ($1,800 take-home after CPF), based on 2019 Minimum Income Standard, to ensure dignity and reduce reliance on subsidies.
  • Foreign Worker Policies:
    • Strengthen the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) by extending job ad periods, requiring more ads, and proving no suitable Singaporean candidate.
    • Introduce per-company EP quotas, with higher quotas for SMEs, to balance global talent access and local priority.
    • Impose a $1,200/month EP levy to offset employers’ CPF savings on foreign workers.
    • Raise EP minimum qualifying salary to $10,000/month (from $5,600-$10,700).
    • Limit single-nationality work pass holders per company to prevent workplace enclaves.
  • Worker Protections:
    • Exempt retrenched employees from non-compete clauses to ease job transitions.
    • Mandate statutory retrenchment benefits (2 weeks’ salary per year of service for 2+ years’ service), exempting small or bankrupt firms.
  • Parental Leave:
    • Equalize parental leave at 15 weeks per parent (4 weeks maternity/paternity, 22 weeks shared equally), promoting shared parenting responsibilities.
  • Family-Friendly Employers:
    • Offer incentives like higher foreign worker quotas to employers supporting parental leave.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
Wages$2,250/month minimum wageEnsure dignified living
Foreign WorkersEP quotas, levy, higher salary thresholdPrioritize Singaporeans
ProtectionsNo non-compete for retrenched, statutory benefitsEnhance job security
LeaveEqual 15-week parental leavePromote gender equity

4. Social Safety Net

The PSP seeks to simplify and strengthen social support, reducing reliance on complex schemes and supporting caregivers, seniors, and healthcare needs.

  • Redundancy Insurance:
    • Introduce a scheme paying 75% of the last-drawn salary for 6 months (capped at $3,750/month), funded by 0.5% monthly contributions from employers/employees.
  • Caregiver Support:
    • Provide a $1,250/month allowance (including CPF) for full-time caregivers of children under 7, costing up to $2.5 billion annually, replacing childcare subsidies.
  • Silver Support Scheme:
    • Double payouts to $430-$2,160/quarter ($144-$720/month), based on flat type and income, for seniors with low retirement savings.
  • Pioneer and Merdeka Funds:
    • Publish projected investment income and ensure full utilization of funds ($5.52 billion for PG, $5.55 billion for MG as of March 2024).
  • CPF Lifetime Retirement Investment Scheme (LRIS):
    • Implement LRIS, allowing investment in low-fee, diversified funds (6-10% annual returns over 5 years, per US 401(k) data), boosting retirement savings.
  • MediSave Expansion:
    • Increase MediSave500/700 withdrawal limits ($500/$700 annually for outpatient care) and cover preventive dental treatments, maternity fees, and egg freezing.
  • Fertility Support:
    • Offer 75% co-funding for unlimited ART cycles for women under 40 (until 2 children), and 3 fresh/3 frozen cycles for ages 40-45.
  • Mental Health:
    • Increase MediSave withdrawal limits for mental health treatments (e.g., schizophrenia, depression), regulate counsellors, and reduce public hospital waiting times (47 days for psychiatrists, 36 for psychologists in 2023).
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
Redundancy75% salary for 6 monthsFinancial security for unemployed
Caregivers$1,250/month for child caregiversSupport unpaid contributions
SeniorsDouble Silver Support payoutsDignified retirement
HealthcareExpand MediSave, fund ARTReduce out-of-pocket costs

5. Education

Despite Singapore’s top PISA 2022 rankings, the PSP critiques over-reliance on tuition ($104.80/month household expenditure in 2023) and high-stakes exams, which foster fear of failure (2018 PISA). The system should offer diverse pathways and equal opportunities.

  • Through-Train Programme:
    • Pilot a 10-year programme (Primary 1 to Secondary 4) with optional PSLE, emphasizing holistic curricula (arts, humanities, sports) and flexible assessments.
  • School Size Diversity:
    • Maintain a range of school sizes, avoiding mergers to preserve heritage and support diverse needs (e.g., neurodivergent students).
  • Assessment Reform:
    • Reduce reliance on summative exams, using portfolios and projects to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
  • Smaller Class Sizes:
    • Lower class sizes (from 33.6 primary, 32.6 secondary in 2023) by re-employing older teachers as Flexi-Adjuncts and using technology to reduce administrative burdens.
  • Mental Health Support:
    • Conduct annual mental health assessments for students, increase school counsellors to 2 per school (from 1 in two-thirds of schools), and monitor teacher burnout.
  • International Students:
    • Limit scholarships/tuition grants for international students (10% of AU undergrads, $238 million in 2019), prioritizing full-fee payers to subsidize locals.
  • University Access:
    • Review AU places for Singaporeans, especially in Medicine, and expand vocational pathways (e.g., WSQ qualifications) for university admission.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
CurriculumOptional PSLE, holistic focusReduce exam stress, broaden skills
SchoolsDiverse sizes, smaller classesMeet varied student needs
Mental HealthAnnual assessments, more counsellorsSupport student/teacher well-being
AccessLimit foreign grants, expand vocational pathsPrioritize Singaporeans, diversify entry

6. Governance

The PSP addresses concerns over the PAP’s parliamentary dominance, lack of checks and balances, and recent policy missteps (e.g., Covid-19 dormitory outbreaks, SimplyGo reversal). It seeks to enhance transparency and accountability.

  • Ministerial Salaries:
    • Benchmark salaries to median Singaporean income (not top 1,000 earners) to reflect public service ethos.
  • Asset Declarations:
    • Require MPs to publicly declare assets post-election in a Register of Interests, following Commonwealth practices (e.g., UK, Australia).
  • Sovereign Wealth Funds:
    • Hold closed-door parliamentary hearings for Temasek and GIC, publish senior management salary ranges, and compare performance to global benchmarks.
  • Freedom of Information:
    • Enact a Freedom of Information Act, requiring government disclosure unless exemptions (e.g., national security) are justified in court.
    • Automatically declassify documents after 25 years, unless restricted for security.
  • Media Reform:
    • Liberalize the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, removing ministerial approval for management shares, and reduce online news content provider bonds ($50,000 to $20,000).
    • Establish an independent press standards committee to handle complaints and enforce journalistic integrity, funded by Parliament.
    • Fund local digital media start-ups to foster diversity, redirecting $900 million SPH Media Trust and $310 million MediaCorp grants.
  • POFMA Reform:
    • Vest POFMA powers in the judiciary, limiting use to deliberate falsehood campaigns to reduce chilling effects on free speech.
  • Electoral Reforms:
    • Abolish GRCs, replacing with minority NCMP schemes or a hybrid FPTP/proportional representation system with multi-racial candidate mandates.
    • Reform electoral boundary reviews with transparent processes, fixed voter counts (30,000 ±10%), and bipartisan approval for major boundary changes.
  • People’s Association (PA):
    • Depoliticize PA by appointing neutral public servants as Grassroots Advisors, excluding MPs and political figures.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs):
    • Mandate public EIAs for major developments, with 2-month feedback periods, evaluating biodiversity, ecosystems, and emissions.
  • Voting Age:
    • Lower voting age to 18, aligning with global norms and National Service obligations.
  • Parliamentary Support:
    • Create a Parliament Research Service (PRS) with seconded experts to support MPs’ policy research.
    • Form bipartisan standing committees to scrutinize legislation over 2 months, with powers to subpoena witnesses and access PRS.
Policy AreaKey ProposalIntended Impact
TransparencyFOIA, declassify documents, asset declarationsEnhance public access, trust
Electoral SystemAbolish GRCs, reform boundariesEnsure fairer elections
MediaLiberalize laws, independent committeeFoster diverse, quality journalism
GovernanceDepoliticize PA, non-partisan SpeakerStrengthen impartial institutions

Conclusion

Launched ahead of the May 3, 2025, election, the PSP’s manifesto builds on parliamentary proposals since 2020, reflecting resident feedback and critiques of PAP policies.

The party emphasizes its role in holding the government accountable, citing past PAP responses (e.g., Pioneer Generation Package) to opposition gains.

Implementation challenges include fiscal costs (e.g., GST reduction, caregiver allowances) and political resistance to reforms like GRC abolition.

The PSP’s focus on affordability, housing, and governance aligns with public concerns, but success depends on electing at least 33 opposition MPs to block constitutional amendments.

Read next article ⬇️

GE2025 - Here are the key points from PAP manifesto

PAP manifesto focuses on economic growth, education, social support, healthcare, housing, sustainability, arts, and social cohesion, with detailed initiatives in each area.

|8 min read
GE2025 - Here are the key points from PAP manifesto

The People's Action Party (PAP) launched their manifesto last Thursday (Apr 17), titled "Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve – Securing a Brighter Future for You."

Manifesto focuses on economic growth, education, social support, healthcare, housing, sustainability, arts, and social cohesion, with detailed initiatives in each area.

Here are the key points:

Economic Growth and Business Competitiveness

The PAP, as the ruling party, launched its manifesto on April 17, 2025, titled "Our Manifesto, Our Promise," at Infinite Studios. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized navigating global changes and defending Singapore's interests. Key proposals include:

  • Enhancing support for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) to thrive in a dynamic economy.
  • Nurturing Singaporean corporate leaders to drive local and global success, ensuring leadership in key industries.
  • Strengthening fair employment practices through legislation like the Workplace Fairness Act to protect workers' rights.
  • Maintaining Singapore's reputation as a reliable business hub, crucial for attracting foreign investment.
  • Investing in transport and digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity and efficiency, supporting business operations.
  • Adopting cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to boost productivity and innovation.
  • Securing clean energy sources, with exploration of nuclear power, to ensure sustainable economic growth.
  • Easing cost-of-living pressures through tax rebates and the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, directly benefiting lower-income workers.
  • Enabling businesses to upgrade productivity through technological and operational advancements.
  • Facilitating access to manpower and capital for businesses to scale and innovate.
  • Supporting companies in expanding into new markets, enhancing Singapore's global economic footprint.

Education and Skills Development

Education is framed as a cornerstone for future success, with a focus on inclusivity and lifelong learning:

  • Redefining success to value diverse talents, moving beyond traditional academic metrics to recognize varied abilities.
  • Customizing education to cater to diverse abilities and interests, ensuring no student is left behind.
  • Investing in teachers' professional development to maintain high educational standards and adapt to new teaching methods.
  • Partnering with parents, industry, and communities to deliver holistic education, fostering well-rounded development.
  • Building four new Special Education (SPED) schools by 2030 to support students with special needs.
  • Establishing additional early intervention centers to identify and support developmental needs early.
  • Extending the Development Support-Learning Support Programme to more preschools, enhancing early childhood education.
  • Empowering Singaporeans to reskill and upskill through accessible programs, preparing them for future job markets.
  • Supporting companies in redesigning jobs and investing in worker training, aligning education with industry needs.
  • Introducing the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme to aid job seekers, particularly during economic transitions.

This pillar aims to build a flexible and inclusive education system, though challenges may arise in scaling these initiatives effectively.

Social Support and Inclusion

Social support is a critical focus, aiming to uplift vulnerable groups and ensure inclusivity:

  • Strengthening ComCare and Silver Support schemes to provide financial assistance to low-income and elderly citizens.
  • Enhancing Workfare to support lower-wage workers, ensuring they benefit from economic growth.
  • Extending Progressive Wages to more sectors, aiming to raise wages for lower-income workers systematically.
  • Providing individualized support for lower-income families via ComLink+, tailoring assistance to specific needs.
  • Increasing childcare subsidies for disadvantaged families to ensure regular preschool attendance, promoting early education.
  • Strengthening post-18 transitions for young adults, supporting their entry into the workforce or further education.
  • Boosting employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through targeted initiatives, promoting inclusivity.
  • Increasing subsidies for adult disability services to improve accessibility and quality of care.
  • Piloting community living models for independent living, empowering PwDs to live autonomously.

These measures aim to create a more inclusive society, though their impact may vary based on funding and community uptake.

Healthcare and Well-Being

Healthcare initiatives are designed to cover the entire lifespan, ensuring comprehensive care:

  • Launching Grow Well SG for children and adolescents, focusing on early health and development.
  • Implementing Healthier SG for adults, promoting preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
  • Introducing Age Well SG for seniors, ensuring dignified aging with adequate support.
  • Innovating healthcare delivery through the Queenstown Health District, serving as a model for integrated care.
  • Adding 13,600 new hospital beds over five years to meet growing healthcare demands.
  • Redeveloping Alexandra Hospital to enhance facilities and services.
  • Opening Eastern General Hospital by 2030, expanding healthcare capacity in the east.
  • Growing the healthcare and nursing workforce to address staffing shortages and improve care quality.
  • Establishing a National Mental Health Office to coordinate efforts and expand access to mental health services.
  • Expanding access to mental health services across communities, addressing a critical public health need.

These initiatives aim to build a robust healthcare system, though challenges may include workforce retention and funding sustainability.

Housing and Urban Development

Housing remains a priority, addressing both supply and quality of living:

  • Building over 50,000 new HDB flats in three years, equivalent to an entire Ang Mo Kio town, to meet housing demand.
  • Increasing Shorter Waiting Time flats to reduce waiting periods for new homes.
  • Exploring public housing options for higher-income couples and singles, expanding access to HDB housing.
  • Ensuring a stable and sustainable property market through decisive measures, balancing supply and demand.
  • Rejuvenating HDB towns through the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS), with examples like Mount Pleasant, Kallang-Whampoa ("white flats"), and Bayshore (waterfront living at East Coast Park).

These efforts aim to ensure affordable and quality housing, though market dynamics may pose implementation challenges.

Sustainability and Green Spaces

Sustainability is a key focus, balancing urban development with environmental care:

  • Creating 25 new parks to enhance green spaces for recreation and biodiversity.
  • Developing 50km of park connectors to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Establishing 13 therapeutic gardens to support mental and physical well-being.
  • Developing a second marine park at Lazarus South and Kusu Reef, protecting marine ecosystems.
  • Building new MRT lines, including Jurong Regional and Cross-Island Lines, to enhance public transport.
  • Extending existing MRT lines and enhancing bus services to improve accessibility and reduce car dependency.

These initiatives aim to create a sustainable urban environment, though their success may depend on community engagement and funding.

Arts, Culture, and Sports

Arts and culture are highlighted as vital for quality of life and national identity:

  • Expanding the SG Culture Pass to provide broader access to cultural experiences, promoting arts appreciation.
  • Promoting early arts exposure in schools and preschools, fostering creativity from a young age.
  • Offering more arts apprenticeships and scholarships to support emerging artists.
  • Providing additional arts spaces and support for artists, enhancing the cultural ecosystem.
  • Establishing a new Museum of Design to showcase creativity and innovation.
  • Developing Kallang Alive, including a new indoor arena and home for Team Singapore, boosting sports infrastructure.
  • Building new sports facilities in Clementi, Punggol, and Toa Payoh, and upgrading existing ones in Hougang, Pasir Ris, and Queenstown.

These efforts aim to enrich cultural and sporting life, though their impact may vary based on public participation.

Social Cohesion and Civic Engagement

Social cohesion is framed as essential for national unity and resilience:

  • Fostering a strong Singaporean identity rooted in shared values and experiences.
  • Upholding multi-racial and multi-religious values, ensuring harmony and inclusivity.
  • Enhancing integration efforts to build a cohesive society, particularly for new citizens.
  • Maintaining Singapore as an oasis of peace, emphasizing stability in a turbulent world.
  • Nurturing a culture of giving by connecting donors and volunteers with those in need, promoting community support.
  • Increasing avenues for civic participation, empowering citizens to contribute to nation-building.
  • Strengthening partnerships between the government and the people, fostering collaborative governance.

These measures aim to build a united and engaged society, though their effectiveness may depend on community buy-in.

Summary Table

PillarKey InitiativeTarget Beneficiaries
Economic GrowthAdopt AI and clean energyBusinesses, PMETs
EducationBuild 4 new SPED schools by 2030Students with special needs
Social SupportExtend Progressive Wages to more sectorsLower-wage workers
HealthcareAdd 13,600 new hospital beds in 5 yearsGeneral population
HousingBuild 50,000 new HDB flats in 3 yearsHome seekers
SustainabilityCreate 25 new parksResidents, environmentalists
Arts and CultureExpand SG Culture PassArts enthusiasts
Social CohesionEnhance integration effortsNew citizens, diverse groups