WP Chair and MP for Aljunied Sylvia Lim asked the government to do better in Budget marksmanship, managing the cost of living other than through handouts, and protecting vulnerable segments of society in her budget speech on the second day of the Budget debate 2025.
She first noted that the government had made a “substantial underestimation” of operating revenues which ended up being $8 billion higher, made more curious as PM Wong had replied to a WP PQ that the projected surplus will still be a mere $0.78 billion as recent as September 2024.
She then called for scrutiny over the government's approach to easing cost-of-living pressures and ensuring public housing affordability, as it suggests that Singaporeans can only manage with the aid of vouchers, subsidies, and grants. Whither the 5Cs Singapore Dream not because they are no longer relevant, but that they are not attainable to many, Sylvia asked. And will there be an endless spiral in prices and increased handouts, in the name of “affordability”?
She also highlighted the plight of homemakers whose financial security requires attention. She proposed a policy change to require spousal consent for any CPF nomination that excludes them. Such a measure would acknowledge CPF funds as shared assets within a marriage and ensure that both parties are aware of and agree to the distribution plans.
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