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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Govt deserves due credit, but what's the endgame?

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Apr 21, 2011
Govt deserves due credit, but what's the endgame?
I REFER to Monday's letter by Mr Tan Jiaqi ('Perils of asset enhancement for younger Singaporeans').
While it is true that many Singaporeans have benefited from the People's Action Party's policy of 'asset enhancement', it was not that obvious a policy back in the 60s to the early 80s as I know of no records available of such a policy being articulated and deliberately pursued.

Therefore, the Government is but taking credit for what was not overtly apparent until recently. That said, credit must be given where credit is due.
Notwithstanding the development, the relevant question all concerned Singaporeans must ask is this: 'What is the endgame or exit strategy for such an 'asset enhancement' policy?'
If we use the records of the price development of public housing in the past 30 years (which also impacts the private one), is it sustainable? If not, what is the alternative 'enhancement' model?
Have our policy planners and political leaders done an econometric model to find out what the consequences of such a policy are? What are the various shocks in different degrees of gravity that Singapore will face from time to time and that such a policy will cause to our social fabric, if not livelihoods?
Law Kim Hwee
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_659160.html

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