Singapore GE 2016 - Affordability - Education, Healthcare, Transport, Public Housing

Misinformation by Opposition Parties on the affordability of education, healthcare, transport and public housing in Singapore.

 

 

 

After seeing the frequent misinformation put out by opposition supporters, I decided to write this post to clarify issues about these 4 main areas of concerns to the average Singaporean.

 

1. Education

 

In Singapore, all Singaporeans enjoy free education in primary schools, and only need to pay miscellaneous fees of only $6.50. In addition, the Government tops up hundreds of dollars into Singaporean students Edusave accounts every year to help pay for other items such as additional reading materials and overseas trips. School fees for secondary schools and pre-U are only at $5 and $6 respectively. PRs and non-Singaporeans pay much more, especially since the recent increase for PRs in 2013. (http://bit.ly/1Asx8Bh) In addition (again), bursaries are awarded to the top 25% of each cohort, up to JCs, and other bursaries are also awarded for conduct, improvement and leadership.

 

2. Healthcare

 

There are heavy subsidies given to Singaporeans, with subsidies for being warded in most scenarios above 50%. In addition, the CHAS was launched since a few years ago to help low-income families, and most recently included for all members of the Pioneer Generation (regardless of income). In addition (again), there is Medisave and Eldershield to help Singaporeans manage healthcare costs.

 

3. Transport

 

The most recent fare review in 2014 saw price decreases for the low-income, Persons with Disabilities, NSFs and Poly students. (http://on.fb.me/1C1mFR7) This is supported by fare increases for other average Singaporeans. The fare review coming up was initially to be capped at 3.4%, but with the fare review formula, it will be decreased by 0.6% to 2.8%, partly due to reduction in oil prices.

 

4. Public Housing

 

The majority of Singaporeans stay in public housing. New flats (BTO) are priced much lower than that of resale flats (which is usually the one being compared by those against Singapore's system). In addition, first-timers get priority, while first-timer families get even more priority and benefits. In addition (again), children who live near their parents get more priority too, as part of measures for the rising aging population in Singapore.

 

Unfortunately, when these aspects are used by those who attack the Singapore system (just like the frequent protester (and spammer) who posted the rant), they use the most expensive of each aspect, and without considering benefits for certain groups of Singaporeans in each aspect.