Singapore MPs Advocate for Vulnerable Groups, Caregivers, and Workers
On September 25th, Singaporean Members of Parliament (MPs) emphasized the need for greater support for vulnerable groups, including underprivileged youth, caregivers, seniors, those with special needs, and lower-income families and workers. The debate on the President’s Address highlighted the importance of ensuring no one is left behind as Singapore progresses.
Addressing the Needs of Marginalized Communities
Ms. Valerie Lee (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) stressed the importance of remembering those at the margins, stating that a "we first" society must consider those struggling quietly. Mr. David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC) suggested means-tested Curiosity Credits for children from lower-income backgrounds, similar to a SkillsFuture scheme, to enable them to explore opportunities like robotics or speech and drama courses.
Mr. Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) proposed a Junior SkillsFuture Credit scheme for children below 18 from lower-income households. He believes such credits could democratize access to skills often limited to affluent families, such as coding and public speaking. Mr. Giam also advocated for a fund to support less-advantaged students in participating in student exchange programs and overseas internships.
Supporting Seniors and Caregivers
Speaking in Malay and Mandarin, Mr. Xie Yao Quan (Jurong Central) emphasized Singapore's obligation to better care for its seniors, acknowledging their contributions to the nation's success. He suggested a review of the eligibility framework for senior benefits, noting that seniors living with their children often receive fewer benefits. Mr. Dennis Tan (Hougang) called for a review of medical subsidies, advocating for healthcare affordability to be independent of property values.
Mr. Tan reiterated the Workers’ Party call for the removal of the annual property value as a means-testing criterion for households with no income, such as retirees. He also urged the government to enhance active ageing centres with increased manpower and space. Mr. Henry Kwek (Kebun Baru) suggested scaling up assisted living options nationally to provide seniors with tiered assistance for ageing at home.
Investing in Future Generations and Fair Labor Practices
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Goh Hanyan emphasized the need for those who have more to contribute more, ensuring the state has resources to increase opportunity and social mobility. She highlighted the need to channel resources towards less privileged young people. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by young people balancing work and caregiving.
Ms. Lee proposed new leave schemes to reflect modern caregiving realities, such as "sandwich generation leave." Ms. Elysa Chen (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) suggested a national caregiving hub to provide information and respite care for caregivers, along with more support for caregivers of individuals with special needs. Mr. Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) advocated for inclusive classrooms that accommodate neurodiverse students.
Mr. Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik (Sengkang GRC) requested more detailed data on the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for former offenders and comprehensive research and data from the Ministry of Education on the percentage of lower-income Malays reaching university. Assistant secretary-general of the NTUC Yeo Wan Ling emphasized the need to secure fair pay and a just future for platform and public transport workers, tackling illegal work and ensuring fair incentive structures. The NTUC is also committed to normalising flexible work arrangements, ensuring fair treatment and compensation in performance appraisals and promotions.