‘Leaders must be able to take criticism, acknowledge mistakes’: PM Lee

[skyleon]

More than 50 PAP MPs absent from yesterday’s Parliament


February 27, 2018

The Budget debate is a waste of time, as shown from more than 50 absentees in Parliament yesterday (Feb 27).

A quick count on the video screenshots found a disappointing 27 PAP MPs, or less than a quarter of the total 81 PAP MPs in Parliament. An estimated of more than 50 PAP MPs were missing in the Budget debate yesterday, along with 7 heavyweight Ministers including potential PM successors like Chan Chun Sing and Ong Ye Kung.

Low ranking PAP MPs like Tin Pei Ling, Teo Ser Luck and Baey Yam Keng were all missing. The S$53 million-a-year government is the world’s most expensive, with Lee Hsien Loong alone drawing S$2.2 million a year.


continue reading here : http://statestimesreview.com/2018/02...ys-parliament/


Clap clap clap well done missing MPs again . So you still want to vote for PAP ?

[skyleon]

Changi Airport passengers to pay new levy to fund developments including T5

By Elizabeth Neo @ElizabethNeoCNA

28 Feb 2018 05:00PM (Updated: 28 Feb 2018 05:23PM)


SINGAPORE: Travellers flying out of Changi Airport will have to pay S$13.30 more from Jul 1 with an increase in passenger fees and to fund a major expansion for the airport, including the building of Terminal 5 (T5).

The bulk of the charge comes from a new Airport Development Levy to fund the expansion project. For passengers who begin their trips from Changi Airport, they will pay a levy of S$10.80, while transit passengers will pay S$3, the airport announced on Wednesday (Feb 28).

The new levy will be reflected on passengers’ air tickets and will form part of the ticket price.

The Passenger Service and Security Fee – a combination of the current service charge and a security charge – will increase by S$2.50 from Jul 1. From Mar 31, 2019, this fee will again increase by S$2.50 every year until 2024, which marks the mid-point of the construction phase of the Changi East project. The fee will then be reviewed.

Currently, travellers departing from Changi Airport have to pay a S$34 departure charge. The charge includes the Passenger Service and Security Fee, as well as a levy by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

With the new charges, passengers will have to pay a total of S$47.30 in airport fees from Jul 1 until further increases kick in on Mar 31, 2019.

Those transiting through the airport will pay a total of S$9 – including a development levy of S$3, and S$6 in a service and security fee, unchanged from currently.

Airlines will also see increased costs. Landing, parking and aerobridge fees, which are applicable to all flights at Changi Airport, will increase by 1 per cent from Jul 1. It will be further increased by 1 per cent a year until 2024, when a review will be conducted.

NEW TERMINAL, NEW RUNWAY

This is not the first time Changi Airport has increased fees to help fund expansion projects. In April 2013, when the passenger service fee was last raised, two projects were in the pipeline – the development of the new T4 and the expansion of T1.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...engers-9999526


Hosah liao more new charges Singaporeans have to pay for using Changi Airport . Still want to vote for PAP ?

[Sfan]

Originally Posted by skyleon

Changi Airport passengers to pay new levy to fund developments including T5

By Elizabeth Neo @ElizabethNeoCNA

28 Feb 2018 05:00PM (Updated: 28 Feb 2018 05:23PM)


SINGAPORE: Travellers flying out of Changi Airport will have to pay S$13.30 more from Jul 1 with an increase in passenger fees and to fund a major expansion for the airport, including the building of Terminal 5 (T5).

The bulk of the charge comes from a new Airport Development Levy to fund the expansion project. For passengers who begin their trips from Changi Airport, they will pay a levy of S$10.80, while transit passengers will pay S$3, the airport announced on Wednesday (Feb 28).

The new levy will be reflected on passengers’ air tickets and will form part of the ticket price.

The Passenger Service and Security Fee – a combination of the current service charge and a security charge – will increase by S$2.50 from Jul 1. From Mar 31, 2019, this fee will again increase by S$2.50 every year until 2024, which marks the mid-point of the construction phase of the Changi East project. The fee will then be reviewed.

Currently, travellers departing from Changi Airport have to pay a S$34 departure charge. The charge includes the Passenger Service and Security Fee, as well as a levy by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

With the new charges, passengers will have to pay a total of S$47.30 in airport fees from Jul 1 until further increases kick in on Mar 31, 2019.

Those transiting through the airport will pay a total of S$9 – including a development levy of S$3, and S$6 in a service and security fee, unchanged from currently.

Airlines will also see increased costs. Landing, parking and aerobridge fees, which are applicable to all flights at Changi Airport, will increase by 1 per cent from Jul 1. It will be further increased by 1 per cent a year until 2024, when a review will be conducted.

NEW TERMINAL, NEW RUNWAY

This is not the first time Changi Airport has increased fees to help fund expansion projects. In April 2013, when the passenger service fee was last raised, two projects were in the pipeline – the development of the new T4 and the expansion of T1.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...engers-9999526


Hosah liao more new charges Singaporeans have to pay for using Changi Airport . Still want to vote for PAP ?

It’s not just paying more for flying out. Airlines have to pay more as well for using the airport, which means more costs passed onto the passengers. At this rate, this Government’s greed is going to cost us our competitiveness.

[skyleon]

Changi Airport passengers to pay new levy to fund developments including T5

By Elizabeth Neo @ElizabethNeoCNA



28 Feb 2018 05:00PM (Updated: 28 Feb 2018 11:11PM)


SINGAPORE: Travellers flying out of Changi Airport will have to pay up to S$13.30 more from Jul 1 with an increase in passenger fees and a new levy to fund a major expansion for the airport, including the building of Terminal 5 (T5).

The bulk of the charge comes from a new Airport Development Levy to fund the expansion project. For passengers who begin their trips from Changi Airport, they will pay a levy of S$10.80, the Transport Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Wednesday (Feb 28).


The Passenger Service and Security Fee – a combination of the current service charge and a security charge – will increase by S$2.50 from Jul 1. From Apr 1, 2019, this fee will again increase by S$2.50 and will do so every year until 2024, which marks the mid-point of the construction phase of the Changi East project. The fee will then be reviewed.

Transit passengers will also be charged an Airport Development Levy of S$3. The new levy will be reflected on passengers’ air tickets and will form part of the ticket price.


Currently, travellers departing from Changi Airport have to pay a S$34 departure charge. The charge includes the Passenger Service and Security Fee, as well as a CAAS levy.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...engers-9999526

[skyleon]

International Air Transport Association 'disappointed' with new Changi Airport passenger levy

By Amir Yusof


28 Feb 2018 07:19PM (Updated: 28 Feb 2018 11:14PM)



SINGAPORE: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that it is "disappointed" with the decision to charge travellers flying out of Changi Airport with a new levy to fund the development of Changi East and Terminal 5.

The global airline voice's regional vice-president (Asia Pacific) Conrad Clifford told Channel NewsAsia on Wednesday (Feb 28) that the industry is against pre-funding for infrastructure projects, where passengers and airlines have to pay for services and facilities they do not currently utilise.

"It is unfair to expect passengers and airlines to pay in advance for a facility they may or may not use in the future when the facility is ready. It also goes against the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) charging principle of cost relatedness – where passengers and airlines are charged for the cost of services actually used," he said.

He added that while IATA recognises that the Singapore Government will be bearing the "majority of the costs" for the development of Changi East and Terminal 5, it is "still disappointed" with the decision to proceed with the charges "despite the feedback provided by the industry".

"We are also hoping to have greater transparency on what is the projected cost of Changi East and Terminal 5, and how the costs are being apportioned between the government, Changi Airport Group, airlines and passengers," Mr Clifford said.

He stressed that aviation is an economic catalyst and the added capacity does not just benefit the aviation community but the entire Singapore economy, including tourism, trade and manufacturing.

"Making air travel more expensive for passengers will have a negative impact on travel, tourism, and as a result, aviation's contribution to an economy. Increasing charges for airlines could also affect the financial viability of their services to and from the airport," said Mr Clifford.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...ointed-9999940

[skyleon]

Low Thia Khiang, Ng Chee Meng cross swords over impending GST hike


By Kenneth Cheng
Published28 February, 2018

Updated 28 February, 2018


SINGAPORE — Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang and Cabinet Minister Ng Chee Meng locked horns on Wednesday (Feb 28), after the Opposition leader labelled the impending goods and services tax (GST) hike as a “real distraction” from a forward-looking Budget.

“I appreciate the Government’s vision statements and the articulation of how Singapore should strategically position itself in the new era. This is a forward-looking Budget to anchor Singapore firmly in the future and for the future,” said Mr Low on the second day of the parliamentary debate on Budget 2018.

But it was “unfortunate” that the Government was “looking forward too hastily for a future revenue stream” by announcing a GST hike prematurely, he said.

The GST is expected to rise to 9 per cent from the current 7 per cent sometime between 2021 and 2025.

“(It’s) a real distraction, causing the Government to lose its focus on getting buy-in for the vision (set out in the Budget) because it has to explain the future GST hike instead,” Mr Low said. “Do not let this opportunity to lead Singapore with this vision go to waste.”

His remarks drew a riposte from Mr Ng, who is Education Minister (Schools).

Mr Ng said he was baffled by WP’s view that finding ways to fund programmes outlined in the Budget was a distraction.

“I think it’s critical, I think it’s honest, I think it’s right that we outline to Singaporeans how we intend to chart Singapore’s future … in a sustainable manner,” said Mr Ng.

Budget 2018 has, among other things, outlined how Singaporeans can take care of the elderly, better prepare children for the future and prime businesses to help workers navigate dramatic economic changes and technological disruptions, he said.


continue reading here : https://www.todayonline.com/singapor...nding-gst-hike

[skyleon]

[skyleon]

New development charge taxes to increase 22.8%

March 1, 2018


Desperate for money, the Singapore government yesterday (Feb 28) announced that they will raise development charges and taxes by an average of 22.8% – the highest in a decade – for non-landed residential projects. The development charges range between 12 to 38% depending on the area, and in addition to the top marginal Buyers’ Stamp Duty rate announced in the Budget, the new tax increases are estimated to generate hundreds of millions in tax revenues for the government.

The Ministry of National Development said it consulted with the Chief Valuer for the tax increase:

“The rates for non-landed residential developments will increase for a vast majority of areas across the island, ranging from 12 per cent to 38 per cent. The average hike of 22.8 per cent is the highest since September 2007 when DC rates rose by 57.8 per cent. The latest increases come on the back of a 13.8-per-cent average spike between September last year and this month.”

The new tax will cost property developers more during en bloc purchases. The Singapore government is expected to earn S$16 billion in land sales for 2018.


continue reading here : http://statestimesreview.com/2018/03...increase-22-8/

[skyleon]

Parliament: GST Voucher scheme to be expanded, transitional offset package to be launched when GST is hiked

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said the permanent GST Voucher Scheme, which helps lower- and middle-income families and the elderly, will be enhanced when the GST goes up.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO


Yasmine Yahya Senior Political Correspondent

SINGAPORE - Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat gave the assurance that there would be more help for lower and middle-income families and the elderly when the goods and services tax (GST) is raised, as he wrapped up the Budget debate on Thursday (March 1).

He said the permanent GST Voucher Scheme, which helps lower- and middle-income families and the elderly, will be enhanced when the GST goes up. The scheme currently offers annual utility rebates of up to $390 to HDB flat dwellers, cash of up to $300 for low-income adults and Medisave top-ups of up to $450 for the elderly poor.

In his speech rounding up the debate, Mr Heng said there will also be a transitional offset package when the GST is hiked by 2 percentage points to 9 per cent, some time between 2021 and 2025. Lower and middle-income families will receive more support from this package, he said.

"Let me assure everyone that we are mindful of the impact of tax changes on households, particularly the lower-income, and will help them to adjust while maintaining a fair and progressive system of taxes and transfers."

Furthermore, the Government is prepared to convene a Committee Against Profiteering to ensure businesses do not use the GST hike as an excuse to raise prices beyond the increased tax, he added.

Responding to concerns raised by several MPs over the past three days about the need to raise the GST, Mr Heng said a broad-based tax like the GST is required to fund Singapore's broad-based spending needs, such as healthcare, security and education.

"Each generation should strive to pay for its own spending through sustainable means, instead of drawing down more than is prudent from the reserves or by borrowing and passing on the cost of current spending to future generations."


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/politics...to-be-launched

[skyleon]

Parliament: Budget 2018 approved by Parliament, with Workers' Party MPs voting against it


PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

Yasmine Yahya Senior Political Correspondent


SINGAPORE - Parliament approved the Budget on Thursday (March 1), even as Workers' Party MPs said they did not support the proposed hike in the goods and services tax (GST).

In a vote to approve the Government's financial policy for the year, 89 MPs said "yes" while eight MPs - all from the WP - said "no".

WP MP Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) said that while the party approved of the measures that are to be implemented within the current Budget, it did not support the planned increase in the GST, which is going to take place only some time between 2021 and 2025.

"We cannot support the announcement at this point in time," she said in a clarification in Parliament.

She noted that Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat had said the Government has not yet determined when the GST hike would kick in, as that would depend on economic conditions, the buoyancy of Singapore's tax revenues and its spending needs.

"Fair enough," she said. "Similarly, I don't think we will be in a position to take a stand on that until the information is available at the relevant point in time, so I think it's ridiculous for the Government to expect us as a responsible party to support something where all the information is still not available and we don't have a crystal ball."

Mr Heng replied that the vote was on the Government's broader financial policy, and asked for a division - for MPs to vote through a device at their seats instead of voting by voice as usual.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/politics...ing-against-it


This happens when 70% voted for the greedy MIWs. By giving them a majority they can easily pass any bill that suits and support them . We need more opposition members in parliament . When will the 70 % wake up from their sleep or they simply bochap ?

[ibanezjem555]

70% only say say, why this why like tgat.. then white monkey come with financial incentives at election day, 70% will LPPL vote MIW !

[skyleon]

Dr Chee: Create problem, exacerbate problem, then make people pay for problem


Protected March 1st, 2018 | Author: YourSDP




​“TICKING TIME BOMB”, “tsunami”, “unprecedented”. Scary words but words, nevertheless, used to describe the not-so-small problem of Singapore’s ageing population.

Indeed, this year marks the sobering point where, for the first time in our history, the proportion of folks 65 years and older matches that of younger ones (less than 15).

Extrapolating into the future, the elderly slice of the population will, by 2030, balloon to twice that of young Singaporeans.



​Such a fast graying society would, in PM Lee Hsien Loong’s words, bring about “profound problems”.

United Overseas Bank analyst, Mr Francis Tan, agrees: “Singapore is facing one of the toughest economic and social challenges since its independence in the form of a rapidly aging workforce and population.”

The most recent bout of hand-wringing came from Minister of State Indranee Rajah who warned that “the number of people who are getting older, in the next five to 15 years, is not something that Singapore has seen before”.

The cause of the population pickle in which we find ourselves is two-fold.

The first is the stunted birthrate. At 1.2 births per woman of child-bearing age in 2016, Singapore remains one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in Total Fertility Rates around the world.

The second is Singaporeans quitting the jurisdiction. A survey done by the Singapore Polytechnic found that six in ten Singaporeans between ages 15 and 35 are “looking beyond Singapore to achieve their dreams”. In practice, a whopping 213,400 Singaporeans actually packed up and left as of 2016. The rate is picking up – the figure was 157,800 in 2004.

Nothing works more handily in quickening the pace of a population becoming dependent on walkers and wheelchairs than young folks uninterested in procreating and/or thinking of saying sayonara to Singapore.

But what is driving such behaviour? The answer, with apologies to Mr Bob Dylan, is more than blowing in the wind – it is the kind of wild-hand-waving-look-at-me-I’m-right-here-in-your-face indication that leaves no ambiguity. Studies repeatedly tell us that the high cost of living, stressful lifestyle, and a stifling political environment are what makes younger Singaporeans avoid the maternity hospital and head straight for the airport.

For example, a survey found that 50 percent of young couples cited finances as the main reason for not having children. The report straight up said that “with the costs of childcare and infant care at a premium, more couples are thinking twice about having children.”

Another survey conducted by students from the Nanyang Technological University also showed that the main cause of the low fertility rate in Singapore is the cost of raising a child. “The current generation,” the study explained, “may be unwilling to have children because of the costs required in rearing a child and the potential impact upon their individual aspirations.”*

Business news channel CNBC nailed it right between the eyes: “Dual-income families are the norm in the pricey city-state and the lack of time for family is frequently cited as a significant factor influencing couples’ decisions on how many children to have, if they have any at all.”

As for the high emigration rate, the top reasons cited (as demonstrated by the Singapore Polytechnic survey cited earlier) are the high cost of living, lack of opportunity and stressful pace of life in Singapore.


continue reading here : http://www.tremeritus.com/2018/03/01...y-for-problem/

[skyleon]

What a world of difference between the Hong Kong Budget and the Singapore Budget!


Protected March 1st, 2018 | Author: Contributions


I refer to the article “Finance chief Paul Chan dishes out budget sweeteners worth billions to Hong Kong taxpayers” (South China morning post, Feb 28).

It states that ”

FAST FACTS:

• GDP to grow 3 to 4 per cent this year

• Fiscal reserves expected to reach HK$1.092 trillion

• HK$138 billion fiscal surplus; 40 per cent to be spent on relief measures

• HK$50 billion in tax breaks; reductions on salaries and profits tax, rates

• HK$50 billion for innovation and technology development

• HK$2,000 one-off cash handout for poor students

• No tax waiver on electric cars but drivers get subsidised one-for-one replacement scheme, capped at HK$250,000

• One-off allowance to ‘N-nothings’ makes comeback”

In contrast, with our overall Budget surplus for FY2017 and FY2016 (revised) at $9.6 and $12 billion, respectively – Singaporeans are only getting a SG Bonus of $100 to $300, Usave rebate of $20 a year to offset the carbon tax, an increase in the annual bursary quantum for pre-university students from S$750 to S$900, annual Edusave contributions will be increased from S$200 to S$230 for each primary school student, and from S$240 to S$290 for each secondary school student, and an increase in the income eligibility criteria for the Edusave Merit Bursary (S$6,000 in gross monthly household income, or S$1,500 in gross monthly household per capita income) to S$6,900 and S$1,725 respectively.


continue reading here : http://www.tremeritus.com/2018/03/01...gapore-budget/

[skyleon]

Hong Kong reboots with ‘back to the future’ budget as Paul Chan splashes HK$50 billion on hi-tech spending and HK$50 billion on goodies


With a record surplus of HK$138 billion, financial secretary unveils spending blueprint that includes targeted tax reliefs, rate waivers and beefed-up allowances – and lots of money for innovation and technology



PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 28 February, 2018, 7:46pm

UPDATED : Thursday, 01 March, 2018, 12:01pm


Hong Kong Budget 2018-2019

Paul Chan


Despite widespread calls for some of the bumper HK$138 billion surplus to be ploughed back to the public in cash handouts, only needy students will get a grant
Politics

Finance chief dishes out budget sweeteners worth billions to taxpayers
28 Feb 2018


Lawmakers take aim at financial secretary as survey finds just 26 per cent of Hongkongers are satisfied with spending plan – the lowest in four years
Politics

Most residents not impressed with big spender Chan’s budget efforts
1 Mar 2018

Measure not included in 2018-2019 blueprint as it requires computer system update, Financial Secretary Paul Chan says
Economy

Hong Kong looking into tax deduction for renters, finance chief reveals
28 Feb 2018

How Hong Kong’s ‘simple, low’ tax regime short-changes residents
28 Feb 2018 D



FAST FACTS:

• GDP to grow 3 to 4 per cent this year

• Fiscal reserves expected to reach HK$1.092 trillion

• HK$138 billion fiscal surplus; 40 per cent to be spent on relief measures

• HK$50 billion in tax breaks; reductions on salaries and profits tax, rates

• HK$50 billion for innovation and technology development

• HK$2,000 one-off cash handout for poor students

• No tax waiver on electric cars but drivers get subsidised one-for-one replacement scheme, capped at HK$250,000

• One-off allowance to ‘N-nothings’ makes comeback

A budget with a clear eye on the future and massive expenditure to alleviate people’s burdens – these were the twin pledges from Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po as he set out the Hong Kong government’s spending blueprint with a record surplus of HK$138 billion (US$17.7 billion) as its centrepiece.

A chunk of the bounty, more than HK$50 billion, will be shared with at least 2 million Hongkongers – mostly through targeted tax reliefs, rate waivers and beefed-up allowances. And in an even-handed gesture, he pledged to invest the same amount on hi-tech development to transform the economy.

“The current-term government is ready to think out of the box and act proactively to open up new horizons for Hong Kong,” Chan declared, as he delivered his first budget under the Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor administration.

Riding on 3.8 per cent growth last year, Chan’s forecast growth this year is as high as 4 per cent, with headline inflation kept at bay at 2.2 per cent.

The massive surplus – almost 8.5 times the amount projected in the last budget – also broke the 2007-08 record of HK$123.7 billion to become the biggest since the 1997 handover.

This also increased fiscal reserves to an estimated HK$1.092 trillion by end-March.



continue reading here : http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/p...-splashes-hk50

[sharklaserscom]

WP keep kena wack

Originally Posted by skyleon

https://www.youtube.com/w
https://www.youtube.com/watchZE
https://www.youtube.com/watceCiDk
https://www.youtube.com/wKXc