U no money? Just too bad.
It was reported that the income gap in Singapore is widening. Standard answers from the men-in-white are as expected - it is a global phenomenon, lower-income people should go for skills upgrade, etc. For the mid-income, as usual "you are not within our radar screen, since you can afford such 'miniscule" increases". Not implying that the lower-income families do not deserve help, but is such assistance fast enough to keep up with the increasing costs of living?
It is always reported to death that Singaporeans should remain competitive to keep labor costs low, but I seldom see any policies being implemented to keep the cost of living low. The cost of living is rising simply too fast for many to cope. A bowl of noodles costs at least $3 nowadays, a two-fold increase from around a decade or two ago, but for many low-income people, are their salaries rising in tandem? Don't ask those high flyers who think nothing about throwing a few thousands on a cherry bag, ask those who have to scrimp every penny to keep their families afloat. Upgrading their flat can fetch a higher resale price? Where are they going to get the money in the first place? From low-interest loans, it was suggested. But why are they taking on additional burdens when they even have to live from hands to mouth? Oh, but the majority voted yes, so you have to go through it too. (Like I give a damn to what happens to you) To these borderline cases, they just need a roof over their head and food for sustenance. They don't need frills which they are "forced" into paying. And to be frank, if most of the flats get upgraded eventually, almost everyone will be back on the same footing, so how are you going to get a "greater fool" to part more dosh for your flat? The net effect is that the poor now take on a much heavier burden which may or may not be relieved eventually. Already no money, now seeing the red. (face puffing red, bank account also red)
This is how the income gap grows, and the poor gets left further and further behind.
It is always reported to death that Singaporeans should remain competitive to keep labor costs low, but I seldom see any policies being implemented to keep the cost of living low. The cost of living is rising simply too fast for many to cope. A bowl of noodles costs at least $3 nowadays, a two-fold increase from around a decade or two ago, but for many low-income people, are their salaries rising in tandem? Don't ask those high flyers who think nothing about throwing a few thousands on a cherry bag, ask those who have to scrimp every penny to keep their families afloat. Upgrading their flat can fetch a higher resale price? Where are they going to get the money in the first place? From low-interest loans, it was suggested. But why are they taking on additional burdens when they even have to live from hands to mouth? Oh, but the majority voted yes, so you have to go through it too. (Like I give a damn to what happens to you) To these borderline cases, they just need a roof over their head and food for sustenance. They don't need frills which they are "forced" into paying. And to be frank, if most of the flats get upgraded eventually, almost everyone will be back on the same footing, so how are you going to get a "greater fool" to part more dosh for your flat? The net effect is that the poor now take on a much heavier burden which may or may not be relieved eventually. Already no money, now seeing the red. (face puffing red, bank account also red)
This is how the income gap grows, and the poor gets left further and further behind.
posted by Jenny Teo @ 11:52 PM
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