Follow our live coverage here.
SINGAPORE – Singapore is not a nation of beggars, said People’s Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng on April 29 in reference to support schemes the PAP government has in place to help Singaporeans cope with the GST hike.
At his party’s rally at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Mr Goh, 55, said: “I’m telling you, the vision of PAP is this, it’s not only going to be a nation of fear, it’s going to be a nation of beggars. Why? Because GST vouchers are going to be the norm, every year you can expect money from the Government.
“Of course Singaporeans like it, but it is not the value we should have as a nation. We have built this nation with hard-working people that don’t expect a free lunch.”
Over the years, the Government has rolled out several programmes such as the permanent GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme, introduced in 2012 to help lower-income Singaporeans.
Enhanced at Budget 2022, the GSTV scheme now offers continued support for lower- to middle-income households and most retiree households, beyond the transitional period covered by the Assurance Package.
The GST rate increase – from 7 per cent to 9 per cent, phased in over 2023 and 2024 – has been a major point of contention in the general election, with several opposition parties proposing a return to 7 per cent or under to provide relief from living expenses.
Addressing this at the PAP’s lunchtime rally at UOB Plaza’s promenade on April 28, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that great care was taken in implementing the goods and services tax increase so that Singaporeans who are less well off pay less than the 9 per cent rate.
Mr Goh, who is leading a five-member team in a four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC, added: “It’s difficult to tell the truth because if I say I’m against the GST vouchers, people will boo me, right?
“But I’m telling everyone this is not right, this is not fiscal discipline. You do not overtax people and return money to other people and expect them to be calling you God, appreciating you for giving them money.”
The PPP team running in Tampines GRC will come up against incumbent PAP, the WP and the National Solidarity Party.
All 10 of the PPP’s candidates spoke at the rally, which was delayed for nearly an hour due to inclement weather.
The party is also fielding a five-member team of new faces in Ang Mo Kio GRC, where they will face the PAP team, fronted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the Singapore United Party.
Throughout the evening, PPP’s speakers raised a range of issues, highlighting concerns over MRT breakdowns, the cost of living and the national vaccine programme.
Party treasurer William Lim demanded answers to issues such as the SimplyGo roll-out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which was eventually reversed after public outcry, and the six-day East-West Line MRT breakdown in September 2024.
PPP party treasurer William Lim demanded answers to issues such as the SimplyGo roll-out by the Land Transport Authority.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Pointing to Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, Mr Lim said: “We want to demand the LTA give all Singaporeans an answer. What has happened? Is there anything SMRT breached in the maintenance schedule?”
The party will hold its fourth and final rally on May 1 at the field next to the Tampines Concourse bus interchange.
- Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing.
Join ST’s WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.