Targeted Approach

118. Now, let me talk about the Progress Package. When there are budget surpluses, we have periodically shared the fruits of growth with Singaporeans and that is what the Progress Package does. But there is a key difference. With the Progress Package, we are taking a more targeted approach. There is more for the older workers and for the lower-income group most affected by economic restructuring. More for the elderly most worried about medical and retirement needs.

119. Some MPs like Ms Irene Ng, Professor Ivan Png and Dr Ong Seh Hong have suggested we could have taken a more broad-based approach and provided more to the ‘asset-rich, cash-poor’ group, younger lower-wage workers in their 30s, housewives and so on. I recognise that these are all groups which have some claim. The Progress Package recognises the contributions of all Singaporeans. Every adult Singaporean will receive at least $200 of Growth Dividends and many Singaporeans will receive more. But, we have to set priorities to make the most of the package and to send a clear message on what our focus is. This Progress Package is weighted towards poorer Singaporeans and lower-income workers. For the Workfare Bonus, we have focused on the older lower-wage workers because they are more vulnerable in terms of employment, security of jobs, and their income. Our aim is to make sure that nobody is left behind when we restructure and upgrade the economy. I think the message has got through. The New Paper reported one housewife, Madam Kwan Yoke Kuan, who said that looking after the older lower-income group is more important. This, I think, sums up the sentiment of many Singaporeans. Over the past week, I have received many emails too from people who agree with the Budget’s focus of targeting help for those who are lower-income and most in need.

120. I should also like to urge members to look at this package not by itself but in the context of the many other things which the Government has done and the many other packages which we have introduced over the years. As I explained just now, we’ve spent more than $10 billion, including this Progress Package, since 2001 on various assistance measures. It is not possible to be absolutely fair to every group every time. I cannot do that unless I know in detail everybody’s life, how the household is structured, what your finances are, and what your background circumstances are. But, we try to be roughly fair, and over time, with the range of packages, taking all our policies together, I think generally we have been fair to all.