Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Photo:channelnewsasia)Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s General Secretary, said criticisms aimed at the current government are groundless arguments from members of the opposition.
Speaking at the PAP’s first rally of the 2015 General Election on September 2, the PM underscored criticisms often target government’s existing policies when the opposition’s position in the Congress grows.
He said the election will decide the future of Singapore and that while it is important to discuss current issues, voters should also scrutinise the candidates.
Mentioning Singaporeans’ concerns about the cost of living, the PM said government has carried out several major related policies such as medical care and housing.
In the past four years, 1,800 low-income families were able to purchase a two-room flat with the preferential price of just 30,000 SGD (21,200 USD) while the market price was about 110,000 SGD (77,650 USD), he added.
He also recognised voter worries about healthcare costs among children and the elderly, the pointed to existing measures including the Pioneer Generation card for the elderly which offers subsidised outpatient care, specialists and dental treatment; the Community Health Assistance Scheme card; the new MediShield Life; and more community hospitals.
On infrastructure, the PM revealed the government’s plan to develop and upgrade the Tanjong Pagar area into a modern centre three times the size of Marina Bay, expand the Changi Airport and improve an expressway linking Singapore and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur.-VNA
