Singapore Budget Statement 2009

In this prolonged global recession, the government of Singapore announced her Budget Statement a month earlier than usual.

Singapore Budget Statement 2009 was finally revealed on 22 Jan 2009 3.30pm.

The full details are available in
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/

The main concerns include to save jobs so that employees remain employable and that their living is not much affected, provide more financial help and assistance to the vulnerable group which includes the needy and old folks, more incentives in terms of tax rebate or tax reduction for companies etc.

In terms of saving jobs, I have a different thought. Why save a salesman's job when there are no customers? Let me give you an example.

A salesman is selling something say a tv. If there are no customers buying the tv, why do you need the salesman to be around. What I have suggested is to create a demand instead of merely saving a job.

If there are more people buying the tv, the salesman is much needed. Then his job is saved with the earnings from the sale of tv.

Likewise, if there is a demand of goods or services, there will be a supply of jobs.

I strongly against giving handouts without strings except to the needy and old folks. There are people who rely on financial assistance and handouts, even though they are strong and abled. They see no direct incentives in getting a job since our government has measures in place to help every citizen. They are like leeches in the society because the financial assistance and handouts did not fall freely from the sky. The monies are actually from the other tax payers.

Another saying is "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime"

I seriously wish that our government will consider carefully before giving out more handouts.