Thoughts circa GE2015

2 Sept 2015 (7.24pm)

Since the elections fever kicked off, I've been constantly bombarded about voting for xxx and yyy. The gist is basically "vote for the one who will best represent your interests".

However many candidates from the PAP and the opposition parties seemed to be more interested in rehashing or generating soundbites rather than to lay out specific directions and policy proposals.

As the electorade becomes increasingly astute, these soundbites will not suffice in the future. Got to give us more meat.

P.S. Need more time to think about it. I guess we need greater awareness about policy issues. In fact, we should discuss policy matters as much as we talk about making money and travelling because the policy arena is where the lives of citizens are directly affected. The Teh Tarik Party and SDP's alternative policies are good starting points.

Minimum Wage Issues

3 Sept 2015 (1.40am)

While the article made a few valid observations (e.g., stickiness), it did not offer sufficient attention to context.

The minimum wage is not the only determinant of employment rate. The differences in employment rates across countries could be attributed to a host of factors - industry composition, the general standard of living, the influence of unions, manpower regulation, social transfers, to name a few.

Secondly, the Progressive Wage Model appeared to be a multi-tier version of the Minimum Wage. This underscores the importance of a minimum wage- to enshrine a bare minimum income so that the poorest among us might retain the dignity of providing for themselves. It is the "spirit" behind the minimum wage, regardless of the form it takes.

3 Sept 2015 (10.47pm)

There are few things that expose our differences as much as politics. Over the past few days, it appeared that many Gen Ys are expressing interest in the General Elections.

While it is heartening to witness this level of engagement, there appeared to be some troubling developments. Some people, purportedly part of the "silent majority" in GE2011, had began speaking up.

Their refrain tend to run counter to the stereotype of a belligerent opposition (i.e., the ones who cry afoul of the CPF, call for utilisation of reserves and minimum wages), dressing themselves as conscientious and enlightened voters. They take pride in appearing to be more informed and savvy than pro-opposition (many of whom are labelled as "foolish" or "misguided"). Some even sneered at their fellow citizens, taking potshots with name-calling.

While it might be true that there are truly ill-informed voters in the opposition camp, it is not fair to lump them together as if they are a mindless horde dancing to the throes of populist rhetoric.

In addition, there are good reasons to question existing policies (though a more viable solution than "empty the reserves" will be required). We need to watch ourselves, lest we are swayed to the extreme of simply opposing the opposition for the sake of it (quite an ironic outcome).

Case in point: I see thousands of likes to a post that chides Singaporeans as complaining brats whilst downplaying the ostensible issues within the country.

There were also dozens of shares for articles lambasting the minimum wage when economists could not even conclusively agree whether the implementation of the minimum wage leads to better or poorer employment outcomes for various countries.

We should express more humility and recognise that we might not be as well-informed as we considered ourselves to be, and cease the unnecessary labelling of our fellow citizens. Otherwise we would have lost as a nation, regardless of the party which will win the elections.

3 Sept 2015 (11.15pm)

I can think of an example where the minimum wage will not even cause a dent in the employment rate. Let's set a minimum wage of S$300 per month for all degree holders in Singapore.

P.S. It's not a real policy but it illustrates a point: those who cry doom and gloom about the minimum wage should examine the specifics before dismissing it entirely.

8 Sept 2015 (3.22pm)

http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/09/debunking-the-myth-that-a-minimum-wage-will-lead-to-an-economic-crisis/

Herein lies the problem of rejecting the minimum wage purely on ideological grounds.

- We ignore the virtuous effect of raising national consumption (which arguably boosts GDP and benefit SMEs whose customers are primarily locals).

- We forget the social benefits (and cost savings) of implementing a livable wage.

- We give in to fear-mongering of pro-business agendas, ignoring the complexities behind business investments and price-setting.

- We lock our minds in dogmas which rest on shaky foundations.

We should wake up to possibilities.

10 Sept 2015 (9.31pm)

http://sudhirtv.com/2015/09/10/ge2015-final-thoughts-1-of-4/

- Inability to assess or debate social spending.
- Haven for money laundering.
- Lack of assessment or debate on income inequality.

... Real issues that affects the economy and livelihood of people residing in Singapore.

10 Sept 2015 (10.43pm)

https://harishpillay.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/ensuring-that-this-gets-as-wide-a-read-as-possible-before-september-11-polling-day/

Although this post borders on idealism, it reminds us of how things ought to be. A robust system is crucial for Singapore, regardless of our political leanings.

"If any political party claims that Singapore will collapse or be in ruins if they are voted out of power, that means we have built the country in the wrong way. All political parties face the possibility of total dissolution but as a Singaporean, I want Singapore to possess a robust system where it can survive any change of power from any political party. This means the civil service, army, police and judiciary system must remain apolitical if they understand such a national need beyond political competition."

11 Sept 2015 (12.32pm)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-gibson/mark-dayton-minnesota-economy_b_6737786.html

Not saying we should simply transpose the policies over. In addition, we have very different resources and circumstances to work with. Just a case study.

"Raising taxes on those who can afford to pay more will turn a deficit into a surplus. Raising the minimum wage will increase the median income. And in a state where education is a budget priority and economic growth is one of the highest in the nation, it only makes sense that more businesses would stay."

12 Sept 2015 (2.10am)

Amidst the noise of celebration and grief (depending on your political leanings), there are 10 things worth considering.

1) For those who look forward to PAP's "report card" in the next GE, you should consider the promises made by PAP. Bookmark them for the next GE.

2) The outcome of the GE suggests that state paternalism remains deeply entrenched in Singapore. The improved "mandate" will likely be accompanied with higher expectations of governance. They have a lot of work cut out for them in the next 4 years.

3) Since the alternative parties will have an inert presence in the Parliament, they could not be the fall-guy for policies gone awry. GE2015 indicated that most of the voting populace are fine with the absence of checks on the PAP.

4) The alternative parties will need to better differentiate themselves. Some had began to do so by offering alternative policies. However they would need to do better in anticipating and addressing doubts in their policies in order to cement their credibility.

5) The improvement might not necessarily reflect a stronger mandate. For the first time in history, all the wards are contested. This meant that the choices of the inert voters in walkovers (whether they support the PAP or not) were not reflected in the previous GEs. The current outcome might be a more accurate reflection of voter sentiments that mirrors the "real sentiments" in GE2011.

6) It would appear that people vote for parties rather than individuals. Otherwise SMCs would not fall to newly introduced PAP candidates. They appeared to be more capable than the candidates of the other parties by the virtue of their party association ("branding"). Political hopefuls should do well to remember that.

7) The black horse of GE2015 might very well be the SDP. Let's hope that they do not get "fixed" or regress within the next 4 years. SDP, WP and SPP should consider working together to form a strong, consistent and credible outfit.

8) Business interests continue to drown out the cries of ordinary workers. Singapore's sluggish economic performance, coupled with the boogeyman of an Asian financial crisis, will reveal the threshold of the voting populace (most of whom are ordinary employees) in time to come.

9) The population is heading towards (and likely beyond) 6.9 million. The CPF minimum sum will continue to increase but it appeared that many are willing to accept it. Let's hope that the government's strategy/gamble of population replacement will be vindicated in the years to come. As a failsafe, one should consider an alternative location for retirement in the event that the population gamble fails.

10) Politics have its limitations in addressing social needs. The MPs are not omniscient and could not possibly identify every individual who falls through the cracks. If we truly want to support our government, we should look out for the needy and disadvantaged among us (be it locals or foreigners) and provide the necessary assistance.

Finally, let's elevate the interest of our nation above petty politicking.