Income gap tears at Singapore social fabric [Reuters]
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Monday December 18, 3:04 PM Reuters
Income gap tears at Singapore social fabric
By Geert De Clercq
SINGAPORE, Dec 18 (Reuters) - When Wee Shu Min, the teenage daughter of a Singapore member of parliament stumbled across the blog of a Singaporean who wrote that he was worried about losing his job, she thought she'd give him a piece of her mind.
She called him "one of many wretched, undermotivated, overassuming leeches in our country" on her own blog and signed off with "please, get out of my elite uncaring face".
Wee was flamed by hundreds of fellow bloggers, but when her father Wee Siew Kim -- an MP in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's constituency -- told a Singapore newspaper that "her basic point is reasonable", the row moved well beyond the blogosphere.
The episode highlighted a deep rift in Singapore society and was an embarrassment for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and prime minister Lee, who has made the reduction of the income gap one of the priorities of his new government.
"Coming from an MP in the prime minister's constituency, these comments really were political dynamite," political commentator Seah Chiang Nee told Reuters.
"If the political arrogance and elitism get any worse, the PAP will lose more electoral ground," he added.
Singapore is Asia's second-richest country after Japan with a gross domestic product per capita of about $27,000, ranking between EU member Italy and Spain. But in terms of income disparity, Singapore is in altogether different company.
Singapore's Gini index -- which measures inequality of income distribution among households -- of 42.5 puts it between Burundi and Kenya, the UN Human Development Report 2006 shows.
"Yes, the gini coefficient is very high. Through housing, health care and education, we have tried to narrow the income gap, but not through wages," National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan told Reuters in an interview last month.
"WELFARE AS A DIRTY WORD"
Singapore pays no employment benefits, no pensions and has no legal minimum wage, but education is cheap and excellent, health care is subsidised and the government gives subsidies to first-time buyers of government-built flats.
Last month, Singapore's first parliament session since the May 6 poll was dominated by the inequality theme.
PM Lee ruled out the introduction of old-age pensions, a minimum wage or European-style welfare.
"We have treated welfare as a dirty word. The opposition, I think the Workers' Party, has called for a 'permanent unconditional needs-based welfare system'. I think that is an even dirtier five words," he said in a speech on Nov. 13.
But he acknowledged that since the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the income gap had widened, and said that his government plans to "tilt the balance in favour of the lower-income groups".
While Lee's ruling PAP is in no danger of losing its stranglehold on parliament -- where it has 82 out of 84 elected seats -- the growing income disparity has hurt its credibility.
In the May 6 poll, the Workers' Party scored its best result in years, with chairwoman Sylvia Lim winning 44 percent of the votes in a multi-seat ward. Lee lost 34 percent in his ward to a group of unknown candidates in their early thirties.
"They (the PAP) are concerned about the fallout if they don't do anything about the income gap," Lim, who entered parliament as a non-voting MP under a best-loser provision, told Reuters.
In parliament, Lee said he plans to improve healthcare and boost housing subsidies for low-income families. He added that he wants more "workfare" schemes, under which the state tops up low-income workers' pay.
On May 1 -- five days before the election -- the government paid out S$150 million to about 330,000 low-income workers, and Lee promised a similar package for next year. Details would be released in the 2007 budget on February 15.
"MARIE ANTOINETTES"
Critics say that much of the outrage about the teenage blogger's comments is due to a perception that Singapore is ruled by a privileged elite that's out of touch with the people.
The road to a top job in the Singapore government or civil service leads through elite junior colleges and prestigious government scholarships for university studies abroad.
While access to these schools and scholarships is open to all and based on academic grades, critics say the children of the elite are well represented. Wee Shu Min attends a top school, Raffles Junior College, as did her father, an MP and a top executive at state-owned arms maker ST Engineering.
In a report about "elite envy", the Straits Times daily quoted official data showing that in the last five years, one in three students on government scholarships came from families with incomes of more than $$10,000 ($6,500) a month, while such families make up just 13 per cent of all Singapore households.
Students from households on incomes of less than $2,000 made up only 7 per cent of scholarship winners, the paper added.
Colin Goh, founder of satirical website TalkingCock.com, said that while the first generation of post-independence PAP leaders was seen as close to the people, this is no longer the case.
"The source for much invective in the Wee Shu Min case is that there is a real sense the PAP is composed of people in ivory towers; that they are a bunch of Marie Antoinettes," he said.
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http://sg.news.yahoo.com/061217/3/45ih4.html -
oh yeah.. he does it by increasing the pay of the ministers whom he benchmarks with people like Bill Gates
yeah.. right.. sure..Originally posted by LazerLordz:The episode highlighted a deep rift in Singapore society and was an embarrassment for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and prime minister Lee, who has made the reduction of the income gap one of the priorities of his new government. -
He's hankering for their status, which is by far, more substantial and influential than being PM of Singapore Pte Ltd.Originally posted by the Bear:oh yeah.. he does it by increasing the pay of the ministers whom he benchmarks with people like Bill Gates
yeah.. right.. sure.. -
I can't wait to see what kind of excuse he'll come up with this time.Originally posted by the Bear:oh yeah.. he does it by increasing the pay of the ministers whom he benchmarks with people like Bill Gates
yeah.. right.. sure..
Oh wait... was comparing their pay to the private sector their excuse?
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Like I said, they must be pretty sore that they don't count amongst the movers and shakers of the Western industrial elite.Originally posted by fudgester:I can't wait to see what kind of excuse he'll come up with this time.
Oh wait... was comparing their pay to the private sector their excuse? -
Time is ticking away esp the election need to be held by 2011Originally posted by LazerLordz:Like I said, they must be pretty sore that they don't count amongst the movers and shakers of the Western industrial elite. -
Too bad they have to resort to reprehensible tactics to avoid being moved and shaken by a disgruntled populace.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Like I said, they must be pretty sore that they don't count amongst the movers and shakers of the Western industrial elite. 
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Old people will continue to clear tables and wash toilets in food courts and coffeeshops, because the government thinks that old age pension is a dirty word, while foreigners will be given grants and scholarships to study in singapore. Welcome to the New Singapore! Many thanks to our scholars.
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I really do not understand, why are so many of the forumers so unhappy with the Garment?
Do you not live your life knowing that tomorrow will be another day? Many of those who are always complaining about the Garment did not look beyond Singapore. YOU are always comparing yourself with the richer. Why not compare with the poor? How many times you are more fortunate than them.
No doubt our Garment are getting paid very well, but they are doing a very good job. Despite all the under-ground things going-on (you won't want to know.), I am living quite comfortably. Not rich nor poor.
Nothing is purfect. And I do whine about some of the policy of the Garment, but overall generally happy. Some points that are worth discussions;
1) More and More foreign talents are being accepted to work in Singapore. How much is enough?
2) Rich and Poor gap. It is definately growing and what steps will the Garment be taking? Higher Salary? If that's the case, employers will consider moving their office elswhere or hire the foreign talents as they are considerbly cheaper.
3) Regarding to Ms. whatever the name(the girl who blog about elite something), frankly i get worked up after reading her posts. But anyway, this is normal. Class differences, I can accept. They can have their high class views and care nothing about us. But IF I will be ruled by people who do not give a shit or know about how I am living my life IS TOTALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. She can remain a rich kid living in the high class society for ALL I CARE, just really pray she will not play a part in my life or my kids life.
4) Garment needs more people to feel the lower class. Garment need to get close to the people now. PAP can be successful under Mr. MM LEE is because he led a group close to the people and BECAUSE THOSE IN THE GROUP ARE FROM THE PEOPLE. PAP are a group now for people that are in the circle, and this circle is very "closed".
Generally, (again) I am comfortable.. -
Which country u think is best compared with Spore? HK, Taiwan or Korea?Originally posted by yuehan:I really do not understand, why are so many of the forumers so unhappy with the Garment?
Do you not live your life knowing that tomorrow will be another day? Many of those who are always complaining about the Garment did not look beyond Singapore. YOU are always comparing yourself with the richer. Why not compare with the poor? How many times you are more fortunate than them.
No doubt our Garment are getting paid very well, but they are doing a very good job. Despite all the under-ground things going-on (you won't want to know.), I am living quite comfortably. Not rich nor poor.
Nothing is purfect. And I do whine about some of the policy of the Garment, but overall generally happy. Some points that are worth discussions;
1) More and More foreign talents are being accepted to work in Singapore. How much is enough?
2) Rich and Poor gap. It is definately growing and what steps will the Garment be taking? Higher Salary? If that's the case, employers will consider moving their office elswhere or hire the foreign talents as they are considerbly cheaper.
3) Regarding to Ms. whatever the name(the girl who blog about elite something), frankly i get worked up after reading her posts. But anyway, this is normal. Class differences, I can accept. They can have their high class views and care nothing about us. But IF I will be ruled by people who do not give a shit or know about how I am living my life IS TOTALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE. She can remain a rich kid living in the high class society for ALL I CARE, just really pray she will not play a part in my life or my kids life.
4) Garment needs more people to feel the lower class. Garment need to get close to the people now. PAP can be successful under Mr. MM LEE is because he led a group close to the people and BECAUSE THOSE IN THE GROUP ARE FROM THE PEOPLE. PAP are a group now for people that are in the circle, and this circle is very "closed".
Generally, (again) I am comfortable..
These countries comparable to Spore. -
I am not sure which country have pension policy. But I know Japan practice that, and the reason that I see why their Garment did that is because the employer and employed status will be a long lasting one.Originally posted by gill_hfc:Old people will continue to clear tables and wash toilets in food courts and coffeeshops, because the government thinks that old age pension is a dirty word, while foreigners will be given grants and scholarships to study in singapore. Welcome to the New Singapore! Many thanks to our scholars.
1 Japanese man, in his life will only work for 1 company.
1 Singapore man, average will work for at least 3 company. The mindset of people are different.
Japanese basically do everything within their limits for their company, as they know that if their company contiune to run after he / she retire, they will get their pension. They care for the company like its part of their own family business despite their salary and status in the company. Do YOU. -
Sporean employers have a different mindset n attitude to their employees.Originally posted by yuehan:I am not sure which country have pension policy. But I know Japan practice that, and the reason that I see why their Garment did that is because the employer and employed status will be a long lasting one.
1 Japanese man, in his life will only work for 1 company.
1 Singapore man, average will work for at least 3 company. The mindset of people are different.
Japanese basically do everything within their limits for their company, as they know that if their company contiune to run after he / she retire, they will get their pension. They care for the company like its part of their own family business despite their salary and status in the company. Do YOU.
As soon they reached middle age, they will be sidelined already. -
Why don't you compare Africa?Originally posted by will4:Which country u think is best compared with Spore? HK, Taiwan or Korea?
These countries comparable to Spore.
Anyway Taiwan politics is havoc, Korea is divided, HK hmmm rich gap is even in bigger mess than ours... ARE we not fortunate?! -
I think u should look at the brighter side as subsidy for education n health had been reduced to please local SporeanOriginally posted by gill_hfc:Old people will continue to clear tables and wash toilets in food courts and coffeeshops, because the government thinks that old age pension is a dirty word, while foreigners will be given grants and scholarships to study in singapore. Welcome to the New Singapore! Many thanks to our scholars. -
By comparing Africa with Spore is not a gd example? Taiwanese politic is no doubt in a mess but still they can produce companies such as Acer n BenQOriginally posted by yuehan:Why don't you compare Africa?
Anyway Taiwan politics is havoc, Korea is divided, HK hmmm rich gap is even in bigger mess than ours... ARE we not fortunate?!
if i am not wrong. Korea is no doubt divided but they can produce companies like Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, LG. They can set up companies in Europe n US. -
Hmmm, why should they not benchmarks themselves with people like Bill Gates? Well maybe not all of them. But I certianly feel that Mr. MM Lee does qualify to benchmarks himself with Bill Gates.Originally posted by the Bear:oh yeah.. he does it by increasing the pay of the ministers whom he benchmarks with people like Bill Gates
yeah.. right.. sure..
But Ms. Wee (the blogger)'s father.. I think with his kinda of mindset, its better he quit politics and continue something else. Running a private business more suitable for this family, since they are quite blind. Politics are for people who makes people happy, not irritated. Even if there's no action, you must ga-rang ga-rang and say something to make people happy.
BTW, i noticed that alot of Graduate from local universites are so idoit. They may have known alot of theories, but they can't do a simple task like using the excel the way its supposed to be used. (i.e. using formulars instead of calculator for figures).
Someone please explain diff. of IQ and EQ. Also IQ and knowledge. -
Are those the works of the Garment? NO. Don't blame the Garment if we can't produce great companies. BTW, we do have great companies known worldwide.Originally posted by will4:By comparing Africa with Spore is not a gd example? Taiwanese politic is no doubt in a mess but still they can produce companies such as Acer n BenQ
if i am not wrong. Korea is no doubt divided but they can produce companies like Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, LG. They can set up companies in Europe n US.
Keppel Shipyards, SIA, Di Yi Jia, Creative, Hyflux, NOL, OSIM. Not to forget *cough* Termarsek Hold*.. well we also have Bayan Tree bla bla.... You did be surprised that we actually have a great pool of well-known companies. -
Why don't you compare Africa?
Anyway Taiwan politics is havoc, Korea is divided, HK hmmm rich gap is even in bigger mess than ours... ARE we not fortunate?!
i think if we are next to africa , govt with compare our salary with theirs.
why dont you compare their salary to africa? joking.
if we dont put pressure to the govt do you think the PAP will provide subsidies to the lower income group. yes you are comfortable now. but dont forget there are ppl out there that are not so comfortable as you. -
Is it as well known as the Korean companies? I remember Creative delisted from US stock exchange. No doubt all these foreign companies are not theOriginally posted by yuehan:Are those the works of the Garment? NO. Don't blame the Garment if we can't produce great companies. BTW, we do have great companies known worldwide.
Keppel Shipyards, SIA, Di Yi Jia, Creative, Hyflux, NOL, OSIM. Not to forget *cough* Termarsek Hold*.. well we also have Bayan Tree bla bla.... You did be surprised that we actually have a great pool of well-known companies.
products of the gvt but they still managed to create well known products.
Look at the Samsung HP being widely used in the world n Korean cars. -
Originally posted by reyes:
This is reminding of the cases of US involvement in Iraq n as u knew leader insisted to stay on until the Iraqi govt had died. Anyway the loss of
[b]Why don't you compare Africa?
Anyway Taiwan politics is havoc, Korea is divided, HK hmmm rich gap is even in bigger mess than ours... ARE we not fortunate?!
i think if we are next to africa , govt with compare our salary with theirs.
why dont you compare their salary to africa? joking.
if we dont put pressure to the govt do you think the PAP will provide subsidies to the lower income group. yes you are comfortable now. but dont forget there are ppl out there that are not so comfortable as you. [/b]
Republican in the senate election had caused the leader to give in. -
Since it is not related to goverment, we must take it a point that our business man are just not smart enoug??Originally posted by will4:Is it as well known as the Korean companies? I remember Creative delisted from US stock exchange. No doubt all these foreign companies are not the
products of the gvt but they still managed to create well known products.
Look at the Samsung HP being widely used in the world n Korean cars.
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I am not sure which country have pension policy. But I know Japan practice that, and the reason that I see why their Garment did that is because the employer and employed status will be a long lasting one.
1 Japanese man, in his life will only work for 1 company.
1 Singapore man, average will work for at least 3 company. The mindset of people are different.
Japanese basically do everything within their limits for their company, as they know that if their company contiune to run after he / she retire, they will get their pension. They care for the company like its part of their own family business despite their salary and status in the company. Do YOU.
i working in a jap company thus i would like to correct some of wrong perception you have on a Jap or jap culture.
most Jap no longer work in just a company in their entire life. at least not in my company or my client company.
Japan pension scheme as i know of has nothing much to do with a lasting employee or employer relationship. everyone every employed person has to contributed to a pension fund(similar to CPF). but they face big problems now because ageing population, younsgter prefer to be freester than work in a 9 to 5 job thus not contributing to the fund.
first and forecast we need to increase our employer CPF contribution back to 16 % -
I remember this Taiwan produced entrepreneurs esp Acer n Korea produced top research scientist.Originally posted by yuehan:Since it is not related to goverment, we must take it a point that our business man are just not smart enoug?? -
Originally posted by reyes:
I also hoped they increased back to 16%
[b]I am not sure which country have pension policy. But I know Japan practice that, and the reason that I see why their Garment did that is because the employer and employed status will be a long lasting one.
1 Japanese man, in his life will only work for 1 company.
1 Singapore man, average will work for at least 3 company. The mindset of people are different.
Japanese basically do everything within their limits for their company, as they know that if their company contiune to run after he / she retire, they will get their pension. They care for the company like its part of their own family business despite their salary and status in the company. Do YOU.
i working in a jap company thus i would like to correct some of wrong perception you have on a Jap or jap culture.
most Jap no longer work in just a company in their entire life. at least not in my company or my client company.
Japan pension scheme as i know of has nothing much to do with a lasting employee or employer relationship. everyone every employed person has to contributed to a pension fund(similar to CPF). but they face big problems now because ageing population, younsgter prefer to be freester than work in a 9 to 5 job thus not contributing to the fund.
first and forecast we need to increase our employer CPF contribution back to 16 % [/b] -
Originally posted by reyes:
What I am trying to put through are the point that mid class people who are very comfortable should not compare themselves to the richer and complain / whine about the garment. If they are really capable, strike it out and join the higher class. Stop the complaining, it is really distracting the garment from looking at the LOWER class when the MID class are making such a big din to get attention.
[b]Why don't you compare Africa?
Anyway Taiwan politics is havoc, Korea is divided, HK hmmm rich gap is even in bigger mess than ours... ARE we not fortunate?!
i think if we are next to africa , govt with compare our salary with theirs.
why dont you compare their salary to africa? joking.
if we dont put pressure to the govt do you think the PAP will provide subsidies to the lower income group. yes you are comfortable now. but dont forget there are ppl out there that are not so comfortable as you. [/b]
China are next to Japan, but the salary range of these 2 countries are too wide. China had a very serious rich - poor gap, Japan somehow is quite balanced. Singapore should review its policy and work towards a balanced nation like Japan. Note, Japan policy will not work for Singapore, our Garment has to think of a unique policy (maybe first of its kind ever) to get that balance. That's why the rich brains are hired for the job, if they can't get a formular out to strike a balance, the Garment really failed.