Getting into debt is a result of personal decisions. It has nothing to do with government policy.
LKY was my PM for many years and not once did he do or say anything that encouraged debt. In fact, he always preached prudence.
I too only took a loan for housing and paid upfront for everything else including my car. The PAP did nothing to exploit me or any of my family. In fact they did the exact opposite by creating opportunities for all of us to prosper.
I wish the PAP would practice what they preach.
If you visit Spore you will see the AXS kiosks in the malls. I suggest look under the section labelled "Fines" where you can pay fines to over 10+ different gov't bodies
Other than fines there are all the hidden taxes like CPF. The PAP gov't claims that they are keeping it for the citizens. That is what they told my parents decades ago & this is what they are telling the current generation. Even the PAP supporters don't believe the PAP anymore.
There is also the water conservation tax. Anyone remember the radio & TV tax? Don't forget the user tax for car owners e.g. COE, ERP, road tax, fuel tax, ... Of course you don't need to buy a car but you then face the ever increasing fares of public transport.
If you need a maid to look after the old & young, you must pay the PAP a cut. It is called the maid levy. You will also have to pay the doctors fee for a pregnancy test every 6 months.
If you eat at a food court/hawker centre you are paying for the high rentals. Even if you are just buying groceries there is a gst on food items & in the bill reflects the cost the NTUC is paying for rentals, utilities,...
These are just some of the costs that the PAP is responsible for.