Serious HSK - We will NOT be helping poor; all must pay same GST

[Confuseous]

The day after he laid out the Government’s economic plan for 2019, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat fielded questions on the budget on Channel NewsAsia’s Budget 2019 Forum, that was broadcast live on national television and on Facebook.

In the forum, Heng confirmed that the Government will not absorb the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for essential items to help low-income or middle-income families.

Heng, however, declined to consider absorbing the GST for essential items to lower the cost of living for middle-low income families. He said: “This was very carefully studied before we introduced GST. And I took a look at it again recently when this was discussed.”

The Finance Minister said that the Government will not absorb GST for essential items since it wants to make the GST system simple. He said: “We do not cause any confusion, everybody pays the same amount for everything we purchase.”

 

[Leongsam]

The poor get generous GST rebates so they are well taken care of.

https://www.gstvoucher.gov.sg/Pages/index.aspx

Here's a video that explains the process and illustrates just how well the PAP takes care of the poor.

 

[JustLikeThis]

Everyday at causeway, malaysian vehicles smuggle so much things to singapore without paying GST.

 

[bobby]

 

[Hypocrite-The]

I do not agree with elimination of GST for essentials etc because the impact on the poor is limited and it creates huge distortions in the economy n creates problems for businesses. Another main reason is the rich etc buy those essentials too n they get a free ride. The way to do it is ensure the rebates go directly to the poor n working n middle class. For example for women they get a rebate for the hygeine stuff they use. All these figures can be calculated. So for poor families etc. They should get 3000 get rebate a year to account for food etc which they buy. The rich won't get the rebate. The rebate calculated on their tax returns etc. More targeted n better for everyone particularly the poor

 

[Kuailan]

I like the blundering CCS whatever HSK said, he runs it down like a Bull Dozer!

 

[borom]

I think it is useful at times to look at the ends rather than the means.
The end of PAP actions is to win votes/stay in power-not to help the poor or whatever generation it label .
How can you tell -because after elections the increase in various forms of taxes they collect will be more than whatever they give.
The CPF minimum sum is the best example-its to make sure they do not have to help you at your greatest time of need (after 65) as you can draw down on your Min sum and if necessary reverse mortgage or downgrade/sell your HDB.
Compare this with foreigners who can withdraw ALL their CPF at 55 after stealing your jobs!

 

[Hypocrite-The]

I like the blundering CCS whatever HSK said, he runs it down like a Bull Dozer!

I wonder if there will be a pap civil war..2 factions..kee chui one side and ah Heng on the other..it

 

[Confuseous]

They are taking the feudal approach. They are the masters, and will dispense as and when they wish.
Everytime you receive something, they want you to feel grateful to them, forgetting that they are
bribing us with our own money, and doing things to "help" citizens which is the basic responsibility
of any good government.
They package things such that all good tidings come with the PAP.
But do remember, you can take "their" offerings using our money and go vote somebody else.

 

[chucky]

It would be great for us to watch, get ready the popcorn and sodas.

I wonder if there will be a pap civil war..2 factions..kee chui one side and ah Heng on the other..it