1/23/2008
$290 definitely enough
The ministry is reviewing the need to revise the $290 for the Public Assistance Scheme and understandably it will take time, maybe a year, as it is tax payers money that is being given out, and got to be very careful in spending such money. In the meantime let me make a guesstimate on how much would such folks need to get by.
Say $2 for breakfast, $3 for lunch and dinner. That's $8 a day or $240 pm. Another $50 for rental and PUB bills. Just nice. And at year end give them a little angpow of $50 to buy a few pieces of new clothing. That should do.
For such a sum, the frugal and thrifty may even have some savings if they rely on instant noodles, add an egg, a few pieces of vegetables or tauhu or ikan bilis. Great and healthy meal and got money to spare too.
If Boon Wan would to review the sum, I think he will err on the side of generosity and may round it up to $300. That will be nice.
As for me, I must also plan for my retirement. I am looking for a job that will pay me $5k pm on retirement when I do practically nothing. That will be very nice. And if I spend $8 a day on food, I will have plenty of money to live like a king on weekends in Batam. Wow, getting $5k pm on retirement and doing sweet nothing.
Anyone got such a lobang please let me know.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Here comes the ol' entitlement mentality again.
The Public Assistance Scheme is no meant to "be enough". It is assistance meaning, that the recipient is a supplement to the recipient's own contribution toward his own welfare and existence.
No one is supposed to live long-term on a state handout. The small amount is good because it serves as a wake up call to the recipient, hopefully signaling to him that he needs to take responsibility for his life, and that it is not anyone else's responsibility to finance his existence.
The PAS handout should not be increased at all. Any kind of "dole" or social welfare must be kept to a minimum or phased out all together before the country starts to slide down the drain leading to the sewer called "The Welfare State", where the Entitlement Mentality rules, and everyone is "entitled" to plunder everyone else.
such assistance should only be given to those above certain age group or who are physically or medically unable to work. those cases that are really in need. surely the scheme would take care of this.
those who are able should be made to work to earn his keeps.
Once you make an excuse to give public welfare, you can easily argue the case for a welfare state.
Every human being has his whole life to get his shit together. Those who are old and broke are responsible for their station in life, just like anyone else.
Sorry, I am totally AGAINST any kind of state welfare, handout, dole etc.
Charity is a private matter, and to keep liberty and freedom in a society, only private charity should be allowed.
I would go so far as to say that the constitution be amended to have a "no public welfare state" clause so that no government can EVER introduce a welfare state. no matter what the "demoratic majority" vote for.
no lah, singaporeans are not looking for handouts. just make sure that the costs of all things are not running away and still affordable.
affordable to who?
when the country is hoarding so much money for the next rainy day, it is good to spare some to those who are already unable to work.
Post a Comment