The negativity in the social media, including mysingaporenews, is unwarranted. Everything is so good, and so fine. Singapore achieved a 3.3% GDP growth, a fantastic achievement, unlike countries like China that could only barely make 6.6% growth. This kind of growth is really bad and China is at the verge of collapsing, according to western analysts and experts. If only China could achieve a 3.3% growth rate or 2.2% growth rate like the USA, if only, then China would be safe and the Chinese could celebrate their great economic growth.
Ok, I got distracted. Singaporeans can look forward to a better future in 2019. Cost of living is coming down, at least school fees in top independent schools are coming down for the poorer Singaporeans. Hopefully this is a small step in the right direction and Ong Ye Kung could put his fingers into the fee structures of universities and polytechnics. After so many years of increases after increases, maybe he would be thinking of a small cut to help the less able Singaporeans. Increase 10 times, cut one time should be reasonable and still good for the coffer.
Don't link this to election year. The 4G ministers may be thinking of a reset, to bring down the cost of living for the people. Public transport fares may be due for a cut so that people can at least move around without paying a lunch or a dinner just to move from point A to point B. Just a simple wish for simple people, especially the seniors that have nothing better to do except to go sight seeing. Ok, another good move by the govt, hard up people can apply for subsidies, is it $30? Nevermind, it is better than nothing. Actually the govt could give more in subsidies by first raising fares and then take a bit from the increase in revenue to return to the people, win win formula. The daft would be very happy and grateful.
I think people would wish that all the funny tax increases on water and basic necessities would also come down a bit. After all, after all the hikes, what is so difficult to return a bit to the people when there is still a net increase? Also, think there would not be anymore funny tax hikes or funny compulsory insurance schemes in2019. Enough is enough. I think this wish would come true nearer the election.
And they are going to build bigger flats, so I read somewhere in the media. Why not, if the govt wants to promote procreation, more babies, people need bigger flats not those that they can touch the four walls without having to move their feet? Forget about the silly notion that small is good, small is a new lifestyle, like making babies inside a kennel. Looks like there is a rethink to have bigger space in HDB flats to promote healthier and better quality of life. At least this is what I think is the thinking. Ok, I may be wrong and stupid to think that this is likely to happen. If it does, it would be a better 2019. A caveat, the price of the HDB flats. It must be priced to be affordable to those earning $1000 pm to be meaningful.
There are many areas in domestic policies that I am seeing changes for the better, in my day dreaming. Hawker food is likely to be better and cheaper if NTUC can take over all the hawker centres and run like NTUC FairPrice. It makes one happier dreaming of better things than to feel miserable looking at the dark side of things.
In external affairs, Singapore is likely to do better without the loudspeakers blowing crazily at random, punch above our weight, telling big countries to follow the rule of law. At least they have not jump in to sing in chorus with the Canadian boy PM and girlie FM to tell China to follow the rule of law in the Meng Wanzhou case. This is a good way to start the new year, imagine if the loose cannons were allowed to shoot freely. Thank God, they took the advice of Mahbubani seriously. Nevermind if they did not acknowledge his good counsel. The net effect is positive. No need to be busybody and mind our own business.
And relations with Malaysia and Mahathir are going to be better and betterer for sure. Mahathir is obligated in a small way to be nice to Singapore after all the buttering during his last visit. The fall back position for Singapore is the stick of course. Singapore still carries a big stick to mean business, but this time speak softly instead of blowing the trumpet.
I can see so many good things happening in Singapore in 2019. And for those that are jobless, no need to be freegans though it is an option available. There are plenty of jobs available, almost instantly at job fairs. Just don't be choosy. They are hiring a lot of cleaners and cleaning supervisors and security guards and guards supervisors. Just sign up, attend a short course and get the job. No need to write resumes or application letters. The employers are waiting in long queues to hire the willing to downgrade PMETs.
Look at the bright side, 2019 is a good year for those who want to make it a good year. A job is a job. Stop feeling miserable and stop spreading fake news that all is not well. Singapore's economy is looking so healthy like never before, projected growth rate 1.5% to 3.5%, unlike the unhealthy 6% -7% China's growth rate.
Go enjoy life and party. Yes, a big party already line up, the Bicentennial Celebration of the Colonisation of Singapore by the white men and making the locals subjects of the British Empire. It is so nice to feel and be part of the British Empire.
Let us all hope that the good wishes for a good 2019 is not wishful thinking.
Food for thought. The British are looking for a military base in the East to rebuild their Empire.Maybe this could be another easy way to grow the economy.