A Call for Priorities Amidst National Concerns
Last week, People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Ang Wei Neng made a controversial suggestion that degrees from local universities should be “time-stamped” to expire after five years unless holders pursued upgrading courses. His remarks, deemed absurd, quickly drew backlash, prompting an apology from him.
However, Mr. Ang’s misstep has sparked broader questions about Singapore’s education system—specifically, are there too many exams? As Tang Li articulated, “While professionalism is important in any field, imposing unnecessary exams without a direct relevance to professional practice only serves to benefit bureaucrats who are hesitant to take meaningful action.”
This week, fellow PAP MP Poh Li San seemingly followed suit, suggesting in Parliament that bubble tea shops should be regulated. The Sembawang GRC MP appears completely disconnected from the pressing concerns of ordinary Singaporeans, who are primarily worried about rising living costs and the impending increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
In the context of global upheaval, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ms. Poh’s preoccupation with bubble tea seems utterly out of touch, bordering on the absurd.
Given how Mr. Ang and Ms. Poh are choosing to utilize their time in Parliament, one must question whether they inhabit a different reality from the rest of us, who are grappling with everyday financial concerns.
In contrast, the Workers’ Party (WP) demonstrates a stronger awareness of the pressing issues facing average Singaporeans. Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, for example, addressed housing challenges by advocating for lowering the eligibility age for single buyers of Housing Development Board (HDB) flats from 35 to 28. He referenced a 2021 National Youth Council publication highlighting that young respondents valued maintaining strong family ties and having their own homes as “somewhat” or “very important.”
Clearly, Mr. Singh is tuned into voter interests. Compared to the offbeat suggestions from PAP MPs like Mr. Ang and Ms. Poh, one must wonder why there aren’t more WP representatives in Parliament.
Not to be outdone, Jamus Lim, the MP for Sengkang GRC, proposed making public transport free for the elderly and persons with disabilities. He argued that this initiative would encourage these groups to remain active and engaged without the burden of commuting costs. Given the number of elderly individuals still working in low-wage jobs well past retirement age, Mr. Lim’s proposal seems both relevant and practical.
Unsurprisingly, Minister for Transport S. Iswaran responded with the familiar argument that providing free rides for the elderly and disabled would place an additional financial burden on taxpayers and commuters. If Mr. Iswaran is genuinely concerned about rising costs, one must ask why the government insists on increasing GST during a time of global turmoil.
Singaporeans have voiced their struggles with escalating living expenses, yet the government’s response is to raise GST and utility prices while PAP MPs focus on trivial matters like expiring university degrees and regulating bubble tea shops. It’s truly disheartening.
Shifting our focus to the broader world, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to dominate headlines. The Ukrainian embassy in Singapore has received inquiries from Singaporeans interested in fighting for Ukraine. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a warning, stating that participating in the conflict is illegal for anyone in Singapore.
Domestically, the crisis has also driven up oil and gas prices. With global oil prices soaring due to sanctions against Russian energy exports, Singapore’s competition authority has announced an investigation into potential collusion in petrol price increases, pledging to address any anti-competitive behavior.
At a time like this, one must question how MPs like Ang Wei Neng and Poh Li San can focus on expiring degrees and bubble tea. Are they merely repressed bureaucrats, too timid to engage in meaningful action? It truly boggles the mind!
