In a video uploaded by members of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan, an elderly man spoke out about having their CPF funds returned to them earlier so that they can use the money to help their children with some of their financial burden.

In talking to volunteers from the SDP, the man said, “How do you expect an 80-year old to continue working? Just return our CPF to us”.

“We can use the CPF savings to help our children start a small business, for example set up a coffeeshop. They can at least have some form of security and don’t need to fret about getting tough jobs like being a driver. If the government continues to withhold my CPF savings, will I be able to see it when I pass away? Do you think we can still walk around at the age of 68?”, he asked.

Saying that he just wanted to help his children with his CPF savings, he mused about how much a fresh university graduate could possibly earn.

“How much CPF savings can he or she accumulate? Second point, once they buy a house, the savings become zero right away. Then start saving again, get married and the savings will become zero again”, he added.

Touching on the issue of marriage and starting a family, the man said, “You dare to have children? Who dares? Child subsidy? A woman getting pregnant is a commitment forever”.

“Return us our CPF savings. You can put my picture up. I am not afraid”, he exclaimed.

To his comments, Dr Chee said, “This is your voice. It is coming with us into Parliament”.

The end of the video the SDP shared the following statement: “This coming GE, say NO to the PAP withholding our CPF savings”.

The issue of CPF is a big one, and during the SDP’s Pre-Election Rally (October 19) at Hong Lim Park, vice-chairman John Tan spoke about how people’s CPF money was retained even after its maturity. /TISG

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