Singapore — In his New Year’s Day Message, Workers’ Party Secretary-General Pritam Singh underlined that cost of living would be a “major pressure point” for many households in the coming year.
Mr Singh, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, said in a message that was posted on The Workers’ Party’s Facebook page and on its Telegram channel on the last day of 2021 that increased cost of living rates would affect low to middle-income families, especially those with both elderly relatives and young children to take care of.
This, aside from the unpredictability of COVID-19,” will make “2022 will be a year of new challenges for Singapore and Singaporeans,” the WP head said.
He outlined basic needs which now have higher costs, including electricity, transport, A&E hospital charges, medical insurance premiums, and added that these “cost pressures that are likely to become more acute going forward.”
Mr Singh also mentioned the housing problem, as “HDB BTO prices remain high for younger Singaporeans, with resale flats even further out of reach for many.”
However, he underlined the WP’s commitment to monitor the Government’s efforts to aid Singaporeans in need of the most help; “and how it upgrades its legacy schemes for the circumstances of today and tomorrow, not yesterday.”
He also said the party would continue in its mission “to provide a trusted alternative to voters and act as a balancing force in our political system” and highlighted some of the motions WP MPs have moved this year, including those related to HDB reform.
The WP chief also announced the party’s community schemes for this year, including the WP Community Fund (WPCF)’s bursary program, which began with selected primary school students in 2021 for residents of Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC and will not only continue this year but be extended to primary school students living in Sengkang GRC.
He also thanked frontliners and healthcare workers “for their tireless efforts” during the pandemic, and extended special thanks to civil servants, town council officers, and town council contractors at Aljunied, Hougang, and Sengkang.
“The WP will remain steadfast and serve Singapore and Singaporeans by playing our part towards the creation of a fairer and more democratic society based on justice and equality. The road may be hard and unpredictable, but we take heart from our supporters, well-wishers, and friends who walk with us, undaunted, through this journey.
I wish all Singaporeans peace and good health and a successful year ahead in all your personal and professional endeavours,” Mr Singh said. /TISG