“Why keep changing policy?” — Netizens react on possible policy changes from current review of HDB town classification

In response to a statement made by National Development Minister Desmond Lee regarding the possible policy changes that may come with the current review of HDB housing classification, a handful of netizens have shared their concerns.

In recent news, Mr Lee spoke about how HDB town classification, which is currently being reviewed, may lead to policy changes that will be put in place in order to cater to a wide range of Singaporeans.

A handful of Singaporeans took the opportunity to share their two cents on the matter. “Why is there a fundamental need for a policy to differentiate what is a non-mature estate and a mature estate?” one asked, “A flat is a long-term home to the ordinary Singapore-born Singaporean family. This is my home. This is my life. This is my country. This is my Singapore.”

A few questioned the review altogether, seeing it as a tactic to tax higher. “Review is to know how to efficiently tax you according to their classification type of flat,” said one netizen, while another wrote, “How to milk citizens to the limits of affordability…”

Some also called for stability in policy implementation, even making reference to Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. “Why keep on changing and changing policies or rules…please keep foresight further ahead like our late Lee Kuan Yew…so (there’s) no need to change too often.”

“Under Lee Kuan Yew, the HDB policy was to protect Singapore housing from becoming like Hong Kong,” wrote another. “It used to be that a 4-room HDB flat, (could house) three generations comfortably. Under Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore HDB is becoming smaller and high-priced like Hong Kong. HDB is affordable just by paying a housing loan for the rest of your life. While attempting to put the fire out, he poured more oil.”