SPP takes aim at PAP's housing, education policies

Singapore

CANDIDATES of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) team contesting Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) criticised the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) policies on housing and education in the SPP's first rally on Friday night.

Law Kim Hwee, 55, a candidate for Bishan-Toa Payoh, noted the government has been raising the amount of housing grants in recent years, which he described as "ironical".

"If you (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong) had done a good job, I don't need your grants, right?"

After losing his job and having found it difficult to land another one, Mr Law suggested setting up a registry for PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) who are willing to take a pay cut. He also noted the majority of Singaporeans do not meet the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Minimum Sum and proposed a pension system that gives out a basic supplementary allowance for Singaporeans above the age of 65.

Teammate Bryan Long, 37, a technopreneur, touched on Singapore's education system, saying the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) should be removed and children should be allowed to pick up essential skills including math and science, but with the choice to "go deep in their interests".

Later in the night, SPP's secretary-general Chiam See Tong, 80, made an impromptu speech in support of the candidates, to the cheers of the crowd.

Referring to Mr Law's earlier speech on the CPF, he told the audience: "I'm not convinced that they shall be all paid back to Singaporeans . . . I think Singaporeans must not stop asking the government when it will pay back the money it has collected."

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