Social stratification is starting to become entrenched: Ye Kung

Singapore

THOUGH Singapore's progress has created new problems and inequalities, universal welfare is not the solution, said Education Minister Ong Ye Kung during the debate on the President's Address on Tuesday.

Universal welfare would not only require higher taxes but - more importantly - could hurt the motivation of those in low-income groups, he said: "The government must continue to extend assistance to the disadvantaged, and it will. But making handouts easy and unconditional is not dignity. Self-reliance is."