Don't let budget wishlists derail restructuring

'Tis the season to ask for presents, it would seem.

With the Singapore government already asking the public for ideas on the 2015 national budget, numerous interests have started to vie for a slice of what some are expecting to be a generous package next year as Singapore celebrates half a century of independence.

But the guardians of the national purse strings must resist the temptation to deviate from the often painful path of economic restructuring, while at the same time ensuring that their generosity remain targeted at those who need help the most.