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THIS year's Budget helps the bottom 40 per cent get more money to combat inflation. It also encompasses an expansionary fiscal plan to build infrastructure and stimulate innovations.
The Budget is caring, compassionate, progressive, innovative and far-sighted. But the current parliamentary debate is skewed towards scrutinising short-term 'hongbao' measures.
Views were focused on whether more or less should be given, or whether the most needy should be given more, and the like. These are certainly valid and relevant, but the gem in this year's Budget is the planning for future growth, and it is so ingeniously done, it may even be ahead of its time. Japanese philosopher and founder of prestigious Keio University, Yuukichi Fukuzawa, once said: 'To be a good leader, one must not walk one step ahead of the people but only half a step ahead. Otherwise, the people will not be able to follow.'
Has Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam walked one step ahead now? I think not. The Budget has revealed great plans ahead, but we are quite distracted at the moment, debating bread- and-butter issues.
Is anyone starving in Singapore now? Mr Tharman should have been entreated to elaborate on innovations for the future and strategic infrastructure planning. When the whole nation is engaged this way, there will be cause for exuberance about this Budget. Don't grumble, don't complain.
Rachel Lim Ming Choo (Ms)
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