YR 4 IHE GEOG HBLMANIFESTO

By SIA380 – Sia Han YungHCI 4S2 2011

Content

Development Status of Singapore Analysis of current proposals in GE 2011

Manifesto Manifesto

Development Status of SingaporeIntroductory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6bPurXFb6g

Economic Indicators

Income per capita (Per Capita GNI) UN High-Income economies

US$10726 or more

Singapore has > that valuesince 1990

Amount set to increaseaccording to trend

DEVELOPED SUSTAINABLE

Year S$ US$2000 40,029 23,2202001 37,546 20,9562002 37,687 21,0472003 39,136 22,4642004 42,380 25,0722005 45,537 27,3562006 50,567 31,8252007 56,369 37,4022008 52,941 37,4192009 52,177 35,8732010 57,603 42,246

Economic Indicators

Employment structure Large majority of workforce employed in

secondary and tertiary industries DEVELOPED SUSTAINABLE?

Dependent on other countries for primary resources

Lack of primary industry would mean no secondary or tertiary industry

Economic Indicators

However, though GDP growth (14%) is significant, Increasing income gap between the rich and the poor

Bottom 10% employed househoulds have average monthly household income per household member of $354, up from $340 3 years ago

Bottom 20% employed households have average monthly household income per household member of $675, up from $630 3 years ago

Poor are not gaining from GDP growth Large sum of GDP growth goes to corporate companies

profits and top income wagers Lead to Poor being Poorer, Rich being Richer

Social Unrest due to conflict

Demographic Indicators

Population Pyramid Narrow base with a significant

boradening in upper portion

Lower Birth Rate Lower Death Rate

Ageing Population (Unsustainable) Developed

Demographic Indicators

Life expectancy

All of Singapore’s population has access to healthcare services

High Life Expectancy, THUS DEVELOPED

Year Total Male Female

1999 77.6 75.6 79.6

2004 79.6 77.1 82.0

2005 80.1 77.6 82.5

2006 80.3 77.8 82.6

2007 80.6 78.1 82.9

2008 80.9 78.4 83.3

2009 81,4 79.0 83.7

Demographic Indicators

Infant mortality rate

Low, due to great sanitation facilities and healthcare systems, thus DEVELOPED

Demographic Indicator

% of Urban Population 100% All Singaporeans live in an urban area, with

modern infrastructure and facilities THUS DEVELOPED

Social Indicators

Access to water and sanitation 100%

Adult Literacy Rate 94.6% Compulsory primary school education

Multi-racial cosmopolitan society Equal opportunities for all DEVELOPED

Environment Aspect (Sustainability)

Nature Reserves are preserved for leisure Bukit Batok Nature Reserve Bukit Timah Hill Various resovoirs Chek Jawa

Efforts made to preserve nature amidst great economic growth

Switch to usage of lower power appliances (Road lamps) and smart appliances

Immeasurable Aspects

Freedom of speech Restricted and controlled by government in

Singapore Worries of life (Quality of life)

Stress from hectic lifestyle Worries to make a living in high cost of living

city

Conclusion about Development of Singapore

DEVELOPMENT RESULT: DEVELOPED ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPED DEMOGRAPHICALLY DEVELOPED SOCIALLY NOT DEVELOPED IN UNMEASURABLE ASPECTS UNEQUAL DEVELOPMENT

SUSTAINABILITY SOCIALLY UNSUSTAINABLE DEMOGRAPHICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE Partial Economic Unsustainability ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE

NOT DEVELOPED IN UNMEASRUABLE ASPECTS

Freedom of Speech All rallies must be government approved Media controlled

UNEQUAL DEVELOPMENT IN SINGAPORE

Widening Income Gap Leading to conflict and SOCIAL

UNSUSTAINABLILITY

DEMOGRAPHICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE

Ageing Population

PARTIAL ECONOMIC UNSUSTAINABILITY

Lack of primary industry would mean a down fall of secondary and tertiary industries as LEDCs are moving towards these industries, and less primary industries are available

A Look into WHAT the 2 Winning Parties (WP AND PAP) have in mind in their GE 2011

Manifesto

PAP

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FORHIGHER INCOMES FOR ALL

Growth will benefit all citizens We will create fulfilling jobs and opportunities for

everyone to progress, including the lower- and middle-income groups. To achieve this, we will: Ensure a diverse and innovative economy, that enables

Singapore to overcome the competitive challenges ahead and hold its own internationally

Help companies expand and compete overseas, while attracting new investments that add value to Singapore

Deepen R&D and innovation in every industry, so that companies can come up with new products and services to grow their businesses

Work with unions and firms to raise productivity and upgrade jobs in every line of work, so that all workers can raise their skills and earn more

Invest $2.5 billion in Continuous Education and Training, so that everyone has the chance to develop their skills and expertise or enter new fields throughout their working lives

IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOWER INCOME SINGAPOREANS

Every citizen will share in Singapore’s progress. We are doing more to help lower-income Singaporeans to

uplift themselves, and to encourage their children to discover their strengths and do well. To achieve this, we will: Reward work and the spirit of self-reliance, by enhancing incomes

through Workfare Help them own their homes through the Additional Housing Grants and

the new Special Housing Grants, and provide them more housing options including two-room flats

Support their children with larger bursaries and grants from pre-school through to tertiary education, and ensure specialist support for schools to intervene early to help them achieve their full potential

Strengthen the safety net for the needy, ill or disabled through Medifund and Public Assistance, as well as ComCare and the many helping hands of the community

Foster the spirit of volunteerism and help community groups raise donations through government co-funding, so that everyone plays a role in building a compassionate society

BRING OUT THE BESTIN EVERY CHILD

Our children are our future. We will create one of the best education systems in

the world, giving Singaporeans of diverse abilities and interests the paths to develop themselves to the fullest. To achieve this, we will: Engage and deploy more quality teachers and allied educators in

every school to develop the character, values and all-round abilities of our children

Upgrade older school buildings through the PRIME programme and provide outstanding facilities for all schools, including indoor sports halls and performance arts and dance studios

Open more pathways for children with diverse interests and abilities to do well in academic or technical fields, or in the arts and sports

Offer more support for children with learning difficulties and special needs

Widen the range of university, polytechnic and ITE programmes to create many peaks of excellence, and enhance financial support for students from lower and middle-income families

Build more childcare centres and kindergartens in every neighbourhood and raise their quality, to give every child a good start in life and to support couples who want more children

EQUAL EDUCATIOANL OPPORTUNITIES

Good primary schools in every neighbourhood We are transforming primary education across the island:

More teachers in every school. We will have one teacher for every 16 pupils by 2015, compared to

19 pupils in 2010 and 26 in 2000. There will also be more allied educators, such as specialists in

learning disabilities. Best facilities for broad-based learning.

Most primary schools will become single session by 2016. They will also have better classrooms, special rooms for art and

music, plus eco-ponds and science gardens for outdoor learning. Every child will get a strong, all-round foundation, no matter which

school they attend. There will be more teaching of weaker pupils in smaller groups,

more individual help, as well as more programmes to nurture those with special talents.

DEVELOP A VIBRANT CITY ANDAN ENDEARING HOME

We will create the best home, a city for the young and old.

Singaporeans will enjoy a city that offers not just good career opportunities, but an outstanding living environment. To achieve this, we will: Provide new, high-quality and affordable HDB home Upgrade and preserve the value of older homes and estates Give entire towns a fresh makeover through the Remaking Our

Heartlands programme, including new sports facilities and better parks Invest $60 billion to double our MRT network, so as to shorten

commuting times and reduce crowding while keeping fares affordable Enhance our green spaces and blue waters, and expand opportunities

for recreation around the island, including building the new Sports Hub Build a distinctive and exciting city. It will have thriving arts and

culture scene, a cosmopolitan city centre, and vibrant regional hubs like Jurong Lake District and Paya Lebar Central

KEEPING HDB SUSTAINABLE

Improving our neighbourhoods We will continue to refresh and renew our HDB

homes. For example, The Lift Upgrading Programme will be completed by 2014. Over the next five years, 350,000 households will also benefit from: The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) which provides each

flat with upgrading worth about $25,000 – including ceiling repairs and new toilets, pipes and doors.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) which provides playgrounds and exercise facilities, covered walkways and drop-off porches, and residents’ corners and seating areas.

22,000 households in older private residential estates will get the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP), which includes wider footpaths, better drainage and furniture and play equipment for parks.

HELP OUR SENIORS STAY ACTIVE,HEALTHY AND ENGAGED

We honour our seniors. We will provide them the best possible support so that they

can age with dignity and grace. To achieve this, we will: Partner employers to help older Singaporeans to stay employed and

independent Develop Wellness Programmes in every neighbourhood to help senior

citizens stay healthy and engaged with a network of friends Build new General Hospitals in Jurong and Sengkang, and keep health

services affordable to all Singaporeans through the ‘3 Ms’ of Medisave, MediShield and Medifund

Transform long-term care and bring it closer to the home with enhanced support from the new $1 billion Community Silver Trust, as well as ElderShield and ElderFund

Expand and upgrade polyclinics, community hospitals, nursing homes, day rehabilitation and home nursing services

Make every town and estate barrier-free, so that the elderly and disabled can move around easily and participate in the larger community

INVOLVE ALL SINGAPOREANSIN SHAPING OUR FUTURE

Singapore belongs to each and every one of us We will engage with a broad range of citizens, to create a

better future together and a home that our young will continue to be proud of. To achieve this, we will: Enhance channels for public participation and feedback to encourage fresh

and diverse ideas, and to build a broad consensus on key national issues Keep evolving and improving our democracy. The new election rules

encourage greater competition and give alternative voices a larger representation in the next Parliament

Encourage our youth to pursue causes they believe in and take the initiative to build a green and sustainable society

Keep in close touch with citizens working and studying overseas, who are also part of our Singapore family

Help new Singaporeans integrate into our society and contribute actively Deepen the trust among different races and religions and strengthen our

common identity with each new generation of Singaporeans Sustain our collective will to safeguard the nation’s security and preserve

what we have built up together

PAP Manifesto Conclusion CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER INCOMES FOR ALL

Bringing down income gap disparity Social and economic sustainability

IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOWER INCOME SINGAPOREANS Bringing down income gap disparity Social and economic

sustainability BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY CHILD

Maintain, if not increase literacy rate Social and economic sustainability

EQUAL EDUCATIOANL OPPORTUNITIES Democratic state based on meritocracy Social and economic

sustainability DEVELOP A VIBRANT CITY AND AN ENDEARING HOME

KEEPING HDB SUSTAINABLE Minimal wastage of materials by building things good and for

the long term HELP OUR SENIORS STAY ACTIVE, HEALTHY AND ENGAGED

Demographic sustainability INVOLVE ALL SINGAPOREANS IN SHAPING OUR FUTURE

Economic, social and political sustainability

Worker’s Party

Governance and Civil Liberties

Parliamentary elections and electoral boundary delineation should be organized by independent bodies reporting to the Chief Justice and President so as to ensure political neutrality.

The Public Order Act (POA) should not be used to curtail active citizenry. In particular, the provisions on Public Assembly, Move-on order and restrictions on filming of law enforcement operations should be reviewed. (Freedom of speech)

The voting age should be brought down from 21 to 18, the benchmark age.

The office of Parliamentary Ombudsman should be established for any citizen to lodge a complaint against a civil servant. This process will enhance government accountability and give more options for citizen redress.

Justice Law and Order

Mandatory sentences for capital offences should be removed as they take away the discretion of the judge to adjust a sentence to suit the individual case circumstances. Parliament can set limits on the degree of discretion, depending on the offence.

For capital cases, the trial should be conducted by a tribunal of two judges whose decision to impose the death sentence must be unanimous. On appeal, the death sentence should be upheld only if it is confirmed unanimously by all three judges in the Court of Appeal.

Adequate resources should be allocated to the Home Team to fight crime. The government should continue to monitor and moderate the workload demands in terms of population growth, new crime concerns and events security, to ensure that the community is not adversely affected.

Arts, Media, Information and New Technology

A Freedom of Information Act should be enacted containing provisions to allow citizens to gather information from the State and to ensure that the government puts out sufficient information

Temporary statistics and information collected by the government, particularly aggregated social statistics, shall, as far as possible, be de-classified and made available in the public domain to promote research and informed debate on matters of public interest.

Official secrets should be de-classified after a maximum period of time has passed or as soon as the information is no longer sensitive. This will enable the public to debate the course of history and deepen citizens’ understanding of key events.

More transparency in government movements A Privacy Act should be enacted to ensure that ordinary

citizens’ rights to privacy are protected.

Economic Policy

Singapore needs to lessen its reliance on Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and multi-national companies (MNCs). These have a tendency to crowd out local entrepreneurs. Instead we should focus more on nurturing home grown enterprises.

We should encourage our best talents to start companies or work in local enterprises.

The government should strive to give local SMEs a fair chance at contracts, rather than choosing GLCs or MNCs because they are perceived to be the “safe” option.

The government should seek to attract more venture capital firms to Singapore to provide funding for start-ups and managerial expertise to assist our entrepreneurs.

Effective measures to curb property and land speculation must be implemented and continually reviewed, as high rentals add to the cost of doing business in Singapore.

Population and Immigration

While immigrants who contribute to the economic vibrancy and diversity of our nation are welcome, the rate of immigration should not exceed the capacity of the country’s infrastructure and the comfort level of the local population.

To increase our local fertility rate, we need to lower workplace and career impediments to childbearing and childrearing. There should be increased support and stronger incentives for employers to implement better work-life balance practices and flexi-work arrangements. The Civil Service should set the example for the private sector to follow.

Paternity leave of at least 6 days, half of which will be funded by the government, should be introduced and legislated.

All overseas Singaporeans should be allowed to vote in elections by postal votes. This will help them to remain more engaged and feel a greater stake in Singapore.

Public Housing

The prices of new HDB flats should not be pegged to the resale market price and then discounted. Instead, the prices of new flats should be pegged to median incomes of Singaporean households who qualify to buy HDB flats.

The price of new HDB flats should be affordable enough to enable most lessees to pay off their loans in 20 years rather than 30 years.

The criteria to qualify for public rental housing should be more flexible to cater to families who are financially strapped. The number of flats available under the Public Rental Scheme should be increased significantly to cope with increasing demand.

The eligibility criteria for the HDB’s Lease Buyback Scheme should be reviewed to extend it to more households who may be in financial need.

Healthcare

A compulsory Basic Hospitalisation Scheme with co-payment of the premium from the government should be implemented. The scheme should aim to achieve universal coverage for all basic hospital care at a standard premium rate regardless of age. The premium should be affordable for up to 90th percentile of the working population.

The government must play its role to monitor and provide support and intervention to VWOs and commercial enterprises in the long term care sector. This is to ensure such services are readily available, of good quality, and affordable.

Education The class size for all levels of primary and secondary schools should

be reduced to approximately 20 pupils. This small class size setting will allow a teacher to focus more attention on weaker students.

A study should be initiated to explore the feasibility of a primary-secondary integrated programme.

The tuition grant for local undergraduates should be increased to better reflect the value of our citizenship and make tertiary education more affordable. Currently, the tuition grant for all undergraduates is the same regardless of nationality.

Special Education (SPED) schools should come under the direct funding and total administration of MOE. The ministry should then work with VWOs to run these fully funded SPED schools.

National Education should include the teaching of our Constitution, the political system of Parliamentary Democracy, the rights and obligations of being a citizen and more.

Society

Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWOs) providing healthcare and support services to the elderly should receive more government support.

The government should ratify the United Nations Convention on the rights of Persons with disabilities and take a whole-of-government approach to ensure that its key provisions are implemented in Singapore.

There is a disconnect in local community identity due to the artificial aggregation of estates under the Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). The abolition of GRCs and restoration of single seats would promote a sense of local identity.

Transport

Instead of public transport being provided by profit-oriented companies, all public transport including the MRT & public buses servicing major routes should be brought under a National Transport Corporation, a public body, to ensure a smooth integration of the overall national transport network and to avoid unnecessary duplication of services and overheads incurred by multiple operators.

The Public Transport Council should be dissolved. Government accountability for public transport matters should be via a unit under the Land Transport Authority. This unit should receive feedback, audit services, review productivity and examine the need for fare adjustments.

Concession passes on public transport for the elderly should be extended to all operating hours. Disabled concessions should be funded by the government.

Sports and Recreation

The goals for Sports Excellence should be revised. There should be stronger emphasis placed on sports that are popular among Singaporeans and have a greater ability to rally the nation together, rather than their medal-winning potentials.

Singapore soccer needs revival. The Football Association of Singapore should seriously explore the re-entry of a Singaporean team into the Malaysia Cup. Our domestic S-League should also be strengthened in terms of playing standards and marketing, so as to resurrect it to a state of health, provide good career opportunities for local players and to support the national team.

The leaders of National Sports Associations should be elected from among the sporting fraternity. Politicians should not hold such positions

Labour Policy Low wage workers’ wage supplements, including for the self-

employed, should have higher cash components, be paid out more regularly and be pegged to cost of living.

Foreign manpower dependency ratios / quotas should be carefully calibrated for all skill levels, and by industry rather than broad sectors such as manufacturing or services. The factors for calibration by industry include productivity targets, suitability of Singaporeans for those industries, and sustainability.

Older workers must be protected from shabby treatment and exploitation. Since the Central Provident Fund (CPF) draw-down age has been moved from 62 to 65 years, job security from 62 to 65 should be assured either by moving the statutory retirement age to 65 or strengthening the re-employment obligations for more seamless continuity of employment from 62 to 65.

A Board of Equal Opportunity should be set up to ensure that there is no discrimination in employment on the basis of age, race, religion, gender or disability.

Central Provident Fund Policy

Retirement adequacy via CPF needs to be boosted. CPF rates should not be tinkered with during economic cycles. Apart from paying CPF members interest on their balances, dividends should be paid periodically, since the government utilizes CPF monies for investment and reaps gains above the CPF interest rates.

The government should underwrite the solvency of CPF Life.

CPF members own their CPF monies. Given the uncertain employment outlook for older workers, members should be allowed to start draw-downs after reaching 60 years old. In addition, members in dire financial straits should be allowed to make limited draws on their CPF funds, subject to strict conditions.

WP Policy Conclusion Governance and Civil Liberties (Political

Stability) Justice Law and Order (Social Sustainability) Arts, Media, Information and New Technology

(Political Transparency) Economic Policy (Economic Sustainability) Population and Immigration (Demographic

Sustainability) Public Housing (Economic Sustainability) Healthcare (Social and Economic

Sustainability) Education (Social Sustainability) Society (Social Sustainability) Transport (Economic Sustainability) Sports and Recreation (Social Sustainability) Labour Policy (Economic Sustainability) Central Provident Fund Policy (Economic

Sustainability)

Task 4: Manifesto

Perspective of Singapore’s Development

Singapore is Economically DEVELOPED but may not be SUSTAINABLE as highly dependent on other countries

Singapore is Socially DEVELOPED, but with MANY PROBLEMS

Demographically DEVELOPED, but NOT SUSTAINABLE

Politically STABLE AND DEVELOPED, but NOT QUITE FAIR

Goals of Manifesto

Provide solutions and suggestions to Singapore’s current 2 large problematic sectors: Economic Demographic

USING A COMBINATION OF VARIOUS PARTIES MANIFESTOs AND SOME ADDITIONS

Other problems which will not be included: Social Political

ECONOMIC: INCOME DISPARITY

Growth will benefit all citizens We will create fulfilling jobs and opportunities for everyone to

progress, including the lower- and middle-income groups. To achieve this, we will: Ensure a diverse and innovative economy, that enables Singapore to

overcome the competitive challenges ahead and hold its own internationally

Help companies expand and compete overseas, while attracting new investments that add value to Singapore

Deepen R&D and innovation in every industry, so that companies can come up with new products and services to grow their businesses

Work with unions and firms to raise productivity and upgrade jobs in every line of work, so that all workers can raise their skills and earn more

Invest $2.5 billion in Continuous Education and Training, so that everyone has the chance to develop their skills and expertise or enter new fields throughout their working lives

ECONOMIC: INCOME DISPARITY

Every citizen will share in Singapore’s progress. We are doing more to help lower-income Singaporeans to

uplift themselves, and to encourage their children to discover their strengths and do well. To achieve this, we will: Reward work and the spirit of self-reliance, by enhancing incomes

through Workfare Help them own their homes through the Additional Housing Grants and

the new Special Housing Grants, and provide them more housing options including two-room flats

Support their children with larger bursaries and grants from pre-school through to tertiary education, and ensure specialist support for schools to intervene early to help them achieve their full potential

Strengthen the safety net for the needy, ill or disabled through Medifund and Public Assistance, as well as ComCare and the many helping hands of the community

Foster the spirit of volunteerism and help community groups raise donations through government co-funding, so that everyone plays a role in building a compassionate society

ECONOMIC: REDUCE RELIANCE

Singapore needs to lessen its reliance on Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and multi-national companies (MNCs). These have a tendency to crowd out local entrepreneurs. Instead we should focus more on nurturing home grown enterprises.

We should encourage our best talents to start companies or work in local enterprises.

The government should strive to give local SMEs a fair chance at contracts, rather than choosing GLCs or MNCs because they are perceived to be the “safe” option.

The government should seek to attract more venture capital firms to Singapore to provide funding for start-ups and managerial expertise to assist our entrepreneurs.

Effective measures to curb property and land speculation must be implemented and continually reviewed, as high rentals add to the cost of doing business in Singapore.

ECONOMIC: COST OF HOUSING

The prices of new HDB flats should not be pegged to the resale market price and then discounted. Instead, the prices of new flats should be pegged to median incomes of Singaporean households who qualify to buy HDB flats.

The price of new HDB flats should be affordable enough to enable most lessees to pay off their loans in 20 years rather than 30 years.

The criteria to qualify for public rental housing should be more flexible to cater to families who are financially strapped. The number of flats available under the Public Rental Scheme should be increased significantly to cope with increasing demand.

The eligibility criteria for the HDB’s Lease Buyback Scheme should be reviewed to extend it to more households who may be in financial need.

Demographic: Ageing Population

We honour our seniors. We will provide them the best possible support so that they can

age with dignity and grace. To achieve this, we will: Partner employers to help older Singaporeans to stay employed and

independent Develop Wellness Programmes in every neighbourhood to help senior citizens

stay healthy and engaged with a network of friends Build new General Hospitals in Jurong and Sengkang, and keep health services

affordable to all Singaporeans through the ‘3 Ms’ of Medisave, MediShield and Medifund

Transform long-term care and bring it closer to the home with enhanced support from the new $1 billion Community Silver Trust, as well as ElderShield and ElderFund

Expand and upgrade polyclinics, community hospitals, nursing homes, day rehabilitation and home nursing services

Make every town and estate barrier-free, so that the elderly and disabled can move around easily and participate in the larger community

Job security /reemployment from 62 to 65 should be assured Controlled CPF draw-downs after reaching 60 years old

Demographic: Influx of Foreign Workers

While immigrants who contribute to the economic vibrancy and diversity of our nation are welcome, the rate of immigration should not exceed the capacity of the country’s infrastructure and the comfort level of the local population.

Foreign manpower dependency ratios / quotas should be carefully calibrated for all skill levels, and by industry rather than broad sectors such as manufacturing or services. The factors for calibration by industry include productivity targets, suitability of Singaporeans for those industries, and sustainability.

Conclusion

HDI combines three important development indicators Economic indicator (GNI per Capita)

Increased in pay Social indicator (Adult Literacy Rate)

Better education system Train and retrain skilled/unskilled workers

Demographic indicator (Life expectancy) Better management of ageing population Better medical facilities World class living condition