Singapore Democrats
After more than half-a-century of growth, Singapore’s economy now faces new and difficult challenges. The current economic model requires fresh thinking and a new vision.$CUT$
Surveys show that Singaporeans are increasingly becoming less happy and satisfied with current economic circumstances.
Productivity is down and wages are not keeping up with the high cost of living. All this adds to highly stressful conditions in which our people live and work.
The SDP has drawn up an alternative economic programme in which our vision is to achieve a more gracious society where GDP growth is not the end-all and be-all of our existence.
Living a higher quality of life where there is less stress, where we have more time to spend with our families and loved ones, and where we are compassionate towards those less fortunate than us is the kind of society our party wants to build.
Our proposals are targeted at transforming Singapore into a country in which our citizens are genuinely happy and proud to call Singapore our home. We seek to achieve this by setting the following goals:
Goal #1: Change our economic philosophy and approach
The PAP’s current economic strategy is GDP-growth-at-all-cost where crass consumerism prevails. The SDP’s goal is to cultivate a less materialistic society and where the country’s development takes place in a more holistic manner.
Goal #2: Build a fairer and more compassionate society
In a system that emphasises elitism, Singaporeans in the lower rungs of society are neglected and exploited. The SDP will level up society and provide more care for our weak and elderly. We seek to empower those who are economically powerless.
Goal #3: Make our economic system transparent and accountable
In the current system, the GIC and Temasek Holdings operate under a veil of secrecy. The SDP’s goal is to ensure that the management of the GIC is transparent and accountable while minimising the number of GLCs.
Goal #4: Foster innovation
We treat our people like economic digits. The SDP, however, views Singaporeans as individuals whose well-being and happiness is key to the country’s future success. We emphasise prosperity through wealth-creation by working hard and being innovative, not wealth-management by becoming a tax haven. The alternative plan will propose measures to build Singapore into a truly knowledge-based society where our SME’s are at the cutting edge of innovation.
Goal #5: Free the people’s minds and raise productivity
Singapore must not only upgrade the skills of our workers, but also their minds. A workforce free of the shackles of government control will be a more confident, happier and, therefore, more productive one.
The details of our programme will be unveiled at a public launch on 7 February 2015 at the Chinese Success Media, Blk 231 Bain Street, #04 41 Bras Basah Complex starting at 2pm. All are welcome.