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Jamus Lim rebuts Chee Hong Tat, calls PAP’s rejection of GST exemption as an “abdication of leadership on the economy”
Senior Minister of State for Finance Chee Hong Tat criticized Workers’ Party MP Associate Professor Jamus Lim for making “factually inaccurate” claims about the suggestion of supermarkets and retailers to absorb 1% GST.
In response, Assoc Prof Lim argued that efforts to make merchants absorb the GST increase are irrelevant in the policy context. He stressed the WP’s position for a government-level exemption, highlighting its dismissal as an “abdication of leadership on the economy” by the PAP government.
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SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Finance Chee Hong Tat has taken on Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Associate Professor Jamus Lim, criticising the latter for “factually inaccurate” in his recent Facebook post, claiming that the decision of some supermarkets and retailers to absorb 1% GST was suggested by him and her colleague.
In response to Mr Chee’s criticism, Assoc Prof Lim argued that while efforts to have merchants absorb the GST increase are appreciated, they are largely irrelevant in the broader policy context.
He emphasized the WP’s position that a government-level exemption makes more sense, asserting that consumers, being less able to alter their behaviour, bear the brunt of the increase as long as GST is in place.
Notably, Assoc Prof Lim, in his original post, highlighted the WP suggestion, which was regrettably dismissed as infeasible by the PAP government in Parliament. He criticised the government’s decision to sidestep the commonsensical idea as an “abdication of leadership on the economy.”
Assoc Prof Lim: Govt’s decision to sidestep GST absorption for essentials is an “abdication of leadership on the economy”
On Tuesday, in a Facebook post, Assoc Prof Lim shed light on residents’ concerns about price hikes that extended well beyond the one per cent GST increase. Allegedly, some merchants took advantage of the situation to adjust prices across the board.
The Sengkang MP, also an economics professor, elucidated why price changes, particularly increases, may not surprise during a GST hike.
He asserted that prices are “sticky” both psychologically and practically, with consumers anchoring to existing prices and businesses facing challenges in updating price schedules.
“But when there’s sufficient justification for overcoming inertia to alter prices—impetus such as a nationwide GST increase—then we shouldn’t be shocked that prices move up, often disproportionately, as a result.”
He then expressed gratitude that many large retailers have decided to absorb the GST increase for essentials, such as fresh food and personal care products.
While he and his colleague Ms He argued for an approach to absorb GST in Parliament, the idea was regrettably dismissed as infeasable.
However, major chains such as Giant, Changi Airport, and Fairprice have exemplified its viability, aligning with consumer preferences.
Assoc Prof Lim then criticized the government’s decision to sidestep this commonsensical idea as an “abdication of leadership on the economy”.
Minister Chee accused Jamus Lim for “claim credit”
Assoc Prof Jamus Lim’s remark drew Minister Chee’s attention, prompting a Facebook response disputing Lim’s assertion that retailer discounts aligned with his Parliament suggestions.
Mr Chee clarified that what was proposed by Lim and He was an exemption of GST by the government for “essential goods,” not retailers choosing to absorb the GST increase voluntarily.
He referenced Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s explanation that a GST exemption for “essential goods” is ineffective in practice, citing difficulties in defining what qualifies as essential, for instance, rice maybe an essential staple but also part of an expensive sushi dinner.
“What’s more, an exemption for essential items will benefit the well-to-do more, because they spend more on their purchases, including on essentials.”
He said Singapore developed its own distinctive GST system, which he deemed “fairer and more effective,” and he believed that Through the permanent GST Voucher Scheme, lower-income households pay a much lower effective GST rate than higher-income households
He also pointed out The Assurance Package (AP) as a measure that has delayed the GST increase by more than 5 years for the majority of Singaporean households.
He credited MOS Low Yen Ling and her CAP for engaging with supermarket chains and merchants to offer discounts and other benefits.
He urged Lim to provide details to CAP to investigate alleged merchants exploiting the GST hike.
He then called out Assoc Prof Lim should not misrepresent the debates in Parliament and claim credit for what others have done.
“That is disingenuous and misleading. While we welcome different points of view on public policy, we must ensure that our political discourse and debates are conducted with integrity and honesty.”
“Raising GST at a time of generalized inflation is foolhardy”
In the February 2022 Budget debate, Ms He Tingru, WP MP for Sengkang GRC, advocated for the exemption of food items, healthcare, and childcare from GST, citing Australia and Japan as examples.
In November 2022, Assoc Prof Lim reiterated the call for a temporary exemption of essential items from GST or, at the very least, the GST hike.
He highlighted that certain emerging economies, like India, employ differentiated GST regimes.
In response to Mr Chee’s FB post, Assoc Prof Lim reiterated WP’s position on GST exemptions for essential items and addressed the critique of the government’s stance.
He explained the concept of the incidence of taxes, emphasizing that when a tax is introduced, the burden is determined by the relative responsiveness of demand and supply (elasticity).
“The bottom line is that, inasmuch as the effort to get merchants to absorb the GST increase may be appreciated, it is largely irrelevant, from the point of view of policy. ”
He argued that consumers, particularly those purchasing essential items, are less able to alter their behaviour in response to a tax increase.
Hence, he stressed that WP’s position that a government exemption for essential items makes more sense.
If there is no GST being charged, there is no burden on any party, and everyone can enjoy relief without the need for rebates.
He then highlighted the government’s argument that it is impractical to exempt essential items due to difficulties in defining necessities, a standpoint he found weak.
Regarding the CAP, he said it is limited by the ability to pin a disproportionate price rise to the GST hike, and the GST hike alone.
“I had asked once, in Parliament, how the CAP could be expected to distinguish between a price rise that opportunistically used the GST hike as an excuse to raise prices by more than 1 per cent, versus one that was genuinely premised on increases in, say, costs due inflation. I never got a satisfactory answer, nor do I expect one.”
Jamus Lim concluded by expressing his belief that raising GST during a period of generalized inflation is foolhardy.
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PAP never study Economics lah.
They only follow orders from Above.
Jamus explain so much also, they will not understand,.
“I had asked once, in Parliament, how the CAP could be expected to distinguish between a price rise that opportunistically used the GST hike as an excuse to raise prices by more than 1 per cent, versus one that was genuinely premised on increases in, say, costs due inflation. I never got a satisfactory answer, nor do I expect one.”
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Excellent question. Apparently CHT is totally incompetent to answer such bread-and-butter questions affecting the common Singaporean.
As Gen. Patton once (famously) said: “Some people don’t know the difference between Fuxking and Fighting.”
CHT deviates from the increase of GST by saying JL is taking the kudos for some companies absorbing the GST. The issue is the people suffering because of GST increase and high costs. Debate about what affects the people. Another dishonest PAP Minister attacking the Opposition to take away debate from the actual 🐘 elephant in the room.
Equal Misery IS CERTAINLY an alien Concept, a Noble practice the PAP AVOIDS AT ALL COSTS – would they CUT their SALARIES for instance, and NOT RAISE GST.
Certainly DON’T NEED to waste Time to debate in Parliament if the PAP VOLUNTEER to reduce their salaries AND KEEP it REDUCED for say, 5 years.
The ONLY way to get RID of the thinking of various government ministries is to let them look for other jobs!
Don’ renew their CONTRACTS on expiry sometime next year! In this way, Sinkies CAN DELETE THE WHOLE 9% GST!
Since time memorial , the only people who don’t take responsibility for screwups, but rush to take credit even when credit is not due, are always the MIWs and WIWs. Mas Selamat for example – Wong kan seng taichi personal responsibility away, hep C outbreak deaths in TTSH, did the minister get sacked for their monumental failure in keeping our people safety. Instead they chose to cover up and delay informing the public because of some stupid impending erection they love to boast about.Jamus is right. Chee is dead wrong.
We want solutions NOT price increase.
Vote PSP !!!!
If the Govt is listening to the Ppl, why would we need to PAY another group to pretend to fight for causes with zero results. So One pretend not to work for the ppl and One pretend to work for the ppl. Then switch Roles so that Two groups can maintain status quo or continue to hold power and Not do anything. No?!?
It should be WIDELY known to ALL, and Be Awared, FULLY, when the NO BLAME Culture is the Official NATIONAL, State (for SG is a State, BUT for themselves, they SECRETLY in their Manifesto, SG is ONLY A SOCIETY to be drummed constantly on people’s minds) POSITION and BEHAVIOR of this MALICIOUS PAP Administration, they will NEVER NEVER Admit TO THEIR FRAILTY and HUMANNESS.
Constantly, ever ready they STAND BY with their BIG GUNS and ammo to SHOOT and shoot and shoot NON STOP when people WHO LOVE SG DEEPLY voices concerns and feedbacks.
To Jamus, Four years on the job, what has been accomplished except for following Loong Empire structure of segration. If this is your ground. Should you make it solid and engage the people whether for or not for you?!? Nada cos root cause … No money?!? Or empire refuse to fork out money?!? Hdb up keeping oso patches here and there. Again point to sign that no resources cos patchy job. So you tell me WHY should the residents vote for you. PAPPies hold the constituency before that with same non present role. No difference from WP except worsening hdb… Read more »
These Elites just do a reality show can liao. The GST has been talk about since started. Do the Team A PAP wanted to do anything? Nope, not even engage in Ground discussion!
Then too much money buy Oppo Group, media group and the show begin. Pretend to fight for the People with Zero Results!!!!
Why would I vote for any sides!!!!!
Jamus Lim is not a scholar. His words mean nothing. If you are really good, you would have gotten a scholarship when you were young.
Till Now Jamus has not shown Love for his supporters. Where is the unemployment stats, where is the job for ppl supporting you?!?
Yup wayang Show on Both Sides with No Result just to prolong the Show. Team A keep using GST and Team B pretend to fight for “inflation” with No Result!
Not voting any sides!
The amount of dosh, spondoolies and wonga, … that this regime is collecting under the guise of needs and musts, they had better stay in power for a long long time, … to fully enjoy, salivate and have easy access to the fruits of their labour !!!
So please, will all of the Ah Sengs, Ah Kows and Ah Lians, … please keep paying and voting for the bestestest government on planet LaLa !!!
The Singapore PAP government Ministers Janus Lim and the rest of the Singapore PAP government Ministers including Prime Minister cum Emperor Lee Hsien Loong leeches want to suck out all the blood money from Singaporeans in order to enjoy the highly luxury life as a Swiss that is why he said like that.