Lim Tean mocks DPM Wong’s 2024 Budget as “band-aid”, hints election coming

SINGAPORE: Lim Tean, the leader of the alternative party Peoples Voice (PV), mocked the recent Budget 2024 as a “band-aids budget”, suggesting that it doesn’t address the root causes of Singaporeans’ concerns and only provides temporary relief.

Lim Tean argued that the cash handouts offered by the government are not enough to alleviate the cost of living crisis, which he attributes to the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) unfair policies.

He insinuated that with elections approaching, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is akin to “playing Santa Claus,” attempting to appease Singaporeans with cash handouts.

In a Facebook video released on Sunday (18 Feb), Lim Tean showcased PV’s engagement with Singaporeans, emphasizing their presence across various communities.

He highlighted the stark contrast between the festive season and Singaporeans’ mood, noting pervasive anxiety and anger, with little enthusiasm for Lawrence Wong’s budget speech last Friday.

Lim Tean criticized DPM Wong’s cash distribution efforts, asserting that the funds provided are insufficient to alleviate the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.

Doubts cast on SkillsFuture’s impact on local job prospects

In scrutinizing the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme within the budget, Lim Tean voiced doubts about its effectiveness in enhancing the employability of local citizens.

Lim Tean claimed that out of 317,000 jobs created in the last two years, approximately 90% went to non-Singaporeans.

“So where is the truth in that PAP’s mantra that said that if we bring in foreign talent, they will create jobs for Singaporeans? ”

Lim Tean described the results of SkillsFuture as “abysmal,” suggesting that the initiative has not delivered the expected outcomes in terms of improving job prospects and career advancement for Singaporeans.

He criticized the government for spending money on the program, referring to it as “throwing good money after bad.”

He reiterated the PV’s stance, advocating for job priority for Singaporeans to mitigate increasing anxiety about job insecurity.

“Otherwise, you are going to see an increasing anxiety on behalf of Singaporeans about job insecurity.”

Examining MOM’s Labour Market Report for 2022 and 2023

A check on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Labour Marker Report 2022, the total employment for 2022 showed a notable upswing, reaching a record high of 227,800, resulting in a total employment figure of 3,625,100.

Of this growth, resident employment expanded by 26,300, primarily in outward-oriented sectors such as financial services and information and communications. The substantial increase in total employment, however, was largely contributed by non-resident employment (201,600).

MOM in the report clarified that this was mainly attributed to recruiting Work Permit holders in sectors like construction and manufacturing, as businesses filled vacancies after the relaxation of border controls.

The full-year total employment growth in 2023 decreased from 227,800 to 89,400 amidst weaker economic conditions.

employment growth in 2023 was mainly from non-residents, led by the Construction sector, with the continued demand for private and public sector projects.

Source: MOM’s Fourth Quarter 2023 Labour Market Advance Release

Job insecurity concerns

He also highlighted that in a recent NTUC survey, about 40% of Singaporean workers are anxious about job insecurity.

Lim Tean further questioned DPM Wong’s promises to lift Singaporeans’ aspirations, particularly following the Forward Singapore conversation.

He expressed disappointment, stating that he did not hear anything in the budget that addressed these aspirations.

He further implied that DPM Wong’s actions are limited to distributing taxpayers’ money during an election year, hoping to secure votes for the PAP.

Lim Tean, ahead of elections, prompts voters to contemplate critical issues. He questions whether they desire leaders disconnected from the people due to high salaries, a society favouring foreigners in job opportunities, and a future where children face diminished prospects.