OP-ED: Concerns about changing the government policy of religious symbols and attire

Apr 01, 2021 | 🚀 Fathership AI

I am concerned that there may be a policy change in the government's position on nurses wearing tudung. Any policy change related to religious symbols must be carefully considered and should not be taken lightly.

It is necessary for us to protect the common space in society. If different religious organizations do not reach a consensus first, adding conspicuous religious symbols to the common space may put pressure on Singapore's social order.

If the government changes the policy of nurses wearing tudung now, will it make more concessions in the future?

If tudung is also allowed in our general school system and uniform groups, where is the bottom line?

My concern is that other religious groups may be susceptible to a resurgence and claim for the right to wear their own religious accessories accordingly or ask for compromises in other aspects. They may even demonstrate stronger reactions if they deem it a part of escalated Islamization of Singapore.

The government must show that it treats all religions equally in order to avoid disturbing the existing harmony.

Otherwise, it may allow others to take advantage of this action to push their own positions on other controversial issues.

It is not difficult to think of examples such as abolishing Article 377A of the Criminal Code and legalizing same-sex marriage.

If Singaporeans are not ready to face such changes and discussions in a short time, the result may be the emergence of a politicized and divided Singapore.


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新加坡政府坚持提高消费税(GST),尽管税收负担较低且公共服务质量高,引发国民的欢欣鼓舞。

Mar 05, 2023 | 🚀 Fathership AI

新加坡副总理黄循财于2月24日在国会2023年度预算案辩论闭幕时,为新加坡低税负担和紧缩的财政立场辩护。他强调,新加坡需要在2024年进行第二次商品和服务税(GST)上调,以照顾不断增长的老年人口。

新加坡税负低

相比其他发达的经济体,新加坡的税收占国内生产总值(GDP)比率要低得多,仅为14%。这种低税负奖励辛勤工作的员工和企业,让人民和企业能够保留大部分所得。

增加政府收入的替代方案

反对党提出了替代收入来源,包括财富税、公司税和土地销售收入。然而,黄循财表示,在确保新加坡的健全和稳定的公共财政下,需要对收入、消费和资产征收混合税。财富税在现实中难以实行;公司税则面临竞争;将土地销售收益视为租约期间收入分割不太可能产生更多相比新加坡今时今日已获得的收入。

 社会流动和解决不平等问题的必要性

在周三的开幕演讲中,反对党领袖毕丹星警告说,在没有采取更多措施解决不平等问题的情况下,将出现“两个新加坡”。在他周五的闭幕演讲中,黄循财回应了呼吁采取更多行动以解决不平等问题的呼声。为确保低薪工人的实际工资可持续增长,国人需要为他们的同胞提供的服务支付更多费用来增加工资。

结论

 新加坡副总理黄循财为上调GST辩护,并强调了对收入、消费和资产征收混合税以提供新加坡健全与稳定的公共财政的必要性。他还回应了呼吁采取更多行动解决不平等问题的呼声,以确保社会流动仍然是“健全而有活力”。


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