SINGAPORE — As the nation gears up for its 14th general election, issues like the rising cost of living are taking centre stage. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently addressed these concerns while highlighting the government’s commitment to support Singaporeans through challenging economic times.
Government Support Initiatives
During an Edusave awards ceremony on 18 January 2024, Mr Lee mentioned that the government is continually investing in its people. Last year, every Singaporean household received S$800 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, with an additional S$300 announced for this January. There were also utility rebates under the Assurance Package, aimed at alleviating household costs.
- CDC vouchers: S$800 in 2023, S$300 in January 2024.
- Utility rebates under the Assurance Package.
- Anticipated further assistance in the upcoming Budget announcement on 18 February 2024.
Speaking on future prospects, Mr Lee encouraged Singaporeans to embrace lifelong learning and skills development through initiatives like SkillsFuture, saying, “Your determination to make the most of what you have… will shape a brighter future for all of us.”
Electoral Sentiment: Cost of Living Top Concern
According to a recent survey by Blackbox Research, the cost of living ranks as the primary issue for voters ahead of the general election, with 26.8% of respondents still undecided on their voting preferences. This survey involved 1,310 eligible voters and reflects diverse demographics across Singapore.
Key Issues Identified
- Cost of living and inflation.
- Jobs and unemployment.
- State of the economy.
As the election approaches, voters are prioritising practical issues — focusing more on local governance and less on broader themes. The survey revealed that younger voters aged 21 to 29 are particularly indecisive, while older voters display more certainty regarding their choices.
Electoral Concerns from Different Generations
While economic issues dominate the agenda, other concerns also surfaced, such as:
- Political stability.
- Trust in political parties.
- Quality of governance at the constituency level.
The quality of local MPs remains a significant factor; almost 90% of respondents deemed it important. Satisfaction levels varied regionally, with over 90% of central Singapore constituents expressing approval of their MPs, while dissatisfaction was noted among residents in the west.
The upcoming months will be crucial for the government to illustrate its commitment to addressing these pressing concerns as it prepares for the 2025 Budget and the general election later in the year.