MPs debate whether Budget a sign of coming General Election

By S. Ramesh/Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Is this an election Budget or not?

Opposition MP Chiam See Tong and Non-Constituency MP Steve Chia argue that this year's Budget is a clear sign that a General Election is round the corner.

But PAP MPs call on Singaporeans to look beyond such rhetoric and not to measure the budget for its short-term benefits only.

Mr Chiam, MP for Potong Pasir, said: "This time round - the exercise is to win votes so the payment out of monies under growth dividends and workfare bonus need not be accompanied by any co-payment.

"This, I believe, the government wants to make sure all Singaporeans receive payments under growth dividends so that they may be influenced to vote for the government in the next General Election."

Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Mayor of North-East CDC, said: "It would not be an easy task to convince Singaporeans it is not an election budget. In fact, some even say they do not mind having elections every year especially if it means goodies at every budget.

"But the point would have been lost if we Singaporeans elect to measure the budget in short-term benefits. Let us look beyond - Singaporeans need to understand the real thrusts of budget statement." - CNA/de