Singaporeans welcomed 9% GST together with the new year. Lee Hsien Yang has spoken up to express his dissatisfaction with his brother the GST hike. He said there is no need for a 1% hike as it will cause the country to suffer from poverty.
“I am not convinced that this [GST hike] is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship.”
Despite the government’s handouts, Lee Hsien Yang does not believe they will be of much help. These measures are only temporary. At the end of the day, Singaporeans will have to deal with the increase themselves.
Lee Hsien Yang also called out his brother, Lee Hsien Loong, for flip-flopping. He recalled that in 2015, the LHL had rejected considerations for a GST hike, which was introduced by then-WP Chief Low Thia Khiang. At the time, the older Lee had answered:
“What would make you need to raise GST? Profligate spending and irresponsible and unsustainable plans. That is what will hurt and require you to raise GST.”
Now, the government is saying that they need to raise GST to support our ageing population. Lee Hsien Yang roasted the PAP and his brother for failing to foresee problems and changing their minds about the GST. He pointed out that Singapore has been enjoying surplus year on year, except during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, making the increase unnecessary and unjustifiable.
This is not the first time Lee Hsien Yang spoke up against GST increase. He posted something similar a year ago, when the GST increased to 8%. The younger Lee has been passionate in keeping the government in check. He made sure to speak up for those on the ground. What is left then, is for him to return to Singapore, take on an active role in the opposition and be the voice that Singaporeans need.
