In 2015, Lee Hsien Loong lashed out at WP for suggesting that PAP will “change its mind” and increase GST. He said:
Raising, adjusting taxes is a very big decision. You consider it carefully, you discuss it thoroughly, and you do it only when you absolutely have to.
What will make you need to raise GST? Profligate spending and irresponsible, unsustainable plans. That is what will hurt and require you to raise taxes and GST.
Now, PAP is proposing to raise GST.
Lawrence Wong explained that it is necessary because of the pandemic. We have to continue to support the healthcare sector and elderly. Therefore, the government decided on a staggered hike, raising GST to 8% next year and 9% the following year.
They also said they will “cushion the impact” by giving us cash payouts over the next few years. But is it enough? We have to live with increasing GST for the rest of our lives. How is this a long-term solution? Do they expect us to keep quiet and pay more even though our salaries never go up?
To hell with PAP’s promise of not “changing its mind”. Even if there was no pandemic, do you think they would never suggest a GST hike?
