Budget 2022: Alternatives to GST Hike

Mr Speaker, Sir There are many measures announced in this year’s Budget Statement that we welcome.  We welcome the further tightening of foreign manpower, the increased focus on redistribution through the introduction of higher income tax rates at the top tiers and higher taxes on property and luxury cars.  We think that more can be […]

Speech on Vaccinated-differentiated Safe Management Measures

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Deputy Speaker, my family and I are fully vaccinated and not affected by the Vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures or VDS. However, I watch with concern, the latest VDS measures. With effect from 15 January, the unvaccinated will not be allowed to go back to their workplace even if they tested […]

Vaccination Differentiated Safe Management Measures

Adjournment Motion on 10 Jan 2022 – Vaccination Differentiated Safe Management Measures Mr Speaker, My family and I are fully vaccinated and not affected by the vaccination differentiated safe management measures or VDS. However, I watch with concern the latest VDS measures. With effect from 15 January, the unvaccinated will not be allowed to go […]

Speech at Motion of Securing Singaporeans’ Jobs and Livelihoods, and Foreign Talent Policy

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Speaker, Sir, of all the FTAs that we have signed with other countries, the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA, has attracted the most attention for two reasons. Firstly, it contains a clause in article 9.5 granting entry to persons in 127 professions, which is not found in the […]

Speech on Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Speaker, Sir, section 126(1) of the Road Traffic Act prevents goods vehicles from being used to transport passengers, but subsection (a) allows an exception for workers to be carried on a goods vehicle owned or rented by their employer if they meet the rules prescribed under section 77(6). I propose […]

Budget 2021: Expand MediSave Usage & Portable Health Insurance

Expand MediSave Usage Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Chairman, MediSave limits are a major concern for the elderly and it is the issue I have been asked most frequently to raise. Many feel that the annual limits of $200 or $500 are inadequate for their needs, given current healthcare costs. In November last year, Senior […]

Budget 2021: Preparing for Future Economy

Mr Chairman, the Budget Statement described extensive plans for an innovation-driven economy. To thrive in an innovation-driven economy requires more than the acquisition of technical skills and scientific or professional knowledge, but also a mindset that is ready and able to challenge established norms or widely accepted thinking, not afraid to fail and ever ready to […]

Budget 2021: Management of Foreign Workforce

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Chairman, it was disappointing to note that despite the pandemic exposing our vulnerabilities arising from our over-reliance on foreign labour, the Budget did not present new measures to fundamentally move our economy away from that over-reliance, apart from a tightening of the S Pass quota for the manufacturing sector. It […]

Budget 2021: Recognising Our Men and Women in the SAF

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Chairman, recently, the Straits Times reported on the findings of the State Coroner regarding the death of National Serviceman Dave Lee due to heatstroke, which was partially caused by delayed evacuation. I cannot profess to know the pain of parents and families who have lost their loved ones. I can only […]