Govt should continue social policies

I thank Associate Professor Eugene Tan for his commentary “Public spending an investment, not a mere expense” (March 3).

While others may feel that an increased deficit spending could ultimately be harmful to Singapore’s future, such views barely acknowledge the need for social spending. In fact, there has always been greater focus on the economy.

It was with last year’s Pioneer Generation Package that we have seen a shift towards social policies, which are indeed expensive.

Giving citizens peace of mind is important, though — considering also that we spend more than a quarter of our annual Budget on security and external relations — and Singapore’s social expenditure is mainly in two areas: Education and health.

Spending to give our young the best education possible is a long-term investment; they may eventually earn more and, thus, pay more tax. It is worrying that some people, lacking a long-term strategic outlook, would call this worrying.

Spending on health and our elderly, who spent the longest time paying taxes and building Singapore, is also beneficial. I see no problem with giving them a more comfortable retirement.

I hope our Government continues with its shift in social policy; after all, our reserves are already substantial.

As a young adult, I am grateful for the recent Budgets. It is more important to create a thriving people for the economy than a thriving economy for the people.