LETTERS FROM PERLIN KOO

Why not remove the Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy for families who have to hire maids to look after persons with long-term medical illness or disabilities? Perhaps their doctors or specialists can sign forms and let these needy families get a permanent FDW levy waiver.

With a child with low IQ, multiple disabilities and developmental delay, and no suitable care centres in the West, hiring a FDW is my only option to stay employable and earn a salary. FROM DONOVAN CHEE

Among the goals mentioned in Budget 2013 is for Singaporeans to enjoy a better work-life balance.

However, it does not seem to address this concern for me. Incentives to travel to work earlier could be rolled out to prevent overcrowding in the trains, but the question is: Why should I travel to work earlier when I am not even sure if I can leave the office earlier to spend quality time with my family and friends, or do what I enjoy?

Almost every working individual now has a smartphone synchronised to his office email account to check office email. Also, Singaporeans seem almost afraid to leave the office on time.

I strongly urge the Government to impose compulsory measures on companies so that Singaporean workers can achieve better work-life balance.

DURING THE SHOW FROM LEE CHEE YONG

I think the middle income should be able to stand on our own feet. I would rather (the Government) spend the money on poorer people ... the needs of those people really need to be addressed.
ON FACEBOOK FROM QUEK SOO BENG

One problem is means-testing based on HDB and non-HDB flat ownership (to qualify for some Government payouts), despite the fact that prices of properties have risen sharply.

With this method in use, (middle-income earners living in owner-occupied landed homes or condominiums) are discriminated against, as much of the financial help is extended on the assumption that they are the “richer” ones while HDB flat owners are the “poorer” ones.

FROM THUMPER KOH

Anybody who lives on landed property cannot be considered as middle income, since they constitute about 6 per cent of the population. They have a choice of selling their property and moving into a studio apartment. The fact that they choose to continue to enjoy the comfort of their property is evidence that they can still afford it.
ON TWITTER FROM JOSHUA NG (On car ownership being an issue for the middle-income group) Is there really a “need” for cars? Or is it just another “want” from Singaporeans who are already tied down by credit cards, housing loans, bank loans, medical bills? Live within your means.