SINGAPORE — Even with slower economic growth, Singaporeans “must still have the spirit to want to share among different members of our society”, said Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing, at the Budget Forum in Mandarin broadcast on Channel U yesterday.

Those who are able should come forward and “extend a helping hand to those who are less able — that is the spirit of an inclusive society”, he said.

The forum was also attended by 20 participants and four panellists including Ang Mo Kio GRC Member of Parliament Ang Hin Kee, grassroots leader Lim Lee Meng, Fei Yue Community Services and Family Service Centre Director Leng Chin Fai and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice-President Thomas Chua.

Addressing concerns about the impact of increasing healthcare costs on the low-income group, Mr Chan said the Government will be looking to simplify application processes for schemes and subsidies to make it easier for the elderly or low-income to tap on them.

Noting that some elderly might not want to trouble or burden their families and thus choose not to seek help, he stressed the importance of communication, where social workers and volunteers can visit these elderly or low-income families so that they can better understand what schemes are available to them.

Meanwhile, Communications and Information Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim described Budget 2013 as a brave step taken by the Government.

He was speaking during the first Budget Forum to be conducted in Malay, which aired on Suria last night with 20 participants. In one of the polls conducted during the show, nearly 80 per cent of the participants said they felt that Budget 2013 could bring about quality growth and an inclusive society.

Referring to the more progressive tax structure announced in the Budget, which would see the rich paying more, Dr Yaacob said such a policy is useful but needs to evolve, depending on the conditions of the economy.

“If in the future, our economy slows down and affects all levels of society, it may not be possible to implement this,” he said. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY HETTY MUSFIRAH