“We will never let Singapore become bankrupt”: Heng Swee Keat on using reserves for COVID-19 budgets

[@5.11winter]

Luckily we have him at finance at this hard times. He is the most generous and caring minister thus far. thank you,Sir!

[@edwardrodrigues6964]

My friend, it was not luck but "careful" planning !

[@illumination_0109]

Please its not all taxpayer money, it was taxpayer money invested to fund the country’s project to improve quality of life as much as our government may be overpaid they are doing an incredible job keeping Singapore safe from most crisis, now we must worry about resources like food as imports are currently closed

[@illumination_0109]

PubgTactics lol if you really think that way your way of thinking i flawed, if you are so good why you complaining here join politics and fight if you think you are not being treated justly, the government may be overpaid but atleast they are doing their job and you what are you doing complaining because you pay tax so our country can be successful?

[@simintan5309]

Of course it’s tax payer’s money. Otherwise whose money? That’s how countries function. U don’t know meh?

[@5.11winter]

@PubgTactics when writing comments, direct speeches need no long details. I said he was in (charge) finance (ministry), never before ,even in deep recession, had a minister released funds so immediate ,that much, to help the newly jobless. I said to date ,he is the one we are lucky to have. Remember LKY said nothing is FREE all public servants are paid via tax payers but ministers are paid to lead the country,without them, a country will be divided and unstable. CPF are citizens' wages,taxes are citizens'dues to the state.

[@BigbangNic]

Grateful to have competent reasonable ministers during this hard times.

[@elyzahfontanilla]

Singapore is so lucky to have dedicated and intelligent government officials. Kudos to the all of you sir! #sgunited

[@JJ-iu6sr]

Our dearest late founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, once said publicly that HSK is the best PPS he ever had. There he is, together with his team, steering Singapore out of this storm.

[@danielajean7295]

what is pps?

[@raj.yadav007]

@@danielajean7295 principal private secretary

[@chloechen3831]

@@danielajean7295 Basically he was LKY's highest-ranking lackey.

[@poliewill2909]

Jeff Jeff The only thing I have is his stature, which LKY mentioned. If u look at Trump he always stand the tallest among world leaders. Furthermore his voice is way too high and soft, unbecoming of a leader of a nation.

[@JJ-iu6sr]

He has a team of Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Secretaries to back him up, and importantly the support & trust from Singaporeans. As HSK has always said, it is a whole SG team effort for Singapore to stand out in the world stage.

[@lkgpuanimho0349]

The reserves should be used for rainy days....we are in crisis now, anyone who thinks we shouldn’t tap on it now is clearly deluded.

[@arkoo4042]

there be rain and shine but emptying it would be bad decision.

[@lkgpuanimho0349]

arko o We can invest in infrastructure spending, that way we can get back the investments in future.

[@arkoo4042]

@@lkgpuanimho0349 what kind ? during this period?

[@teerificbitch]

I think you are mistaken on some things. SHOULD BE USED, versus HOW TO USE and WHEN TO USE, are very different. By your logic, we should use the reserve at every crisis point. And since the global economy goes in cycles, do you mean we break the piggy bank every 5 years? No right? So then, comes the next question, what SCALE of crisis, before we decide to use it. In this case, this is a pandemic on a massive scale, and thus, the government has indeed gone in to take out billions. Now the question of HOW gets to be answered. There is no infrastructure spending, when it is a pandemic you fool... Certain industries with widespread mingling and fluid contact, like construction sites, cannot be operated during a pandemic. Which is why the money is now going to firms and individuals in the form of cash injections, to aid cash flow problems, and ease the hardship. There are bursaries, and subsidies for going into further education now, so if you want to stay home and learn a new skill, the government is SUBSIDISING that. That to me is a smart move.

[@kotenoklelu3471]

We can not understand the scale of the problem now. This is the biggest problem that I have with it. But Singapore should use it's reserves

[@wayfaringstranger5808]

We count, because you count. Ai seh, win liao lor.

[@Fillinyourname]

This was funny! Everything was great until here....lmao!!!

[@anoynmanonymous8304]

hahahahhaha!

[@blackmagix79]

hahaha he isn't wrong. we always calculative mah

[@MrBlackjack211]

super cheesy but make cents make sense!

[@cancanjaker1620]

Lol. Singaporeans not used to such emotional approach.

[@jessiejames7492]

great speech ! I think we should also show our appreciation for our covid 19 taskforce and our ministers too. !

[@kohchyan8784]

When a country has strong reserves, it will come in handy to help in this crisis. Good job.

[@normanyeo1039]

Proud to be Singaporean. We don't have perfect leaders but they are still great leaders who love the country. They are to be respected. It's true that if their interest is in playing politics there is no reason to keep a strong reserve when the country is doing well. Because there is so much they can do with the money to bring up their own scorecard with the funds. But at the risk of our future generation.

[@songssounds8635]

We are supposed to have been very, very, very prudent for the past 30+ years. I cannot recall a single year of Singapore having a budget deficit! We should be able to do better than this!!! So my question is : WHERE HAVE ALL OUR MONIES GONE? Into which countries? And into whose pockets?

[@normanyeo1039]

@@songssounds8635 I'm happy with the way things are now. So no complain on my side. All the best trying to figure it out. 😂

[@linus198062]

@@songssounds8635 Without such prudence, where do you suppose our national reserve came from?

[@psys.1217]

Songs & Sounds you again...

[@normanyeo1039]

@@psys.1217 lol.

[@FCPCPF]

We are asking for trouble if we reveal the size of our foreign reserves. IF I recall correctly, during the Asian financial crisis in 1997/1998 , a neighbour asked us for a massive loan, thinking we had plenty stashed away for the rainy days. Our late PM said "No." Ever since then, this prominent politician has always borne a grudge against SG. Never ever tell people how much you have in your coffers. At any rate, no country releases this number. It is a state secret. Transparency is not applicable in this instance. But you can have a v rough idea by gleaning at the size of our foreign exchange reserves - a part of total reserves - which was about USD 267 billion in Feb 2020. Yes, our foreign reserves would have shrunk these few months, but so have the reserves of other countries. It is not peculiar to SG.

[@samumobile5744]

No dn gives our neibours loan its for singaporean only pr no

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

Singapore loan to Indonesia instead of Malaysia. No wonder Malaysia got upset.

[@lowsk3419]

With that sense the opposition has, not sure how they are going to govern the country if they win in the next election....

[@roxxyroxxy4667]

@@lowsk3419 no worry win n win

[@shivananthamsivamshivanant8816]

Thank you. Hope and Pray everything gets better soon for all of us. Stand Together Singapore.

[@5.11winter]

Yes , pray. a thousand prayers could move Heavens above, case history in China.

[@TwinCondorsAndLittleRedHorse]

To Singapore, reserves are not simply savings. The founding fathers had always meant to accumulate an unusually large pool of reserves as strategic depth that form a very thick defensive shield against major crises. 养兵千日.

[@songssounds8635]

Woof! Woof!! Woof!!!

[@lemonadefor50cents61]

@@空孫武 jesus christ take a chill pill. was your dinner not to your liking?

[@songssounds8635]

@@空孫武 Did I even say that? Please do not put words into my mouth, PAPpy running dog!! Woof! Woof!! Woof!!!

[@空孫武]

@@songssounds8635 So I guess im. Right... You are a dog ,a blue licker some more.😂 Dogy woof again .... I will give your treat.

[@finding_aether]

@@空孫武 dun argue with a dog lah

[@sngbeelian2005]

A Big Thank You Mr Heng for that well spoken speech!!! 😀😊😀😊😀😊

[@pearlynchee7421]

I thank you for the government to give the Singaporeans all the help at this time of difficulties.

[@KevGoesRiding]

Thank the taxpayers, they are the ones who worked and put the money in the reserves that the government now takes and puts in your pocket to get us through difficult times

[@pearlynchee7421]

@@KevGoesRiding At least we should thank the government for taking out now to help us.

[@pearlynchee7421]

Anyway I just learn how to be more appreciative through religion. 感恩！

[@KevGoesRiding]

@@pearlynchee7421 Taxpayers did 95% of the work to earn the money to fill the reserves. want to be grateful, please thank them first. Then you can thank the govt for using a pen and signing the approval with the remaining 5% effort to use our taxpayer money to help us in our time of need. Give your thanks to the people who deserve it most And don't forget all the delivery riders, supermarket cashiers, healthcare workers sacrficing and slogging for minimum wage to keep our failing country going. Plenty of people you should thank before you start thanking our govt

[@opop5200]

They give you a chicken wing now, after the election, they take back one whole chicken.

[@虎ちゃん-v8t]

Singapore government are outstanding

[@Seramics]

But not truly great like the US govt.

[@montcliffeekuban1335]

Seramics lol the US Govt is a joke

[@9cowbell9]

Seramics HAHAHAHAHA

[@taeyeonist1462]

Disagree, they are indecisive and incompetent.

[@Thelocalavenue]

@@Seramics US national debt looks great though www.usdebtclock.org/

[@valeriesim9241]

Thank you S'pore Govt..for caring for us , really apprec & treasure yr help.. Will liaise with our MP team to give more input, feedback &/ suggestions. I can see you know how each S'porean need/s are ;that's why you care & contribute to us...( not forgetting the tireless times & efforts each of you, yr staff & volunteers have been working themselves off.. We are proud of you ! PAP Merdeka! Thanks again for yr resilience,& commitment to governing with such duty & outreach..tks Valerie

[@0.1.feb.]

Let's thank our previous and current generations of leaders who - through their wisdom and exercise of prudence - helped ensure Singapore has the financial means to pull through this crisis. At least we don't have to borrow and get into debts, like so many other nations in difficult times.

[@daniellian3690]

LKY

[@siaojony7148]

Vicious cycle... if our country continue to have stupidoo who form potential virus cluster the country will continue be in circuit breaker stage n never get out of the situation. Then we will end up tapping on reserve again till we are diluted. Just do your part stay at home free from virus. Glad that we dont anyhow use funds previously otherwise I dont think we have any for relief this time.

[@diesopain260]

Well, the government has the right not to tap reserves if it worsened and impose heavier sentence on those who flout the circuit breaker. Be it heavier fines or jail term or both etc.

[@aleccheckerfield7100]

Just be thankful your country is not going into massive debt like most western countries.

[@erickm8799]

@@aleccheckerfield7100 . Thanks CPP & WHO for giving us and the rest of the world the CPP virus?

[@ronsu2677]

confirm there will be some

[@aleccheckerfield7100]

@@erickm8799 Despite what the CCP is telling the Chinese people, the rest of the world will remember exactly where it came from.

[@mubeensgh]

Why is the DPM disappointed by repeated questions? I agree with the DPM's reason about why we do not disclose our reserved but a simple explanation without name dropping or personal attacks is enough...

[@Wyzzkyd]

This is how they always respond to oppo questions, high handed/mocking, or straight up lecturing them. Immensely repulsive.

[@gamingtao9367]

Should have not even be a question by Pritam. Such simple thought of protecting national interest and security didn’t even come through his mind when constructing a question? How can he even come to be a politician? No heart at all for our country.

[@mykiokoi]

No country releases the reserved amount, it is a state secret.

[@nathanchang7713]

I'm not a singaporean, but I feel like they should abolish or temporary stop national service for 2020-2021 and use the ridiculously huge military budget to give to their citizens instead of paying their recruits, what's the point of military service at a global pandemic?? The money can be better used.

[@Zendefone]

Don’t give money - COMPLAIN Raise GST - COMPLAIN Give $$$ - COMPLAIN Do these “opposition” oppose just for the sake of it?

[@lanceli4002]

Stand together Singapore. 💪🇸🇬

[@Dragon-gl1rw]

Like the past PM, the finance minister did not answer Mr. Pritam Singh's question, how much is the nation's reserve.

[@0.1.feb.]

We have more than enough money to cover this crisis, but not enough to make you less stupid.

[@taiwan5335]

LKY is making the right path for the nation. The father of Singapore!

[@victorchew151]

Make hay while the sun shines. This proverb is to teach us to save for the rainy days.

[@anoynmanonymous8304]

And during sunshine days, make use of bangla's money, indian's money, philippino maid's money and prostitutes money to build Terminal 5 and Jewels...

[@owo4470]

anoynm anonymous ...you’re a boomer, aren’t you?

[@kitkat8986]

@@anoynmanonymous8304The government know what they are doing, no terminal 5 and jewel how to attract more tourist and MNCs? Less businesses in Singapore=less money, you probably don't even contribute much anyways.

[@erickm8799]

unfortunately, CCP always cover up when they have virus and spreading them to the world regardless sun shines or rainy days. Taiwan, HK and Singapore were hit by SAR previously, and now this CCP virus. Have we learnt any yet?

[@victorchew151]

@@erickm8799, go ahead bash any country or anything you don't like. Your comment was naive that reflect on you.

[@positive3k638]

Thank you Sir! Thank you SG Leaders! Great leadership and actions! =) #sgunited #gratitude Stay strong and healthy dear all! ^^

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

The dispute is not simply whether to use the reserves or not. Should we decide to use the reserves, we must also do so extremely prudently. I think the effects of covid19 will continue to affect our economy long after this virus dies down, so we need to save for those times also. Furthermore , the world is unstable now just looking at rising political tensions; we cannot afford to expend most of our reserves in the short run just on the basis that we are now in "crisis" - it is no excuse for frivolous spending (which I believe/hope our government will not do).

[@TrainerCTZ]

Good work Singapore! From Florida, US

[@lazyslacker1539]

those being sent to deal with the virus should receive higher risk pay or any bonus stimulus to support them through this crisis. Our frontliners deserve more.

[@shannon7210]

感动流泪，谢谢您!😭😭😭👏👏👏👏

[@LucianTeo]

Thank you for having a heart of service.

[@premman6052]

I wish Mr Lee Kuan Yew was born on the other side of the border in my country Indonesia. Imagine the combination of his brilliant economically focused brain with resource reach Indonesia.

[@skychaos87]

LKY had always believed in the Malaysia merger and was devastated with Singapore being kicked out of it. If i'm not mistaken, he said that Singapore's future is with merging with Malaysia again. After all, Singapore is so small with literally no natural resources. If Singapore doesn't remain at the top, we will be dead. If we can't remain competitive, our currency will drop and we can't afford trading even for our basic commodities like food, water and fuel for electricity. I do hope one day Singapore mergers with Malaysia, and ideally with Indonesia too for even greater possible achievement. However, i have to say that is unlikely and unrealistic. Malaysia and Indonesia would not want to merge with a country that would set the pace and policies of their country, especially Singapore's value as a small land mass with no natural resource is undesirable. Its only possible when either Malaysia and Indonesia overtakes Singapore economically, technologically and politically that it would make sense for them to merge or "take over" Singapore. I hope by then its because Malaysia and Indonesia becomes successful instead of Singapore failing.

[@edwardkhoo234]

Long words make short THANK YOU 🇸🇬

[@1001001a]

I like Heng Swee Keat. Every time he look like will have more treats/surprise/angpao up his sleeve for us. And he give the smirk. He's like cai shen ye. Sibei geyyin.

[@makchoilin2833]

You are wounderful i salute you heng swee kiat the future of pm

[@kbt5608]

Have money but no live..what for? Mr Heng has the gut and decisive to help the people. Those think otherwise are the ones who don't know the ground sentiment like most ministers who have super high salary n live in their own world...they will not understand what the people feel...it is time to have a new leader like Mr Heng who understand the people

[@ollieolive8933]

Thank you for our working so hard for our nation.really appreciate all the countless hours all have put in to keep Singapore safe and secure

[@kevinwin11]

Money can always be earned back but u can't buy back lives.

[@1001001a]

Some people also can't be saved.. lol

[@skychaos87]

Well, Singapore's cases is different. Singapore with no natural resource have to literally trade and buy even its basic commodities like food, water and fuel for electricity. Our economy needs to remain open and functional if not we would be dead. We have to spend our reserves wisely. In times of crisis, we need to spend to protect our people and secure our economy. In times of peace we can spend on infrastructures and investments for future gains. However, we cannot compromise our reserves by overspending or revealing our strength. If we go bankrupt, we are dead.

[@kevinwin11]

@@skychaos87 Don't worry, we increase our taxes for foreigners and PRs.

[@roxxyroxxy4667]

Yes earn alot of tax samon lol

[@arrowstheorem1881]

In solidarity, we will give back by way of gst , hopefully 10% soon. It's our national service. But I also urge that more tax on the richest so that the poorest need not be taxed as much

[@arrowstheorem1881]

@Sage Hornet you like this one. Don't fren you already !

[@crystal2484]

@Sage Hornet Ya me too, bigger house mortgages to pay. Not funny to be rich here when the poor kept thinking of how to take from you.

[@catechin29]

@Sage Hornet hahahahaha that's a good one

[@teerificbitch]

Aren't the rich taxed highly on properties, investments and salaries already? Unless you think we should tax them like the UK? You need to reconside. Tax revenue usually only has a specific outlet of expenditures. Welfarism is not in a meritocratic nation's blood. Neither is reckless spending. The fact that the government has a healthy surplus and reserves, all while maintaining a very strong education and healthcare sector show that the tax levels are adequate. If Singapore goes down the path of rich paying for the poor to an extent of which nations which large natural resources do, then you are just destroying the rich. Singapore's largest resource is its manpower. If you want the poor to get 'éxtra' money from the rich, that means the rich has to work an extra hour, or create an extra $$ of economic value somewhere in the system And we're not jsut talking about the 0.01% of rich people in Singapore, but everyone in the Top 1% or Top 10%.. And the eventuality that you have seen in the UK is a system where many individuals take advantage of the welfare, and lay ruin to government spending. Unemployment benefits surpass that of working at Mcdonalds, which means some idiots out there choose to shake their legs at home. Healthcare coverage means many people ignore their own health and diet, and it is up to the healthy people who pay their taxes to pay for these people's medical bills. Tax lives in an imperfect world.

[@crystal2484]

@@teerificbitch & COE & ERP & petrol tax

[@arrowstheorem1881]

For WP to really hit hard, a WP mp has to be sacrificed by INSISTING FOR ANSWER. Imagine what will be the backlash. But I doubt they will dare do it. Well done PAP!

[@kbt5608]

I see Mr Lee Kuan Yew shadow in him...if Mr Lee is around, I believe he will do the same what Mr Heng did

[@jessiejames7492]

he used to be mr lee's principal personal secretary !

[@ashunknown9728]

Hmm no LA. Lky more firm n agrresive old Timer .

[@5.11winter]

Did LkY ever give out so much $? he said nothing is FREE!

[@jessiejames7492]

@@5.11winter but he made singapore a conducive place to live and where anyone who could should work. and those who really needed welfare got it. he made singapoe a safe place to live. did he give out so much. No. thats why we have THIS much now! He didnt beleive in handouts. Anyone who worked hard reaped the benefits.

[@DarkPa1adin]

no where near, Tan... LKY can debate. HSK cannot debate...

[@fairjusticeforall8417]

We do not want to earn ringit, we want to earn Singapore dollars!! Well said.. Jiayou Singapore... Time like this we must be united and support our gov leadership wether you like it or not... Foreigners are watching us... We (opposition attended in full) did Singapore proud during Mr Lee Kuan Yew state funeral.. Let us close ranks and support our gov of the day.. This is the spirit Singapore!!!

[@rolandlim7074]

Now it's definitely the time to tap on reserves.

[@lastchangdepapa1247]

Not your call, his call

[@ww.creedthoughts.gov.ww-cr8654]

@@lastchangdepapa1247 all in.

[@illumination_0109]

Well thats only a fraction of our whole reserve if I rmb correctly we have a total reserves of about 800bil? Or so a huge percentage is invested of course

[@ericphua2359]

thanks to CCP virus, we are in this sorry stage. This time worst compare to SAR.

[@illumination_0109]

Phang wen I wouldn’t say sorry state but if importa don’t resume soon we might be in a sorry state no matter how much money we have

[@EvezYan]

i feel heartache when i hear about touching the national reserve yet again within such a short period of time. glad to hear the assurance from HSK that govt will never let SG become bankrupt.

[@Dragon-gl1rw]

So early you sell your vote.

[@roxxyroxxy4667]

Lol

[@jeffreypoh7076]

The government has been very pro-active since the beginning of the virus with the setting up of NCID and at the same time maintaining normal healthcare services to public and elderly. In fact, they have been very soft to the public even though we still see people traveling during this period of time (hence imported cases). Nevertheless, the government still quietly try to manage this situation. To come up with three sound budgetary within 50 days to answer people needs is very very very impressive.

[@taeyeonist1462]

Proactive??? You got to be kidding me. They were indecisive and did not put comprehensive controls and measures in place from the start, all in the name of GDP. Had they displayed any amount of foresight, preparedness or readiness, they would have reacted so much faster and we would have much fewer local transmissions than we do now. Their half-baked, progressive measures culminated in this lockdown masquerading as a 'circuit-breaker' which brought the economy to a screeching halt, anyway. Much of this pain could have been avoided.

[@s2s99]

proactive? i think you are delusional

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

Doctors had mentioned early on that the virus could spread easily even with no/minor symptoms but they were shut down, as singaporeans were told to wear masks only when sick. The effects of the virus was played down as a flu when the effects are closer to pneumonia. We let our guard down.

[@mayloon9565]

Thks for all the hard work. Keep it up. Your careful and kinds deeds will help all Singaporean to have a bright future. Blessed with good health and happiness.

[@evae.374]

Jiayou Singapore!! So proud to be Singaporean

[@sfqm1083]

Is anyone else triggered by the fact that the camera is not straight

[@i556x45]

cannot unsee that now

[@ggladiolus]

We would have to work harder after this kovid19 to replenish what ever had used and to thicken(the reserve) even further as the next criss is going to be even more urgent.

[@Dragon-gl1rw]

There will not be any future crises. COVID-19 is the pin that is going prick the world's gigantic bubble.

[@arrowstheorem1881]

Kudos to HSK! Glad to have him replace LHL ! Drawing so much reserves is a cheaper cost than not drawing so much reserves. The cost of not helping citizens now would be exponentially more. And GE is coming

[@songssounds8635]

We are supposed to have been very, very, very prudent for the past 30+ years. I cannot recall a single year of Singapore having a budget deficit! We should be able to do better than this!!! So my question is : WHERE HAVE ALL OUR MONIES GONE? Into which countries? And into whose pockets? Show less

[@roxxyroxxy4667]

your cpf wait long long ok 😂

[@arrowstheorem1881]

@@roxxyroxxy4667 We must quickly give them a renewed mandate so that they can earlier execute TOUGHER MEASURES to increase state revenue. The earlier the GE the earlier we can have the tough measures . So, fingers crossed, let's pray for a earlier GE

[@Gold51185]

Well Done 🇸🇬. We are so proud to be a Singaporean and fortunate to stay in this country. We trust the Good Hands of our Government as they have the expertise to manage the reserves💪🏻🇸🇬👍🙏🏻🌈

[@marlynpula2166]

I am very thankful to the Singapore Government, for helping us the FDW to stay put to our job during this Covid 19 Pandemic, Majulah Singapura , GOD BLESS the People around the World 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖.

[@my.business]

To mention Temasek as 1 of the points of growth of the reserves is untrue....we know who is running it and how many times losses were incurred

[@mdzad1673]

Thank you Sir

[@hawkhea7527]

Yes. Reserve is like ammo during war.

[@rahmanataur1557]

Well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@cvcwmmt9279]

You are the best sir 👍

[@screwcovid6533]

Mr Heng Swee Keat is Respectable and Admirable. To the government of Singapore, thank you for your hard work. There is no amount of thank Singaporean can give and all the thank of course have to go to our front line heroes (Medical, Defense and Finance)

[@rinang8858]

👏👏👏Thank you sir

[@norakmalhakim4390]

Honestly dont need ask how much lah. If Pritam wants an estimate, just estimate using the publically disclosed figures as a conservative estimate.

[@lawryteos2230]

Norakmal Hakim better not. There are numerous George Soro alike which might want to hit us

[@FCPCPF]

Yes, there are many sharks out there to short your currency. Soros brought the pound down. He allegedly tried shorting the HK stock market last year during the HK violent protests. Fortunately, China has deep pockets to shore up the market. Never allow the likes of Soros to prey on us.

[@songssounds8635]

Pritnam Singh has the right to ask!

[@wayfaringstranger5808]

Just Google lor

[@finding_aether]

Nobody show hand when negotiating in the best of time. Pritam want us to show hand in this crisis when supply chain is sensitive and prices can change wildly ... Best to keep our cards hidden. If they disclose, the value is higher than expected also bad for Singapore, if the value too low also lousy for Singapore, there is zero benefit in disclosure... It is really a matter of National Security. If Pritam cannot see that it is really disappointing.

[@ResidentEvilNostalgia]

10:56 We must work to put back what we're going to use. After covid19, Govt: 'time to collect more taxe$$$'

[@muhammadabdulmateen8473]

Watch sdp leader talk on the virus. He makes alot of sense in which the situation we are in now.

[@jaylau8926]

Singapore Steady!!!!!

[@AndrewHahaLee]

People say a lot of things, at the end of the day, tens of billions of dollars came out and fed every adult Singaporean $600.

[@0.1.feb.]

Diam lah

[@LooNciFeRx]

Plus the one in june, plus the 3 budgets, plus maybe 2million ish adults. Yep the math looks good

[@andytanjh]

How can a local SME benefit from these packages as they have office/shop rental and operating cost and also lost of income from shutting down. Will the package will it be difficult and complicated for them to claim ? And will there be too many criteria and requirements that may make them fail to qualified the claims. I am saying to compare to big corporations who has accounting department to do it for them. Moreover these big corporations has more foreign workers. How the segregation of funding ratio benefits local compare to foreigners? I am asking because Because now we are touching our national reserved, which in my opinion, should prioritize and benefits local citizens first to succumb to this crisis. However, despite raising all these questions deep down I must salute to our government for being so vigilance, organize and quick wit to react to all kinds of emergency situations. Our government is also bold to make corrections if needed even to face criticism they put our interest first. Great work ! Big applaud ! Appreciate all your efforts and we will strive and prevail through this crisis together as one.

[@Reza.El-Fatih]

Absolutely Nobody: Pritam Singh: OWNSELF CHECK OWNSELF

[@luispolanco5966]

Wished I lived in Singapore. You guys seem legit af.

[@marilynho1774]

Thank you minister!

[@rain6834]

Such an enormous responsibilities 💪

[@mvp2526]

he is one of the minister that is not from saf.i still remeber that trade minister called chuan chun sing called singaporeans stupid for hording

[@jessiejames7492]

and he was the one who calld halimah , at the time speaker of parliament, MDM PRESIDENT. hE BOCHOR mulut. no one knew then.....but eventually it came to pass. the whole govt knew before we did

[@jlo8372]

Side note: Singapore is the slowest growing economy in SEA. From 3rd largest economy, it'll be 5th in a couple of years and so on. Most of it's foods are imported. At these times, the world may experience food shortages and governments will regulate their food exports deeply affecting import reliant countries like Singapore. Paying higher prices if ever. Vietnam had halted rice exports already, other countries are following even with other essential goods. Supply chains are distorted for a time. Foreign businesses in Singapore will close and or cut jobs because of recession. Trying times for the rest of the world.

[@bigpapa1472]

Meanwhile in other countries... Money printing stimulus package

[@kevinwin11]

Which countries are those?

[@fmezy]

Europe and US

[@songssounds8635]

Is that a mistake, is that wrong, if the purpose is to help their citizens?? WOW! You tock like ministerial material man!

[@jwcas318]

pritam singh did the right thing to ask questions. hiding behind national security by not being transparent? u dont have to worry when u have big reserves. u worry about speculative attacks when u have small reserves. for all we know, the government may have squandered our reserves in bad investments. good job pritam singh! keep asking questions. disappointed with the lack of accountability of sg government.

[@markovtrading1889]

Rely on FT less in particular CN...so we can avoid the major impact of future corona spread and we should close airport immediately rather than dragging.

[@caijace1983]

😢 thank you Ministers

[@GKP999]

With the salaries that he and many of the ministers get, they don't have to worry if Singapore goes bankrupt.

[@felixgunawan9336]

Very excellent explanation

[@tedi-.-]

Some countries sold their economy for their people , some countries sold their people for the economy

[@josephlim6934]

Aiyah, spore can never go bankrupt. Wake up! No need to strike fear into the general public. Big reserves, why worry?? So much indirect taxes collected every year.

[@gerardalferez2153]

We will get thru this crisis not because of the financial resources but because of the Sg spirit.

[@anoynmanonymous8304]

SG spirit is to suck poor bangla's money, maid's money, prostitute's money and use them to build Jewels...

[@leehyunsong7001]

$600 go to every adult Singaporean, the 95% of the Budget go to save businesses and companies like SIA, fair right? And people pls remember to pay ur cpf and hdb loan.

[@jessiejames7492]

we still have to spend to survive. the money might be gone soon. eventually all , or most of it will go back to the govt.

[@jessiejames7492]

@Sushi Saim see the money back in our hands? no sooner is it in our hands then its going to say bye bye again. to pay for this and that. "_)

[@yunrunng2000]

PM HENG

[@trisharadia5723]

Agreed, PM LHL and future PM Heng...we are lucky.

[@taeyeonist1462]

@@trisharadia5723 disagree

[@trisharadia5723]

@@taeyeonist1462 oh well, feel free to haja

[@christwg07]

The people are on debts but never our SG Gov.

[@mohamedbinelias3246]

Thank you very much . Okey kan rujan

[@suppiahmurugesan8343]

I did not choose who my father and mother should be. Destiny did. Of course I now have choices to shape my life. So whether Singapore will or not become bankrupt goes back to destiny. So please don't say that you or your friends will never let Singapore go bankrupt. Good luck.

[@edgemaverick3688]

Laughing when he talk about tamasek investment like the investment is earning money. Losing billions of dollars while talking about how much we tap into the reserves.

[@LooNciFeRx]

Pritam singh, who the hell ask how much a nation's reserves are? How do you do business when all your cards are on the table?

[@sjpanc]

Maybe we should ask him to divulge how much reserve he has in the bank.. lol.

[@taeyeonist1462]

@Wolfie Alpha Grey racist

[@HolyKiller43]

After SARS, Swine Flu, MERS, if only Singapore had realised the risk of pandemic and spent 10% of the 60 billions to invest in R&D of testing kits and train up more medical support staffs as reserve for this kind of infectious disease, perhaps during the first and second month of outbreak, we could have extend the testing to cover even all the close contact of confirmed cases. With that, the risk of local transmission would probably be much lower or even be contained at zero, then now we wouldn’t need to escalate our measures to the extent it is damaging our economy and spend our reserves like this. Clearly, we do not learn from SARS, Swine Flu and MERS, but I hope we learnt from Covid-19.

[@ruthlim8184]

I don’t know whether this is realistically feasible though. Every new virus has slightly differing RNA or DNA. And that is why if a new virus pops up, it takes time to study it and come up with virus and meds through controlled experiment studies. As much as we can create and propels R&D, one cannot goes again bio laws. Definitely they can look into it but I do not think it will come up in the way we wish in new virus or diseases cases. For example, Theranos failed on the bio standpoint as the founder’s professor have already mention it is not biologically possible at current times to do a blood test in a drop of blood.

[@yellowbird1170]

Norway has a sovereign wealth fund that is totally transparent. What is this guy talking about?

[@clairetan]

Yellowbird yah, but is Norway surrounded by ambiguously threatening neighbors? Pls remember that a neighboring country has repeatedly threatened to cut off our water supply. What’s your thought process?

[@trisharadia5723]

@@clairetan nuff said!

[@speakout1791]

Lack of accountability can lead to continuous mistakes and eventually ....

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

Najib Ali would love to be Singapore prime minister.

[@MrBlackjack211]

Well said!

[@2bystander2]

The constant displeasure shown whenever asked about unknown is worrying. Blind trust without verification is irresponsible management of any matter

[@Julianimator]

Just make sure every pay their taxes to reduce the country's deficit.

[@hercrazymatchesmycrazy1372]

Today first day of so call sg version of lock down, while I was at work logistics. I see alot of other company still open as usual, those not essential business ones.

[@9cowbell9]

Don Tan Report them

[@hercrazymatchesmycrazy1372]

@@9cowbell9 Too many selfish people, how to report

[@julia-fc8pp]

I know of some companies who have successfully applied for exceptions under the justification of global supply chain. Basing on the assumption of your field of work, maybe the ones you have seen belong to this category of companies ?

[@Des6668]

Report to the authorities let them handle

[@daveevad3524]

Report them, let them get fined and they can help replenish our reserves! Win-Win!

[@Puiz4Life]

These are the people's monies. They are public servants. They are highly paid and I expect outstanding job performance. Fellow Singaporeans be objective in your thoughts.

[@dayylogg9716]

The government will not go bankrupt, but the businesses and citizens will go bankrupt if they cannot pay their business loan, house loan, car loan, credit card loan etc.

[@normanyeo1039]

You should read what the budget cover. It have already factored everything mentioned except car loan.

[@Jasperdoes]

Did you even read the budget plans before commenting?

[@normanyeo1039]

@@Jasperdoes yup I did.

[@Jasperdoes]

Oh lol norman was referring to Dayy not you haha

[@ivychua4091]

Personal choices Personal responsibility......Do not buy a CAR if u cannot afford it #CarLoan

[@paparoti4006]

I wish Mr Tharman to be our next PM

[@angelamagnus6615]

HSK or CCS is clearly better than Tharman. Tharman only got second upper in LSE, while CCS and HSK both got first class respectively in Cambridge.

[@samumobile5744]

They are the 3rd richiest country in the world behind qatar

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

Singapore citizens so naive .apparently a lot doesn't understand what is accountability and transparency. No wonder a lot of scammers target Singaporeans.

[@goalerfc8100]

Lucky, all Singapore paid Tax and Gst and Erp this really helping u all.

[@Muser187]

Paiding ? What's that ?