In her article "Celebrate Old Age With 'Silver Bonus'" (The Straits Times, 27 Aug 2014), Kanwaljit Soin makes a plea for members of the Pioneer Generation to be given a "Silver Bonus".
She writes:
"There are just about
400,000 of us in Singapore — those aged 65 and older. About 35,000 of
us earn less than $1,000 a month."
Just earlier this year, the Government said there were 450,000 members of the Pioneer Generation. How did Ms Soin conclude that the number had dwindled to 400,000 in a matter of months?
Also, Ms Soin claims that about 35,000 of the Pioneer Generation members earn less than $1,000 a month. But, are these 35,000 people actually working and earning less than $1,000 a month? Or, do they include those who are not working and therefore have no income from work (i.e., earn less than $1,000 a month).
Ms Soin concludes with her suggestion:
"If each one of us
over 65 who is a resident in Singapore is given an old age allowance
of just $200, it would be a good bonus.
...
The cost to the
country would be $960 million annually.
The total cost of the
Pioneer Package is $9 billion and this old age allowance could be a
small part of the total package."
Unfortunately, Ms Soin ignores the fact that the $9 billion Pioneer Generation Package has already been earmarked for future medical expenses. There's nothing left for other purposes.
It will be more sensible to provide financial assistance to the needy.
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