http://www.singapolitics.sg/features/ask-dpm-you-decide-which-questions-are-answered

The Straits Times is giving Singaporeans an opportunity to tap DPM Tharman’s insights, and find out what can be expected in the coming years.

We consulted economists and analysts to produce a list of 20 questions that to be raised, from the recent Budget measures to our economic future and the state of Singapore politics.

Questions:
  1. The debate on the recent Budget 2013 appeared to have little in terms of fireworks. Why do you think this was so?
  2. There are concerns still over the uncertainty of the foreign worker policy. How much more tightening will take place in terms of the foreign worker inflow? How will the Government decide that the goal of restructuring is achieved?
  3. The Wage Credit has been criticised by some analysts as having no link to productivity. There seems to be a bit of a leap of faith in assuming that companies will use the money to lift productivity. Is this help for companies or is this a productivity enhancing tool? Would the money have been better off drastically enhancing PIC instead?
  4. Some analysts described Budget 2013 as a Robin Hood budget and alluded to how Singapore has become more socialist. As the Government shifts towards more progressive taxes, and we've already seen significant moves with property and cars, what is the threshold for raising taxes and increasing the progressivity of Singapore's fiscal system?
  5. For much of the nineties, personal income and corporate income taxes were gradually reduced in the name of attracting investments and talent to Singapore. But given Singapore's changing socio-economic situation, has the era of lower taxes effectively ended?
  6. What is our long-term fiscal strategy? What will be our new priorities be in spending and where will the revenues to finance them be?
  7. The Singapore economy seems to be entering an era of low growth yet we have also been grappling with persistently full employment and high inflation. Where do you think the economy is headed? What are our policy options in managing inflation?
  8. In a speech to NTU students last September you noted that “inclusive growth does not come naturally” and that “growth itself does not lift all boats, and certainly does not lift all boats equally.” What have been the most striking pieces of evidence to lead you to this conclusion?
  9. There have been differing views of Singapore's economic model. In Singapore, there are criticisms of the high inequality in incomes, of CPF being insufficient, and of the HDB asset appreciation model. Yet, economist Joseph Stiglitz recently wrote an article that praised Singapore. He wrote: “Singapore has had the distinction of having prioritized social and economic equity while achieving very high rates of growth over the past 30 years — an example par excellence that inequality is not just a matter of social justice but of economic performance. Societies with fewer economic disparities perform better — not just for those at the bottom or the middle, but over all.” What do you make of these contrasting views?
  10. There is already speculation that there will be another round of property cooling measures. Would the Government consider capital gains taxes or higher mortgage spreads?
  11. Does lower growth and a less open Singapore put Singapore's soft power, and position in the world at risk?
  12. In your view, what is the biggest economic challenge facing Singapore in the next 10 years? And what must Singapore and Singaporeans do to face them?
  13. In 20 years' time, your four children will be aged from 37 to 42. What kind of Singapore do you hope for them?
  14. Ambassador Chan Heng Chee said in a recent interview that in order for the PAP to win back the votes, it needs more politicians and fewer technocrats. Do you agree with her analysis? How can the PAP win back the seats it has lost?
  15. Having witnessed the change in the political landscape and increase in Opposition in parliament since the 2011 GE, do you think Singapore is now better off?
  16. Do you pay attention to criticism online? What do you make of the harsh views of the Government and its policies on 'anti-government' sites and Facebook pages? Do you take them seriously?
  17. You have been in politics for 12 years now. What has given you most satisfaction from it all?
  18. Singapore has been accused by its critics of being a safe haven for people looking to avoid taxes in Europe and overseas, and that its secrecy laws permit it to overtake traditional wealth hubs like Switzerland. Is there pressure on Singapore to open up its banks to scrutiny from overseas governments? Has there been pressure to do so?
  19. You once said that the biggest challenge for the PAP is to win the hearts of the young. How do you think the PAP has performed in that regard, and how great is the challenge today and going forward?
  20. There is a perception that the Government is very rich in reserves. As such any tax hike is likely not to be well-received unless the Government can adequately convince the people that it has adequately used the reserves. How do you address that concern?
Vote here
http://www.singapolitics.sg/content/...tharman-answer

Q 10 is 2nd highest at this moment, let's push it to No. 1.
http://www.singapolitics.sg/node/1140/results