The Reform Party on Monday (Sep 7) unveiled its party manifesto in Boon Lay Place, as the election period crosses the halfway mark.
The 12-page document outlines the objectives of the party and covers a wide range of issues from healthcare and defense spending to economic policy.
According to its manifesto, possible policy proposals include introducing a minimum wage, capping the number of foreign workers, reduce National Service (NS) to one year with a view of progressing to a professional army and introducing an old-age monthly pension of S$500 for all seniors above 65.
On the timing of the release, Reform Party Secretary-General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam said: “We’ve had a manifesto since 2009, and an election manifesto in 2011. So we are relaunching it and bringing it up to date. Our flyers already incorporate our seven main pledges.”
He also elaborated on the party’s NS proposal, saying it “imposes a heavy burden on male Singaporeans, particularly in comparison with foreign workers”.
“The Government spends S$400 million on scholarships for foreigners who are then able to work here upon graduation without doing NS. This is grossly inequitable,” Mr Jeyaretnam said.
“So what we want to do is reduce the burden on male Singaporeans and cut NS term to one year and expand a professional army. Now with modern technology, drones, robots, you don’t need so many boots on the ground.”
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
