SINGAPORE: Singapore has “moved very far towards better social safety nets” over the last 20 years, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
For example, there was ComCare – launched in 2005 – which brought together existing social schemes to better serve those in need.
For lower-wage workers, Workfare was introduced in 2007 to supplement their incomes followed by the Progressive Wage Model in 2012 to ensure both wage and job progression.
Other efforts, Mr Lee said, include enhancing protections under MediShield Life – a mandatory insurance plan administered by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) that helps Singaporeans with hospital bills.
There is also CPF Life for retirement adequacy and CareShield Life, a national scheme for disability insurance rolled out in 2020, focusing on long-term care costs.
“These are all (the) things which we have done; all within the last 20 years. It is very considerable,” said Mr Lee, who has been Prime Minister since 2004.
“Of course, people will always say ‘Please do more’ and we will keep on improving.”
“IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY, YOU CANNOT DO IT”
Mr Lee was speaking to the local media in his final interview as Prime Minister before he hands over the premiership to his deputy Lawrence Wong on May 15.
When asked what is stopping Singapore from moving towards a welfare state even as it seeks to become a more inclusive society, Mr Lee pointed to financial constraints as one factor.
“The restraint is if you do not have the money, you cannot do it. You may want it, you may think it is good but if you do not have the money, you cannot do it.”
