SINGAPORE: Communications and Information Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has described Budget 2013 as a brave step taken by the government to achieve quality growth and an inclusive society.
Dr Yaacob made the statement during the first Budget Forum to be conducted in Malay.
The forum will be aired on MediaCorp TV channel Suria from 9.30pm to 10.30pm on Thursday.
He said the government has to make some specific choices to achieve the two objectives.
These include reducing the number of foreign workers and extending more help to businesses and those who are in need.
He said the economy also needs to be restructured in order to improve productivity.
Some 20 people from all walks of life were invited to share their views on the Budget.
Polls were also conducted during the show. Nearly 8 in 10 participants felt Budget 2013 could bring about quality growth and an inclusive society.
One way the Budget aims to do this is to have a more progressive tax structure, with the rich paying more.
Dr Yaacob said such a policy is useful, but needs to evolve depending on the conditions of the economy.
"If in the future, our economy slows down and affects all levels of society, it may not be possible to implement this," he said.
"But as one of the policy tools, I feel this is one the government can use in suitable times because we know the income inequality has to be looked into as we do not want to see the emergence of two classes in Singapore ... which could affect our harmony," Dr Yaacob added.
- CNA/al
Govt taking brave step to achieve quality growth, inclusive society: Dr Yaacob
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Govt taking brave step to achieve quality growth, inclusive society: Dr Yaacob
