GST - Get Screwed Tomorrow

Monday, November 13, 2006

... when the news comes out that GST is going up to 7% next year. Then will come the rise in sin taxes in February. Cannot drink, cannot smoke, cannot eat out = every day go home play World of Warcraft.

Feb 17, 2006: Govt announces $2.6 billion Progress Package

Feb 27, 2006: Low Thia Khiang accuses Govt of repeatedly giving out money before elections, only to take it back immediately after

May 4, 2006: SDA warns in rally that GST rates and transport costs are likely to increase after elections

May 6, 2006: Polling Day

July 4, 2006: ComfortDelGro, Singapore's largest taxi operator, announces rise in cab fares

July 5, 2006: SMRT, Premier also raise cab fares

July 10, 2006: Trans-Cab raises cab fares

Aug 2, 2006: SMRT and SBS apply to raise bus and train fares

Nov 13, 2006: PM Lee Hsien Loong, in Parliament's first sitting since the elections, announces hike in GST to 7% next year


Logically speaking, I know our income taxes/transport fares are still very low compared to other countries. But however you phrase it, and however much you give out as lump sums to the poor, GST is still a regressive tax. And raising fares and taxes so close on the heels of the elections, so that it passes completely out of the memories of the electorate by the time the next Polling Day rolls around - that's just low.

Added: You know, I was okay with the first time they raised GST, in 2002, cos that was the first time since GST was introduced in 1994 and eight years is reasonable. But the 5 per cent kicked in only in 2004 - it's only been two years! Every two years raise 2% ah? Can die.

 posted by zyn :: 8:40 PM :: 3 Comments :: permalink


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