SPP Launches Manifesto, Proposes Distributing Government Surpluses as CDC Vouchers

The Singapore People's Party (SPP) has launched its manifesto ahead of the general election on May 3.

- Samuel Devaraj

The 16-page manifesto titled "It Is Time" was launched on April 19, as the party gears up to field five candidates to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Potong Pasir SMC.

The manifesto's nine themes are wide-ranging and include proposals to promote economic stability and fairness, as well as plans for sustainable public transport.

To tackle inflation and the rising cost of living, the party proposes distributing government Budget surpluses annually as CDC vouchers, with more aid for lower-income Singaporeans.

It also proposes halting any goods and services tax (GST) increase until the cumulative Budget deficit exceeds 3 per cent of government revenue for three consecutive years.

At a media interview on its manifesto held next to the Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre on April 19, SPP secretary-general Steve Chia, 54, said: "We don't want to have a balance of Budget every year that goes into the reserves, and we don't know how deep is this reserve.

"So, a balanced Budget. If there's a shortfall and continuous deficit for a few years, then we talk about raising (GST). We don't put the cart before the horse."