Cost of Living, Jobs on the Agenda When Parliament Opens: Experts

Also on the cards is a wider discussion on the vision for Singapore's future, they say

- Ng Wei Kai

Parliament opens on Sept 5 for its 15th term, with the Government and MPs expected to address bread-and-butter issues as well as the country's future beyond SG60.

As per tradition, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will deliver a speech drafted by the Government to set out its priorities over the next five-year term.

Political observers expect his speech to cover issues aired during the May general election, including the cost of living, jobs, housing and rising global geopolitical instability.

Also on the cards is a wider discussion on the vision for Singapore's future over the next few decades as the country celebrates its 60th year of independence.

Known as the President's Address, the speech opens Parliament following a break and is used to set the broad national direction.

The most recent address was delivered by then President Halimah Yacob in 2023, when the 14th Parliament resumed after a mid-term break. It focused on Singapore's place in the world after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Gillian Koh said recent post-election surveys have shown that the top concerns among Singaporeans are the cost of living, housing affordability, fairness in government policy and jobs.

She expects the speech to highlight the need for deeper economic reforms, rather than immediate measures like vouchers.

These could include a review of real estate costs in business and more clarity on how Singaporean workers can use artificial intelligence, she said.

Former PAP MP Inderjit Singh said he expects the address to share details on the PAP's election manifesto and show that the Government has a concrete plan to deliver on its promises.

Changing geopolitics may form the backdrop for some of these plans, and Mr Tharman may speak about the challenges, threats and opportunities this environment presents, he added.