Government determined to increase population to 7 mil in 2030.

[safetyfirst]

i think Mr HKN is out of his mind... i am a singaporean!! if NS duty can be mortised , i want to pay off my own and my sons and my grandsons NS duty!!!

in fact, why don't he suggest a COE for NS duty?!! hahaha!!!

This is the type of MPs that we have in parliament today, no wonder Singapore is going downhill FAST!!!

While I think HKN's suggestion is poor, what are you possibly talking about? Are you just reading what you want to read?

hmmm, it seems like we have 2 camps here. The majority is against more talents and the minority wants to have more talents. I just want to make the following objective observation.

The majority is often being criticised for being short-sighted and failing to see the big picture. It seems like whatever the gahment proposes now, the majority just wont listen and will find bad things to talk about, i.e. the latest example is the NS taxing of the PRs and FTs. If this goes on further, we will see a society that is more divided..

On the other hand, the minority has full faith in what the gahment proposes (whether it is blind faith or not, only time will tell). The minority usually has self-serving interests for a larger population, for example, they may have many properties here. And this minority tend to ignore the needs and concerns of the middle/lower class.

Perhaps, if we can all compromise, we will be happy singaporeans

[sgd]

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC member of parliament Hri Kumar Nair has proposed that all permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners pay a new National Defence Duty tax and have the money placed in a trust fund for men in National Service (NS).

In a Facebook note on Wednesday morning, Nair said this would help impose similar nation-building duties on such members of the public and address “a current imbalance” of this segment of the population fleeing the country without shouldering such responsibilities.

“In short, we do duty, they pay a duty. Since PRs and foreigners cannot contribute manpower to our SAF and Home Team, they make a financial contribution to the protection and preservation of their lives, families, jobs, investments and properties,” said Nair, who is a director at law firm Drew & Napier.

Huh? foreigners contribute to NS trust? Really? That's a brilliant idea .. hmm.. lets see we invite them here and now we charge them for admission how can they afford to refuse such a great deal?

[2V.]

I wouldnt mind paying $$$ if able to get waiver for my kids NS!

As Singaporean , shouldnt we pay less than foreigners?

“In short, we do duty, they pay a duty. Since PRs and foreigners cannot contribute manpower to our SAF and Home Team, they make a financial contribution to the protection and preservation of their lives, families, jobs, investments and properties,” said Nair, who is a director at law firm Drew & Napier.

Mr Nair, can i also volunteer to pay duty and seek waiver for my son to serve NS? Those rich PR and FT can easily afford your NS duty taxes unless those taxes amount to 50% of their earned income.

[specuvestor]

Another simplistic capitalistic solution; this Singapore Inc paradigm will take a long time to unravel, if ever.

[sgd]

Everybody also won't mind paying, but only someone sitting in an ivory tower can think of such a bad suggestion. To the foreigners this is a domestic issue they here to make money they won't part with a single copper more, why would they want to pay to resolve the mess the government has created that has led to estrangement with it's citizens. This is none of their affair.

This is just going to create another controversy with the locals then they will go-stan and damage control and say it's taken out of context.

[cfa]

They are indispensable , what to do ? We LL only.

[Contrarian]

i think Mr HKN is out of his mind... i am a singaporean!! if NS duty can be monetised , i want to pay off my own and my sons and my grandsons NS duty!!!

in fact, why don't he suggest a COE for "Not doing" NS duty?!! hahaha!!!

This is the type of MPs that we have in parliament today, no wonder Singapore is going downhill FAST!!!

*edited*

By putting $ on the NS duty, it can have the effect of more people paying a 'token sum' and become PR or live here.

So, it means they hit their target faster... Well, that is the "UN"intended effect. On surface a penalty measure. In fact, it could well turn out to be 'incentive' measure that they are trying to create

[Temperament]

Another simplistic capitalistic solution; this Singapore Inc paradigm will take a long time to unravel, if ever.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. From hindsight all Singaporeans know Papys has been "governing" (more like running) Singapore like a corporation, since GOH CHOK TONG's time if not LEE K Y's. It has never really been run like a country to built a Nation.
As a corporation(Singapore) of course everything must be measured in terms of $$$ (read profit). So all the PAPYS do will always about money one way or another. The more money the better.
So if continue in this way, the population will always be working digits only.
When will we become a Nation instead a Corporation now? Another words, those who profited now don't be too happy if we never become a real Nation. Unless of course you are already prepared to abscond.

[cif5000]

Disgraceful. Mass prostitution.

[brattzz]

"SINGAPORE: Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Hri Kumar Nair has proposed levying an additional income and property tax on Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners living in Singapore."

It's ADDITIONAL INCOME AND PROPERTY TAX!
Just call a spade, a spade!

Why link it to NS???!!