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Suffering sandwich class? Hardly
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Sat, Feb 23, 2008
The Straits Times
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HUNDREDS of millions of dollars and a host of benefits were given to Singapore's middle or 'sandwich' class in this year's Budget. This was to ensure that all Singaporeans get help in fighting inflation and rising costs.
But, really, how poor is our middle class?
It is not unusual for each member of a typical middle-class family to own a mobile phone. What's more, upgrading these phones to the latest model is a yearly affair.
Most middle-class families also have broadband Internet connections or cable TV. Many have both. Each family probably has at least two television sets and one of them is likely to be a large LCD or plasma television.
| It is also routine for a middle-class family to enjoy a holiday abroad once a year. The women in an average family would also probably be able to afford at least one Louis Vuitton bag which costs more than $500 apiece.
A woman friend told me that the 'in'' handbag today costs more than $1,000 and more than half the women on Singapore streets carry one.
My contractor told me that it is not unusual for middle-class Singaporeans to spend $50,000 to renovate their homes. In short, these are 'necessities' today's middle-class Singapore family cannot do without.
The main gripes of many drivers are rising fuel and ERP costs. Yet, at least half the staff members in my office own cars. And if you ask a middle-class family whether a car is a luxury or a necessity, chances are, they'll tell you it's a necessity.
Never mind the fact that before they achieved middle-class status, their formerly car-less lives were not necessarily handicapped.
The members of the Singaporean middle-class family feel poor when they live in Housing Board flats, which can be almost as good as condominiums. They feel poor unless they upgrade to private estates.
Here's a reality check: Recently, Mr Christopher Victor, who is on public assistance, told The Straits Times that he wants to buy a pair of new shoes with the extra $40 he will receive from the Budget. Each middle-class family member probably has at least five pairs.
Too much is given to the middle class and more should be given to those who really need financial aid.
Forum note: Mr Victor is an 89-year-old childless widower on public assistance, whose monthly stipend under the Budget will increase to $330.
The Budget debate will begin in Parliament on Monday and is slated to last until March 6.
Syu Ying Kwok
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