While I agree that young Singaporeans ought to plan early for their retirement, clearly, it is neither fair nor feasible to place limitations on how, what or why one's money is spent.

It is this question of choice that sets our generation apart. Whether these yuppies really 'need' that new BMW or DaVinci sofa, why they want it, or even how they choose to finance it, is irrelevant. What is important is that we should be responsible for the choices we make.

Mr Lee points to 'an ethos of consumption that really did not exist a couple of generations ago'. But the fact is circumstances and societal values have changed over time and the austere lifestyle that he advocates appears anachronistic today.

Ultimately, it really boils down to personal choice. It is not the job of the Government or anyone, for that matter, to impose a moralistic view of the right lifestyle to lead.

Faye Chiam Pui Hoon (Ms)