That's the appeal to MPs and NMPs from labour chief Lim Swee Say who wants them to put aside their doubts and differences over the scheme targeted to tackle the downturn.

'I think what we should do now is charge ahead 100 per cent in terms of speed, 100 per cent in terms of reach and 100 per cent in terms of alignment,' he said.

If that is achieved, he is very sure that 'we will be able to realise the maximum potential benefits and effect' of the $20.5 billion Risilience Package, he said at the sidelines of a community event in Holland Road yesterday.

During a three-day Parliamentary debate on the Budget statement last week, at least four MPs - including PAP MPs and opposition leader Low Thia Kiang - had questioned the effectiveness of the $4.5 billion Jobs Credit scheme in saving jobs.

The scheme will give employers a 12 per cent cash grant on the first $2,500 of each month's wages for each employee - only Singaporeans and PRs - on their CPF payroll.

Mr Lim, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said he is not surprised by the reactions so far.

'We are implementing the Jobs Credit scheme for the first time so it is not unexpected that the MPs and members of public would have various concerns on how it will work, and whether this will be effective,' he noted.

He added, however, that the debate has helped address some of the concerns raised.

He believes that many MPs now 'have a greater understanding on how it can create at least a similar effect to a CPF cut, and in fact why it can do even more.

Read the full report in The Sunday Times.