POINTLESS TO BASE WELFARE ON WAGE
Expecting individuals and families to benefit only on wage-based welfare is as good as prodding them to take care of themselves (The economy as a means to an end, not an end in itself; Feb 23).
There is a space where our welfare policies can be truly ex-gratia and ex-pro forma so that people can care for their loved ones and other needy people in society, without having to work harder and longer hours to make ends meet.
Peter Chan Teng Hong
RESERVES REFLECT S'POREANS' STATE
The state of the national reserves reflects the social-economic status of Singaporeans (Strong reserves signal strong Sing$: Chun Sing; Feb 25). We are a people who pay great attention to what other people think of us. So, we spend inordinate effort to make sure we create a great impression.
Strong national reserves also reflect that Singaporeans are generally asset rich and cash poor. This is the bigger problem for our young leaders to tackle.
Thomas Lee Hock Seng (Dr)
TIMELY TO REGULATE E-SCOOTERS
I have had many close shaves with inconsiderate e-scooter riders, and could have been another casualty like Mr Leong Loon Wah's wife ('It feels like I married a different person'; Feb 25).
Hence, I applaud the timely proposal to regulate e-scooters (Panel seeks to register electric scooters; Feb 23).
We cannot allow errant riders to cause harm and compromise the safety of other pedestrians and road users.
Soh Swee Kiat
GET SERIOUS AND BAN ALL TOBACCO
As a former smoker, I would say that the only way to cut down on smoking is to go cold turkey.
If the Government is truly serious about removing this health hazard from Singapore, the solution is simple: ban all tobacco.
They did it with the far less unhealthy chewing gum, so they should do it with tobacco, even if it means forgoing tax revenue.
Adam Reutens-Tan
CAB FIRMS MUST GET ACT TOGETHER
The plight of taxis has been highlighted in recent times, but did they do themselves in?
The performance of our taxis has not only been poor, but has also gone from bad to worse.
To add insult to injury, the cab companies added surge pricing and continue to use a highly complex and variable fare system.
Their competitors, the private-hire cars, have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
It is high time the taxi companies get their act together and improve to attract customers again.
Loon Seng Chee
APPALLING DIFFERENCE IN PAY AT SMRT
One cannot help but notice that there is a large discrepancy of some $1,400 between the pay of a university and polytechnic graduate, and only a mere $500 difference between the pay of a polytechnic graduate and Higher National Institute of Technical Education Certificate holder, under SMRT's new starting salaries (SMRT to raise starting pay, extend rehiring contracts; Feb 25).
I was appalled and saddened by this.
This gives us the impression that polytechnic education is much inferior to that of a university, and that a diploma commands much less prestige than a degree.
Zhang Guocheng
