![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
01-05-2025, 01:59 PM
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...on-5085676
Biggest issue? "Hands down, cost of living"
On the final day of campaigning, SDP's Dr Chee Soon Juan was out and about at Koufu food court in Woodlands Mart, where he said the top concern among Sembawang West SMC residents was clear.
"Hands down, cost of living," he said, as an elderly woman collecting empty cans from tables passed behind him.
"We've repeatedly hammered away at this point. Last year, the government collected a surplus of S$6 billion. Do they not spare a thought for those people who are struggling here just to find the next meal to eat?” Dr Chee asked.
"These are the very real problems that Singaporeans face. I just want the ministers to climb down from their ivory tower for a minute."
When asked how he would help residents in the constituency tackle the high cost of living, Dr Chee pointed to the GST as a “huge, huge issue”.
"You have to pay 9 per cent for your food, versus the billionaires who pay 9 per cent. They don't have a problem with that," he said, adding that the GST should be lowered for basic necessities.
He also suggested increasing the GST for luxury goods to "make up for the shortfall", and implementing a wealth tax.
When CNA arrived at the food court, Dr Chee was seated at a table speaking to a group of residents. His conversations were frequently interrupted by passers-by asking for handshakes, selfies and for their books to be signed.
A bit later, as he made his way through the food court, diners paused mid-meal - some slurping noodles, others drinking their late morning coffee - to wish him luck.
One couple quietly shifted seats every 10 minutes or so, adjusting their spot depending on where Dr Chee was.
"We aren't residents here. We came down from Tampines just to show our support," the husband said.
When asked why they didn’t approach Dr Chee, the couple said they just wanted to admire him from afar.
They did eventually get a photo with him, and left smiling.
Dr Chee is up against the PAP's Poh Li San, who was also making her rounds at the food court. The two candidates spoke to residents in close proximity, but from what I observed, the two candidates did not cross paths.
Biggest issue? "Hands down, cost of living"
On the final day of campaigning, SDP's Dr Chee Soon Juan was out and about at Koufu food court in Woodlands Mart, where he said the top concern among Sembawang West SMC residents was clear.
"Hands down, cost of living," he said, as an elderly woman collecting empty cans from tables passed behind him.
"We've repeatedly hammered away at this point. Last year, the government collected a surplus of S$6 billion. Do they not spare a thought for those people who are struggling here just to find the next meal to eat?” Dr Chee asked.
"These are the very real problems that Singaporeans face. I just want the ministers to climb down from their ivory tower for a minute."
When asked how he would help residents in the constituency tackle the high cost of living, Dr Chee pointed to the GST as a “huge, huge issue”.
"You have to pay 9 per cent for your food, versus the billionaires who pay 9 per cent. They don't have a problem with that," he said, adding that the GST should be lowered for basic necessities.
He also suggested increasing the GST for luxury goods to "make up for the shortfall", and implementing a wealth tax.
When CNA arrived at the food court, Dr Chee was seated at a table speaking to a group of residents. His conversations were frequently interrupted by passers-by asking for handshakes, selfies and for their books to be signed.
A bit later, as he made his way through the food court, diners paused mid-meal - some slurping noodles, others drinking their late morning coffee - to wish him luck.
One couple quietly shifted seats every 10 minutes or so, adjusting their spot depending on where Dr Chee was.
"We aren't residents here. We came down from Tampines just to show our support," the husband said.
When asked why they didn’t approach Dr Chee, the couple said they just wanted to admire him from afar.
They did eventually get a photo with him, and left smiling.
Dr Chee is up against the PAP's Poh Li San, who was also making her rounds at the food court. The two candidates spoke to residents in close proximity, but from what I observed, the two candidates did not cross paths.
