The Malaysian Insider, 15 Nov 2008
SINGAPORE, Nov 15 — An economy in recession badly needs a boost from increased public and personal spending, but cautious Singaporean consumers are likely to need more than just persuasion to open their wallets. Government can help. On top of all the other measures it has in mind to help companies and the needy cope with the sharp downturn, it may wish to consider putting cash in the pockets of ordinary Singaporeans as well, or something equivalent to that.
It can do so through tax rebates or through one-off special payments — as it has done before with growth dividends — without compromising its long-standing aversion to straight welfare handouts.
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