I just heard over radio today that some Singaporeans are grumbling that the government is giving out only $1.8 billion dollars back to Singaporeans, considering that the budget surplus was $6.4 billion last year.

Sometimes, my fellow countrymen just annoy the life out of me. Give them money, they complain it’s too little. However, if they are not given money, they complain that the government is squeezing them dry. *shakes head*

Overall, I don’t think there’s much to complain about the budget in 2008. The Singapore government has shown that good times, the government will share some surplus with Singaporeans. I’m sure the skeptics will have something to say but I think that Singaporeans should be fair to the government and give them credit for this Growth Dividend.

While the distribution of some surplus back to ordinary folks is a good thing in principle, I believe more can be done in reality when times are good. I’m not as greedy as some of my countrymen. All I ask for is that employer CPF rates be further increased. I’m sure that this can be done since the economy is doing well. I can accept that we need to cut employer CPF contribution rates to keep business costs down to save jobs when times are bad. However, this should be matched with a corresponding restoration when times are good.

If we can react quickly to cut CPF contribution rates to save jobs when times are bad, I sure we can react with the same speed when times are good. If the government wants to pursue the principle of sharing growth with Singaporeans, I think there’s more that can be done other than a one-time handout.