Donald Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on China

As the world’s markets dropped for a second time, Donald Trump has threatened China with an extra 50 % tax on imported goods into the US if it doesn’t renounce a failsafe.

The US senator stated at the White House on Monday that he was not thinking about putting a fresh tariff pause in order to engage in conversations with other nations.

” We’re not examining that,” we said. There are going to be good offers, he said, and we have many, many countries signing deals with us.

If Beijing didn’t back down with its counter-tariff intentions by Tuesday, Trump threatened to impose 50 % duties on Chinese products. US businesses that import sure goods from China may be subject to a 104 % tax if it is implemented.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he would introduce the extra tariff unless China withdrew its own 34% counter-tariff on American goods, which it announced on Friday.

Trump announced last Wednesday that as part of his” Liberation Day,” which required a minimum 10 % levy on nearly all of America’s trading partners, he would impose a 34 % tax on Chinese imports.

US businesses would then be required to pay a total rate of 104 % on Chinese imports if he does that, which comes on top of the 20 % tariffs that were already in place in March and the 34 % that was announced last week.

Trump claimed that China had taken its countermeasure “despite my caution that any nation that reacts against the United States may soon be subject to new, significantly higher tariffs.”

Beijing responded with a retort, claiming that “pressuring or threatening China is not a correct way to engage.”

According to Liu Pengyu, a representative for the Chinese Embassy,” The U.S. dominant move in the name of equality puts America first before international laws and serves its selfish interests at the expense of other nations ‘ legitimate pursuits.”

This is a typical example of unilateralism, isolationism, and economical bullying.

The US senator said there could be negotiations and everlasting taxes while speaking from the White House.

He continued,” We have$ 36 trillion debt for a reason,” adding that the US would be talking to China and other nations to reach a” fair deal and a good deal.”

The US senator declared,” America presently comes first.”

Fears of a global industry war have grown as a result of the US and China’s increasing pressure. The tariffs would be a significant blow to China’s producers, for whom the US is a key export business.

Uncertainty around the tariffs led to a turbulent day on global stock markets.

Since Trump’s new levies on imports from almost all of the world’s markets, markets have fallen worldwide.

While Europe’s biggest markets, including London’s FTSE 100, all closed more than 4 % down, the value of US stock markets dropped sharply once more on entry.

Asian share stocks have fallen sharply, with the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong experiencing its biggest one-day decline since 1997, down by more than 13 %.

The effects have been extensive on the FTSE 100, S&amp, P 500, Germany’s Dax, and Japan’s Nikkei.

Trump’s post even stated that discussions regarding price levels may “begin taking place soon.”

Trump and Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, met at the White House on Monday. Netanyahu claimed that his nation would end the US-US deal imbalance, which he described as the “right thing to do.”

” We’re going to remove business restrictions as well as do it very immediately.”

According to Trump’s” Liberation Day” strategy, Israel will be subject to a 17 % tax starting April 9.

The US president also posted earlier that Japan was sending a negotiation team to discuss tariffs.

Trump was also offered a “zero-for-zero price” deal by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, despite her earlier claim that she had not ruled out retribution.

We are even prepared to take measures and protect our interests, she said.

Trump eventually claimed that the EU was created” to actually harm the United States and trade.”

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US tariff hike prompts new trade strategy

A senior official has emphasized that the government’s approach to conversations over US tariffs may be guided by a “know your army, know yourself” approach, which seeks to determine Thailand’s strengths and situation thoroughly before engaging in dialogue.

Supavud Saicheua, the director, stated that the Thai authorities is preparing to discuss lowering trade tariffs and boosting American purchase. This action is in response to the 36 % increase in trade tariffs set to go into effect tomorrow.

Importing US agricultural products, which will then be transformed into food items for trade to other nations, is a key plan. Thailand has a major advantage in this field thanks to its breadth of experience in food handling. He stated that in order to help this plan, the government intends to establish business alliances with US states with significant agricultural industries.

He also made it clear that the government will provide short-term money as an incentive to support businesses affected by the price increases. To assist these businesses in finding other markets for their exports, a expenditure of 3 billion ringgit will also be allocated.

Mr. Supavud emphasized that the US’s price increases are motivated by three main goals: reducing industry imbalances, generating more revenue to lower the US budget deficit, and encouraging US businesses to re-engage with American manufacturing. He did point out that entering agreements without delay, as some nations like Canada and Vietnam have done, may not be the best course of action. These nations are also subject to higher taxes despite having trade surplus with the US.

He claimed that the Thai authorities had developed actionable strategies. The main thrust of the plan is to change trade and economic ties to make use of both countries ‘ advantages, such as the Thai company that processes US agricultural products.

This approach includes addressing items that are incorrectly labelled as coming from Thailand in order to lessen the negative effects of US tax policies. Additionally, it aims to boost Thai investment in the US and boost agricultural imports, especially in those areas where Thailand is unable to produce domestically, quite as energy-related goods.

The Thai government’s agreements with the US will proceed through a systematic, step-by-step approach, Mr. Supavud continued, making sure that both nations ‘ last contracts are beneficial.

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PM Wong to deliver ministerial statement on US tariffs and implications

Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam will also give a supervisory statement on the government’s place on the use of drugs act, according to the order report released on Monday.

Other topics that will be discussed in the parliamentary session include housing and development board ( HDB) flats ‘ instant withdrawal cases, bus safety, and water seepage cases.

Questions involving chocolate finance were posed by a number of Members of Parliament ( MPs ). &nbsp,

According to “high demand,” the financial services platform briefly stopped quick fund withdrawals last month. It stated on March 10 that withdrawals would take three to ten working days before appearing in people ‘ bank accounts. &nbsp,

The Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS ) is making sure financial institutions and fintech companies provide clear, accurate, and timely communication regarding changes to their products and services, according to MP Saktiandi Supaat ( PAP-Bishan-Toa Payoh ).

He also inquired about how MAS ensures the companies agree to the same standards of risk control and customer communications as banks and what steps are in position to promote these institutions to adopt dependable marketing strategies.

He Ting Ru, a member of the MP for Sengkang, inquired about whether MAS had been reviewing its safeguards to make sure non-licensed individuals do not offer financial advice and affect the community with opinions on certified financial institutions.

She also questioned whether complaints against economic influencers and non-licensed individuals have increased.

Mark Lee, a nominated member of Parliament ( NPP ), was interested in finding out how MAS ensures that high-yield investment products are offered on fintech platforms and non-bank financial institutions that have sufficient liquidity and manage fund withdrawal risks.

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Beijing kills hope for any US-China grand trade bargain – Asia Times

China has shied away from negotiations and is hoping for an instant resolution with Washington.

Beijing released a comprehensive package of punitive measures over the weekend that demonstrated no cause for alarm that the world’s two largest economies are on the verge of full dispersion.

Beijing” may continue to take steadfast measures to safeguard its independence, stability, and advancement interests,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

No hollow danger was presented by this reminder. Beijing slapped a crushing 34 % tariff on all US goods within hours, adding 10-15 % tariffs to the already-imposed ones earlier this year. This is a resemblance to the most recent US increases.

This increase is proper rather than just economic.

China stifled exports of important rare earth products, which are essential for the world’s tech and defense sectors, and prohibited them from supplying dual-use technologies to a dozen US companies, focusing mostly in aerospace and defense.

Beijing expanded its “unreliable entities listing,” properly blacklisting 11 further American companies from operating openly in China, making things even more provocative.

The developments from this weekend should be a cool wake-up call for those still hoping for a political off-ramp. Beijing’s change is no reactive; rather, it is planned.

In the face of Beijing’s rebellion, it is doubtful that Trump administration officials will loosen their position in the face of this situation, some of whom view this time as an opportunity to intensify the economic uncoupling between the US and China. In reality, additional round of US taxes are now all but unavoidable.

The financial harm is already being calculated. The US weighted average tariff rate on Chinese goods will increase to a staggering 65 % in combination with China’s countermeasures.

That would severely depress expansion for China this year, cutting 1.5 to 2 percentage points off of exports, a house crisis, and negative pressures.

China appears willing to bear the pain despite the rising growth challenges.

Why? Given that Beijing has come to the conclusion that any deal being discussed today would only be a temporary truce, not a real peace, and that the US is determined to prevent China’s rise. It is preferable in China to withstand short-term suffering than to take a long-term corporate disadvantage.

This calculation has geological implications. The period of managed competition is really over if China, the second-largest economy in the world, is willing to sacrifice near-term wealth in favor of proper autonomy.

Global markets are going through a severe adjustment, with some also believing cooler heads may prevail.

Buyers, organizations, and policymakers must reevaluate in light of this situation. The conflict between the US and China no more revolves around who blinks second. Who you hold their breath the longest is the subject?

More taxes, tit-for-tat restrictions, and corporate decoupling are likely to establish the connection between Washington and Beijing in the upcoming weeks.

Both sides are gearing up for a protracted, bloody fight that will forever alter world commerce, finance, and politics.

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India eyes becoming key Apple manufacturing hub, aims to produce 30 million iPhones in 2025

RATES AND INSTANCES

Experts believe that India can make money by being more appealing to Apple’s suppliers as China’s tariffs increase costs.

The reduction of business and income taxes, which have been significantly reduced, makes for a very powerful story, said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the India Cellular &amp, Electronics Association.

He claimed that dynamic labor, such as the presence of workers for large-scale vegetation, is also a crucial factor in attracting suppliers to India.

According to a report from The Economic Times, Apple’s tilt may create 600, 000 new jobs in India by the end of the year.

While says like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat are likewise competing for Apple’s business by providing cash incentives as well as deductions from paying taxes on energy, the nation’s national government has been providing benefits and incentives.

According to Mohindroo,” there are a number of benefits when you buy territory, as well.” There are some states that “incentivizes jobs.”

However, according to analysts, India also needs to spend billions of dollars to build an ecosystem of businesses that you produce and deliver parts directly in order to make the most of Apple’s hinge.

According to researchers, India’s desire to bring Apple may make things even more difficult for Beijing and Delhi.

Ironically, if ( India ) wants to compete with China in any way, it needs Chinese equipment, technology, imports, and Chinese technicians to do so, according to Sanjay Kathuria, a visiting senior fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, a public policy think tank in New Delhi.

” So it would be nice to actually send the message that India is available for Chinese business rather than the current policy of vetting every Chinese proposal strangely and completing a case-by-case clearance,” he said.Continue Reading

Vietnam to Trump: ‘Just Don’t Do It’ on tariffs – Asia Times

Demand for athletic shoes and equipment is apparently skyrocketing as the NCAA Championship final is set to captivate millions of sports fans in the US and above.

The March Madness game is a huge marketing opportunity for clothing giants like Nike and Adidas, whose products dominate the wood courts, as well as a display of college basketball skills.

However, these brands benefit from greater awareness in the context of the scene, and their supply chains are in danger of experiencing a crisis. The important manufacturing hub for these businesses, Vietnam, is the subject of President Donald Trump’s 46 % tax increase.

Vietnam’s rising clothing sector is now facing an existential threat that may destroy both the sector and US consumers. As the main producer of high-performance basketball shoes and apparel, Vietnam’s rising footwear sector is now the main producer of high-performance basketball shoes and apparel.

Vietnam has benefited significantly from shifting supply chains, especially as businesses have fled China to evade US tariffs that have previously been applied. Over half of Nike’s shoes generation and a sizable portion of Adidas ‘ manufacturing are currently done in Vietnam.

Trump’s extreme tariff policy implies that these well-known sportswear manufacturers will significantly raise their costs, making them both to pass price increases on to consumers or to look for alternative production locations, both of which would cause significant disruptions.

Higher tariffs was stifle investment in Vietnam’s factories, which could ultimately stifle demand, leading to layoffs and lowering economic growth in a country that has recently emerged as one of the US’s main financial partners.

The tariffs could undermine a crucial component of the global supply chain at a time when need is exploding because apparel companies are so deeply embedded in Vietnam’s business.

Additionally, Trump’s punishing tax threatens to pressure ties between the two countries at a crucial time, just as they commemorate 50 years since Saigon’s fall on April 30.

The US and Vietnam have developed a relationship that is now proper complete partners, centered on financial co-operation, regional security, and shared safety concerns in the Indo-Pacific, especially with regard to China in the South China Sea.

Trump’s incredibly high tariff runs the risk of stifling supply chains, stifling confidence, and causing Vietnam to look for other financial alliances, potentially undermining US influence in the region at a time when political security is important.

According to Morningstar analyst David Swartz, the White House’s draconian position is based on the US’s$ 123.5 billion trade deficit with Vietnam, which is the third-largest country in the world after only China and Mexico.

Vietnamese officials have attempted to reach a deal before the burdensome tariff levy goes into effect on April 9 in response.

Vietnam offered to eliminate all US import tariffs and requested that the US not impose any additional tariffs or fees on Vietnamese goods in a letter sent on April 5 from Vietnamese Communist Party chief to Trump, according to Bloomberg.

Additionally, he requested a 45-day restraint from the implementation of the tariffs. Hanoi has made diplomatic concessions, and his pledges also include assisting in the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals who have been held in the US.

In the end, multinational corporations that employ hundreds of thousands of workers in Vietnam will primarily be responsible for the 46 % tariffs that are intended for the country. These costs, however, will eventually be passed down the supply chain, causing the American consumer to suffer as a result.

When the new Vietnam-specific tariffs go into effect, for example, the price of a pair of Nike shoes, like the Nike Air Force 1, is expected to increase from an average of$ 115 to over$ 150.

Although the majority of economists concur that tariffs are a tax on businesses, in reality companies typically make up for these costs by raising prices, lowering profit margins, or moving production elsewhere.

The tariff impact for Vietnam will go beyond multinational corporations, and it will also have an impact on the nation’s workforce, who depends on manufacturing jobs from foreigners to provide for its people’s needs.

For instance, Nike has over 130 000 Vietnamese employees working for it in 75 contracted factories that produce Nike-branded goods nationwide. Nike claimed in its 2024 financial year report that it produced 50 % of its footwear and 28 % of its clothing in Vietnam.

Women, who make up 80 % of the workforce in Nike’s factories, have a significant employment opportunity thanks to Nike’s extensive manufacturing presence in Vietnam.

Many of these women are looking for better pay and financial stability and are from rural poor in the central and northern provinces. Many families have been benefited from their Nike-linked jobs as they have ascended to a global economy.

Indeed, for many of these workers, working in one of Nike’s factories is their first exposure to the formal economy, giving them access to steady incomes, legal protections, and opportunities for skill development that can lead to broader career opportunities.

Beyond providing financial benefits, Nike’s involvement in the promotion of gender equality and economic empowerment has also been significant. Many of these women serve as role models for younger generations in their communities, inspiring them to pursue careers and education.

Trump’s” Liberation Day” tariffs also result in higher prices for US consumers for a range of everyday items, especially in those whose heavily depend on Vietnamese exports, such as shoes, electronics, and textiles.

Former Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Frank Lavin has publicly criticized Trump’s “scattershot” tariffs strategy for causing conflicting outcomes, hurting the US economy, and causing volatility.

He observes other countries and businesses looking for opportunities elsewhere as the US loses its credibility as a trading partner.

Trump’s tariffs on key trading partners, including Vietnam, come at a time when the world economy was and is still highly interconnected.

In a world defined by globalization, these protectionist measures not only stymie complex supply chains but also put strain on diplomatic, economic, and possibly security relations.

A more fragmented and rebalanced global order, a “rewired” world where cooperative frameworks are increasingly undermined, is the focus of Trump’s action. That new world will have detrimental effects on a wide range of stakeholders, both in developed and developing economies.

After the NCAA finals, basketball fans will likely see higher prices and fewer options for athletic clothing after the new champion is announced.

What appears to be Trump’s economic “liberation” could have the opposite effect, harming US consumers and endangering long-held ties with a Vietnami trade partner.

James Borton is the author of Dispatches from the South China Sea: Navigating to Common Ground and a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins/SAIS Foreign Policy Institute.

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U Mobile names Edgepoint as preferred 5G IBC infrastructure partner for upcoming 5G rollout 

  • With smooth protection and user support, partnership will be the driving force behind 5G adoption.
  • Both parties may use 5G IBC solutions to improve performance and customer experience.

From left to right: Wong Heang Tuck, CEO, U Mobile; Woon Ooi Yuen, chief technology officer of U Mobile; Muniff Kamaruddin, CEO, EdgePoint Towers; Suresh Sidhu, CEO of EdgePoint Group.

A leading ASEAN-based separate communications infrastructure firm, EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, and Malaysia’s next-generation 5G network operator, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding. According to the parties in a joint statement, EdgePoint will become one of U Mobile’s preferred 5G in-building ( IBC ) infrastructure partners, helping to expedite the company’s plan to roll out 5G IBC infrastructure across Malaysia.

Both parties will work closely together to implement 5G IBC system as part of the agreement, with an emphasis on creating and implementing custom solutions for each webpage to improve network performance and user experience. They will also work together to make sure a implementation is both affordable and quick. This collaboration aims to facilitate the implementation of 5G technology while ensuring smooth connectivity and coverage across essential locations. It also addresses the changing demands of both consumers and businesses.

Additionally, the collaboration will see U Mobile and EdgePoint collaborate on connectivity enhancement solutions that will enable faster data speeds, ultra-low overhead, and seamless inclusion of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, bright cities, and intelligent systems. Also, both businesses will look into potential 5G IBC solutions growth and innovation.

” U Mobile is pleased to have EdgePoint as one of our chosen IBC system companions for our future nationwide 5G implementation. We are Malaysia’s leading provider of 5G solutions, both indoors and outdoors, particularly in high-traffic places and business centers, and we are dedicated to providing high-quality, trustworthy, and ultra-fast 5G services to consumers and companies. Woon Ooi Yuen, U Mobile’s Chief Technology Officer, stated,” We want all Malay to live in the modern economy.”

By ensuring trusted communication that supports AI-driven technology, IoT-enabled buildings, and more, our relationship with EdgePoint also underscores our responsibility to accelerating 5G implementation and technology, he added.

” Our continuous and productive agreement includes working with U Mobile to promote the 5G deployment in Malaysia as the natural next step. We have regularly collaborated to improve communication across the nation over the years, and this new collaboration allows us to advance that work, said Muniff Kamaruddin, CEO of EdgePoint Towers.

” We are excited to keep strengthening our collaboration with U Mobile and make sure that 5G connectivity is flawless both on the Peninsular and East of Malaysia.” We are committed to improving inside connection and meeting the growing need for high-quality, trustworthy networks in buildings by utilizing our cutting-edge IBC solutions. This collaboration may enable Malaysians to fully experience the transformative potential of 5G, leading to economic growth, boosting productivity, and encouraging creativity in both business and daily existence, he added.

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High-speed rail steel up to scratch

SRT tests excellent following disaster

Work is proceeding on construction of the elevated part of the high-speed rail tracks between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi in 2023. (Photo supplied)
Work is proceeding on development of the raised part of the high-speed rail tracks between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi in 2023. ( Photo supplied )

The State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) says the steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project meets all engineering and quality standards.

The announcement follows thorough checks prompted by common problems after a strong disaster in Myanmar on March 28 brought down the State Audit Office building in Bangkok.

SRT government Veeris Ammarapala said the SRT has expedited audits, with a special emphasis on Contract 3-1, which covers the Kaeng Koi-Klang Dong and Phang Asoke-Bandai Ma areas.

The area is being built by Italian-Thai Development and the China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Co Joint Venture. These are the same corporations that built the SAO tower in Chatuchak city which collapsed.

He said skilled technicians have been sent to the site to check its structural dignity, and they confirm there are no breaks or destruction.

The architecture has been designed to withstand tectonic waves and is built in accordance with requirements, he said.

He added that the SRT had worked strongly with the Railway Transport Department, the Industrial Standards Institute, and the Iron and Steel Institute to gather material examples from the Muak Lek and Thap Kwang stores.

The samples underwent laboratory tests, which assessed vital properties such as supply power, tensile strength, deformation, bending capacity and substance composition.

” All examples met the needed standards, confirming the metal is totally suitable for use in railroad construction”, he said.

The SRT government said workers are stringent with superior power, with inspections at every phase– from factory production to on-site installation.

” We only use metal approved following extensive stock assessment and additional audits before implementation. Job bosses handle the process to maintain strict adherence to safety practices and quality requirements”, he said.

The Kaeng Koi-Klang Dong and Phang Asoke-Bandai Ma section is part of the 252.3km high-speed train route connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Co Joint Venture won Contract 3-1, one of the of 10 contracts awarded following bidding. The work is expected to be done in about three years.

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‘Friendship won’t taint probe’ into Bangkok tower collapse: Anutin

Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has promised a transparent investigation into the collapse of the State Audit Office ( SAO ), despite his close ties with Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol.

Mr Anutin on Sunday spoke to the internet to target new complaints posted by the Social page” CSI LA”, which questioned his near relation with Mr Montien.

The website said their friendship may impact the investigation into the catastrophe.

Mr Anutin admitted he and Mr Montien have been close friends for over a generation, having studied up during a federal army training where Mr Anutin was course president and Mr Monthien served as his director. Nevertheless, this didn’t think the probe into the SAO collapse may actually become contaminated or insufficient. He denied the charges made by the Twitter page.

The secretary said Mr Montien did not sign the contract for the tower as he only assumed his position at the end of last year when the tower was now near conclusion. He also criticised the CSI LA site for making false allegations, saying the photos of him and Mr Montien shared by the site were taken a long time ago.

Mr Anutin said the research is being carried out independently by a council consisting of the Council of Engineers, the Engineering Institute of Thailand and some institutions.

” Manipulation or displacement was difficult. Even if it had been probable, it wouldn’t have caused the tower to collapse”, he said. He had chatted to Mr Montien on Saturday, saying both agreed the charges were unfounded. ” There’s no way we could bail anyone out of taking responsibility”, Mr Anutin added.

” I’m the one urging all parties to find the trigger because out of hundreds of thousands of properties in Bangkok, this was the only building that collapsed, meaning it must have had a severe flaw”, he added.

Nevertheless, Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisanpang said legal action will be taken against Thai owners of China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ), one of the contractors for the SAO building, if they are found to have acted as proxies for others to invest through.

The Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) will guide the sensor and all conclusions concerning other firms connected to China Railway No. 10 may be passed to the office for further inspection, he added.

Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol ( photo: State Audit Office )

Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol ( photo: State Audit Office )

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GE2025: PSP calls for GST rollback to 7%, ⁠⁠MP asset declarations in new manifesto

After the previous election, the group concluded that it needed to focus its work, said Mr Leong at a press event at the group’s offices in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre.

Contesting in an election is a “very complicated affair”, and the amount of money needed is “actually less of a issue” compared to labor troubles and communication methods, he said. &nbsp,

” Learning from the last encounter, we thought this round, we have to target. And that’s the explanation why this square, we probably will be fielding fewer prospects”.

Here’s a look at PSP’s important propositions in its new statement:

Value OF LIVING&nbsp,

To ease the cost of living, the group recommended 11 policies – reducing the GST up to 7 per share and reiterating its call to free important items like grain, water and milk formula from the tax.
  
Income support and power rebates for lower- and middle-income Singaporeans can be funded by more progressive taxes such as land work or a money tax and not by GST, it said. &nbsp,

The group also called for recommendations on monthly rent rises for commercial qualities, as it originally proposed in November 2023. It also reiterated its force to phase out politically conscious organization hawker centres and for the administration of all hawker centres to become centralised under one federal agency.

Hawker stall rentals should be set at S$ 500 or 3 per cent of gross revenue, instead of the highest bid by tender. Some Singaporeans should also get more government-funded food discounts at all hawker centres, PSP said. &nbsp,

On healthcare, PSP wants the government to cover premiums for basic MediShield Life and CareShield Life and to lower healthcare costs by centralising drug procurement for public and private health facilities.

New mothers should receive a cash gift to offset confinement expenses, it said.

HOUSING 

PSP suggested four measures to address high housing costs, including its previously proposed Affordable Homes Scheme – where buyers do not pay for the cost of the land when they purchase a flat, but only when the flat is sold on the resale market.

This scheme has been criticised by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah as a raid on Singapore’s reserves. &nbsp,

In its manifesto, PSP said the scheme would not deplete financial assets previously accumulated in the reserves, but would slow the increase of the Net Investment Returns Contribution and to the past reserves.

The party also repeated its proposal to allow singles to buy flats at age 28 and its Millennial Apartments Scheme, which would provide apartments in the central business district or in mature estates for young Singaporeans to rent for two to five years.

Other housing proposals include building more flats ahead of demand to shorten wait times and ensure sufficient supply.

GOVERNANCE 

The party proposed 15 measures to improve governance, citing insufficient” checks and balances” on the government such as the Elections Department reporting to the Prime Minister.

” Costly mistakes” such as TraceTogether data being used for police investigations and the unmasking of National Registration Identity Card ( NRIC ) numbers have also raised concerns over policy execution, PSP said.

It called for a reform of ministerial salaries, for all MPs to publicly declare their assets and the introduction of closed-door hearings for Temasek and GIC with MPs to improve accountability.

A Freedom of Information Act should be enacted and all documents older than 25 years automatically declassified, it added.

PSP said Singapore’s media needs to be reformed to foster diversity, balance and healthy competition, and repeated its proposal to reform the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act ( POFMA ).

The party also renewed its call to abolish the Group Representation Constituency ( GRC ) scheme, pointing to some MPs riding “on the coattails” of others and to vacancies left unfilled in GRCs after MPs resigned.

It proposed an NCMP scheme for minorities or a hybrid electoral system to ensure multi-racial representation in parliament instead.

PSP also called for changes to how electoral boundaries are decided, a depoliticisation of the People’s Association, and for the voting age to be lowered to 18, among other proposals. &nbsp,

JOBS AND WAGES&nbsp,

The party said that while Singapore needs foreign talent to complement local workers and it would never argue for a closed Singapore, policies have to be recalibrated. &nbsp,

Singaporeans need quality jobs with better work-life balance, PSP said, proposing 15 ideas in its manifesto. &nbsp,

It repeated its proposals for a minimum living wage of S$ 2, 250 ( US$ 1, 680 ) for all resident Singaporean workers, a company quota for EP holders, an EP levy of S$ 1, 200 per month and to increase the EP qualifying salary to S$ 10, 000.

The party recommended that the Fair Consideration Framework be strengthened beyond current protections, so that Singaporean workers are given priority for job positions open to Employment Pass holders.

To “minimise the risk of discriminatory practices”, PSP suggested that the government ensure companies do not have too many work pass holders from the same foreign country.

Other proposals included changes for retrenched workers and several measures to address work-life balance and support families.

For example, the party said minimum paid annual leave should be increased to 14 days per year, Singapore should designate more public holidays and implement a “right to disconnect” policy.

SOCIAL SAFETY NET&nbsp,

The party proposed eight changes related to social safety nets, such as consolidating and simplifying the existing network of over 60 support schemes. &nbsp,

The current system is confusing and challenging to navigate for Singaporeans who are less proficient in English or do not have the time or energy to apply for them, PSP said. &nbsp,

It also proposed government-paid allowances for full-time caregivers of Singaporean children below seven years old. Households that claim this allowance would no longer be eligible for government subsidies for full-day childcare and infant care programmes, the party suggested. &nbsp,

The party suggested widening the use of MediSave, including expanding the range of outpatient treatments that are covered, and strengthening mental health services. &nbsp,

It also called on the government to allow maternity and child-bearing medical fees to be fully claimable from MediSave without limit, and to allow women to use it for elective egg freezing. &nbsp,

The government should also provide more financial support for couples facing fertility issues, and provide all couples up to 75 per cent in co-funding for assisted conception procedures as long as one spouse is a Singapore citizen. &nbsp,

For older Singaporeans, PSP suggested doubling the Silver Support Scheme payouts and ensuring that the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation Funds are fully utilised. &nbsp,

The party also called on the government to set up the Central Provision Fund ( CPF ) Lifetime Retirement Investment scheme, which would allow Singaporeans to invest some of their savings in life cycle investment products selected and managed by the CPF Board. &nbsp,

EDUCATION

PSP proposed eight changes in the education segment of its manifesto, including repeating its call for the government to pilot a 10-year through-train programme where the Primary School Leaving Examination ( PSLE ) is optional. &nbsp,

The party also asked the government to “fundamentally rethink and overhaul” the role of assessments in the education system. It said Singapore needs to reduce its reliance on summative examinations and should instead employ alternative assessment methods. &nbsp,

The party also called for more non-academic and vocation-based pathways to university admission, adding that the current Workforce Skills Qualification programme does not go far enough. &nbsp,

As Singapore’s total fertility rate falls, smaller class sizes could introduce opportunities for diversity and differentiated learning, PSP said in its manifesto. &nbsp,

The party also addressed the merging and closing of smaller schools, adding that smaller schools could have other benefits. For example, they could offer non-PSLE routes or cater to children whose needs “go unaddressed” in bigger classes. &nbsp,

To manage student and teacher well-being, it proposed regular mental health monitoring and feedback mechanisms. &nbsp,

Tuition grants and scholarships available to foreign students should be reduced, PSP said. But this does not mean it advocates for “zero” international students at Singapore’s autonomous universities. &nbsp,

No Singaporean student should “be displaced from” an institute of higher learning because of an international student, and autonomous universities should always have enough places to cater to demand from Singaporean students, its manifesto read. &nbsp,

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