http://www.straitstimes.com/PrimeNew...ry_663020.html

Apr 30, 2011

PUNGGOL EAST SMC

Let young couples rent HDB flats first, says SDA


THE Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) has proposed a rental scheme to help first-time flat buyers become home owners.

In its first rally of the 2011 General Election, the SDA highlighted issues such as the high cost of living and skyrocketing prices of HDB flats as reasons why there must be changes to government policies.

To address this, it is suggesting that young couples, instead of having to make hefty downpayments, be allowed to rent their HDB flats for an initial period of five years.

Addressing a crowd of about 400 at an open field in Sengkang East, Mr Harminder Pal Singh, who is part of the SDA's six-man team contesting in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said help should be given to young families.

'We don't want your home prices to go down, we want your assets to remain,' he said. 'But for the young people maybe they don't even have to put down a downpayment.'

Most of the SDA's six speakers last night, one of whom is contesting in Punggol East SMC, cited the People's Action Party's pursuit of political stability and economic progress as reasons for some of the problems in Singapore.

Mr Goh Kim Seng, who is an adviser to the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, wondered if the ruling party had the best interest of the people at heart when it built elaborate arts and sports centres and hosted events such as the Youth Olympic Games.

'They built outstanding theatres, sports complexes and won accolades. But to the people, do they really care? Do they really care if we stage the Youth Olympic Games? To many it was an inconvenience.'

MARC LIM