Every word of what the DPM Lawrence Wong said was wrong

Tuesday February 20th, 2024 11:33:46

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Lawrence Wong says S’poreans prefer to work than retire, but netizens say they’d retire tomorrow if they can afford it. 

SINGAPORE — After Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (Jan 16) that most Singaporeans want to work longer provided they stay in good health, there were many reactions online, mostly disagreeing with his statement.

“A lot of people recognise that the minute they stop working, that’s when their health deteriorate very quickly,” he said, adding that work gives people “dignity and purpose.”

At a dialogue at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Singapore Perspectives Conference, infectious disease expert Professor Paul Tambyah asked whether the Silver Support Package, which provides financial support to the elderly with low income, could be improved.

Prof Tambyah, also the chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party, asked, “Would anyone actually want to be operated on by a 70-year-old neurosurgeon? Or ride in a bus driven by a 70-year-old bus driver?”

The DPM said that the government will see what else it can do to take care of those in the pioneer generation, as well as those who are now in their 50s and 60s. “We are thinking about strengthening our retirement system and giving everyone peace of mind all the time,” he added.

There were many netizens who commented on Mr Wong’s remarks about working longer instead of retiring, many of whom appeared to disagree with him. 

●“Actually I’ll stop work tomorrow if I can afford to retire,” wrote one. ( Darryl Kang)

● “Wrong. People will retire if they can afford to retire. They simply can't afford to.  There are other things in life besides chasing the all mighty dollar. Family, friends, travelling the world, hobbies etc. You can’t enjoy any of these things if you’re broke. So you work. Until you die. ” wrote another. Not everyone leave their job can get comfy directorships across  GIC and Temasek assets wor. Not everyone has pensions like you lot. The system is crafted  to keep people working, simple as that. As least be honest about it. (Megat Ibrahim Mahfuz)

●One citizen wrote, “Not by choice, but reality is we can’t afford to retire.” (Carey Wong)

● "Working longer and staying active more are completely different scenarios. Noone wants to be in mundane job for any longer than they have to. But they'd happily do more things they want to do if they could afford to." (Martin Lee)

●One said that the “DPM is making a sweeping statement. It depends on how one wants to live out their retirement life.” (Cecilia Wong) "I can't say it's true for me. These days I sleep & wake up without any migraines. I have good quality sleep for 8-10hrs daily. My severe eczema has disappeared. I don't have backaches from sitting in front of a computer for 12 hours. Instead, I go for walks every day for an hr or 2. I cycle once a week when people are working. Ieat my dinner early instead of 9, 10pm. I feel more active & healthier after I quit.And I have more time for my old parents and my friends. I laugh & smile a lot more. So DPM is making a sweeping statement. It depends on how one wants to live out their retirement life."

● “Many common citizen (don’t) have a choice. Do they?” asked one. (Teng KH)

"I work, my health deteriorates faster by the stress of the increase in the cost ofliving. Why? And many common citizen doesn't have a choice. Do they?"

●A commenter opined, “Working beyond retirement age should be one’s choice…be it for health or mental reasons…not becos of ridiculous cost of living!” (Nicolas Ho): "Working beyond retirement age should be one's choice...be it for health or mental reasons...not becos of ridiculous cost of living! Stop uttering rubbish!"