IMPACT ON SINGAPORE OF PHASE THREE OF US REBALANCING STRATEGY
Dennis Tan asked what the Phase Three of the US Rebalancing Strategy entailed for Singapore and the region in terms of security.
Ng Eng Hen said that Singapore’s starting point is whatever the calculations of other countries, whatever their foreign policy, we start from this important fundamental – we seek to make sure that Singapore benefits the most.
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REDUCTION IN HAWKER STALL RENT FOR HAWKERS WHO FALL ILL
Dennis Tan asked whether NEA hawker stallholders can be given a reduction in rent if they are unable to work due to sickness.
Amy Khor said that all stallholders are required to pay rent throughout their tenancy, but the Ministry will consider requests from hawkers who are genuinely unable to carry on their business temporarily on a case-by-case basis.
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ANALYSIS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS AND FAILURES IN SINGAPORE
Leon Perera asked whether the Ministry will consider compiling anonymised case studies of entrepreneurial successes and failures in Singapore.
S Iswaran said MTI and its agencies regularly profile successful entrepreneurs and companies through various platforms, which enables entrepreneurs to learn from the experiences of these examples in pursuing their business endeavours.
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DECISIONS ON TREE-CUTTING AND REPLANTING ACTIVITIES WITHIN ESTATES
Leon Perera asked what criteria NParks uses to make decisions about tree cutting and/or replanting activities in residential estates.
Desmond Lee said that trees are removed when they are in poor health, when they impact public safety, or when there are development works. For replanting, NParks considers factors like the site condition and landscaping scheme.
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IMPACT ON SINGAPORE-CHINA RELATIONS DUE TO SINGAPORE’S OFFICIAL STAND ON TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AND INITIATIVE ON SOUTH CHINA SEA
Sylvia Lim asked for the Government’s assessment of the bilateral relations with China given the South China Sea disputes and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Vivian Balakrishnan said that the Chinese leaders know Singapore’s position and also understand that our bilateral relations extend far beyond a single issue.
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SELECTIVE RELAXATION ON TOTAL DEBT SERVICING RATIO RESTRICTIONS
Sylvia Lim asked whether the Total Debt Servicing Ratio restrictions can be relaxed to allow borrowers to get credit facilities if they can offer unencumbered private property as collateral to financial institutions.
Ong Ye Kung said that MAS will look into the feedback where borrowers need to reduce their fully paid for property to re-mortgage.
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