I think in general, CPF is a good thing. But there are some limitations now that need to be addressed.
Singapore today is no longer like 15-20 years ago. The cost of living has gone up a lot. Inflation is much higher than the commoner's salary increase.
The other problem is the lack of clearer transparency from the government. I find it uncomfortable that on the one hand, they are saying: Voice your opinions! Let's have a dialogue. We want you to suggest how we can make Singapore better. Singapore belongs to all of you. Yet, their actions speak otherwise.
Many Singaporeans have brought up a few strong points about their unhappiness with the CPF. Yet till today, we haven't gotten any clarification from the government. Are they afraid?
I'm not talking about opponents who would like to abolish CPF. I think that's suicidal. I'm talking about those who wish to know what exactly is OUR money being used for. If investment, what sort of investment? How much is the government making from us? Even the former president Ong, who tried to pry into such issues, was not given any chance. Then who can??
And given the high cost of living, high inflation, minimum sum scheme, etc, is there any way the government can increase the interest earned from our CPF to be higher to "keep up with the times"?
For now, many are feeling fed up the government is making all the money, yet the citizens are not enjoying the fruits of Singapore's success. Whenever I hear LHL or other ministers urging Singaporeans to work hard, be productive, stay relevant, make Singapore our home, I feel like saying DUHH!! Is the government treating us like workers (or to put it crudely, slaves!) in an MNC? Who is enjoying all the rewards?
If they really care about the people, then jolly well make sure we are moving ahead together. You create the minimum sum scheme, you bring in so many foreigners and give them citizenship with the reason (or excuse?) that Singaporeans shun certain jobs or you want to improve the economy, you cause lowering of wages of your own people, and yet you barge your way around with the minimum sum scheme, refuse to built affordable HDB BTOs when people needed them between 2007 and 2012! That's like being a big bully.
HDB flat prices rocketed up to unimaginable costs from 2007-2012. Many had no choice but to use their CPF money to buy expensive resale flats or DBSS flats. So literally, it looks like this:
Your hard-earned salary --> Your CPF --> Buy over-priced HDB flat --> Government's coffers for the next 20,25,30 years.
Money in, money out. Talk about what minimum sum???
Basket....