We need to name and tackle the causes of inequality!

I refer to Chua Mui Hoong’s article “Inequality is a threat – name it, and face it” (Straits Times, Feb 18).

It states that “We should face it, name it, and unpack what contributes to inequality, so that we can make our system more equal.”

In this connection, the policies that arguably are the main cause of inequality – which may need to be reviewed are:

… foreign labour policies which result in an unlevel playing field for jobs – maternity leave, National Service liability, employer CPF contribution, 2-year work contracts, etc

… procreation tax benefits which pay more to the higher-income and less or nothing to the lower-income

… HDB eligibility policies, such as those with no income can only rent 1-room flats, regardless of household size

… scholarships’ selection criteria like extra-curricula activities, applicants from very high income families and the identity of applicants being not secret

… low and limited period financial assistance

Leong Sze Hian