HDB should not be used as a political tool?

hdbflat_rivervale

April 12, 2018

Has HDB been used as a political tool for votes?

I refer to the article “HDB chief suggests buyers should pay less for resale flats with shorter leases” (Yahoo News, Apr 11).

It states that “And you must remember that actually their children will go on to buy an affordable flat from me. Correct? Now how do you make sure they can buy back an affordable flat from me? Eventually you have to recycle the land. You understand? So, I am trying to paint that broader picture.”

Arguably, how can our children “buy back an affordable flat from me (HDB?)”, when the land component of new BTO flats are charged at market rates now, and into the future?

Singaporeans used to be told in our earlier electoral history that if you vote otherwise – your flats will not be upgraded.

And also HDB as an “asset enhancement policy” was touted.

Now, of late – we seem to be bombarded with the veiled threat that your flats will decline in value to zero as they approach the end of the 99-year lease. Is it not in a sense – hinting that if you vote otherwise – your flats may not be given priority for “en-bloc” under SERS!

Leong Sze Hian

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.