Helping the Merdeka Generation

3 June 1959: The then newly elected Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew told a huge rally crowd at the Padang: "Once in a long while in the history of a people, there comes a moment of great change. Tonight is such a moment in our lives." And he lead the rally in shouting "Merdeka!"

PA Kopi Talk, 14 Oct 2018

The video clip above is from the ‘PA Kopi Talk’ held on 14 Oct 2018. PM Lee was responding to a question about the Merdeka Generation package that was announced earlier during the 2018 National Day Rally. 

Here are some key takeaways:

• Similar to the Pioneer Generation Package, the Merdeka Generation (MG) Package will be funded from the reserves that are built up from the CURRENT term of Govt. 
• MG Package funding is expected to last the lifetime of the MG. The future Govt and Tax payers will NOT have to bear the cost burden of the MG Package. 
• Contrary to popular belief, PM Lee does not know if there will be future similar packages. That is for the future Govt to decide. 

About the Merdeka Generation Package

• Announced by PM Lee at the 2018 National Day Rally (See here) 
• The Merdeka Generation refers to Singaporeans who were born in the 1950s. They lived through “battles and upheavals” and also witnessed how their parents “scraped and slogged” for them. 
• The men were among the earliest batches called up for National Service. They formed the first of the SAF. Many, especially the girls, didn't complete their education. They came out to work early, to support the family and younger siblings. All started working when wages were still low. 
• The Merdeka Generation today would be in their 60s. Today most would have either left the workforce, or will soon be retiring. Many have similar healthcare concerns as the pioneers. They are looking at their CPF (Central Provident Fund) savings and Medisave accounts and are worried about having enough for their medical needs as they grow older. 
• MG Package is intended to help with the medical expenses of the estimated 500,000 Singaporeans of the Merdeka generation. 
• MG Package details will be announced in 2019 but it is expected to include outpatient subsidies, Medisave top ups, premium subsidies for the MediShield Life insurance scheme and payouts for long term care. 

See the links below to learn more about the Merdeka Generation Package.

NDR2018: Honoring our Merdeka Generation

Straits Times: An edited excerpt of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech on Sunday on healthcare.

Govt.SG: Merdeka Generation

Channel News Asia: NDR 2018: ‘Merdeka Generation’ healthcare package for Singaporeans born in ’50s

Dollar & Sense: Merdeka Generation Package: An early preview to what the Merdeka Generation may expect to get

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