The cost of living is getting out of control. HDB, COE, rental and other prices continue to rise sharply. Even water will cost more.

In spite of the concerns expressed on the high cost of living, the government intends to increase GST by another 1% on 1 January 2024. This will surely lead to another round of hefty price increases and cause more hardship to the people.

The people must elect more opposition MPs into Parliament at the next general election. They can speak out on issues that concern the ordinary people and their families, such as lowering the cost of living, making housing affordable and making jobs secure and pay well.

At present, there are about 10 opposition MPs and their voices are muted. If 30 or more opposition MPs into Parliament, their voices will be better heard, and heard loudly.

Let the current government continue in power, but let there be a strong opposition that can make the government accountable and keep them in check.

Let us move away from the current system where the people in power check themselves and the truth is kept hidden from the people.

It will take a lot of hard work for the opposition to win a group constituency. This will not change overnight. Even if more people boldly vote for the opposition, it will lead to only a few more constituencies falling to the opposition.

At the next general election, the people should have the courage to vote for the opposition. You should not miss this chance.

When more opposition MPs are elected, the government will hear a strong message. They have to change their policies. They have to take immediate steps to make life better for the people.

Tan Kin Lian