Mr Ariffin also said it is now “all about dissipating the politics of fear, thanks to the relentless advocacy of the Workers’ Party (WP)”.
WP chief Pritam Singh had recently noted how access to Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) funding, which cover improvements to HDB estates such as the building of recreational facilities, has been “a long-standing battle” fought by opposition politicians.
“These days, still can get CIPC grants, quite okay,” said Mr Ariffin.
“It’s not like those days in Hougang and Potong Pasir, where your constituency may be left behind. These days, it’s quite an even playing field,” he added.
MINISTERIAL SALARIES
Later during the rally, Dr Chee hit out at ministers’ salaries, saying they “live in another universe” not recognised by those in “the real world of HDB estates”.
According to a Factually article on ministerial salaries, which stated that it was accurate as of February 2025, the salary norm for an entry-level minister, including bonuses, was S$1.1 million (US$840,000) a year.
The prime minister’s total norm salary is set at two times that of an entry-level minister’s – S$2.2 million.
Dr Chee also compared the size of HDB flats with those of Good Class Bungalows, including those at Ridout Road that are rented by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
“Just to put it in perspective, the average size of an HDB flat you and I live in is about 100sqm. Mr Shanmugam’s house at 26 Ridout Road is 23,000sqm,” he said.
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