The Straits Times did a survey with 500 Singapore citizens aged 21 and above shortly after the end of the Budget debate on March 5.

The survey served as a mid-term assessment of the ruling government's performance and also to find out how satisfied citizens were with housing, transport, health care and foreigners issues three years after General Election 2011.

In the roundup of the survey results published on April 19, 2013, ST sounded optimistic in their analysis.

Three years on from the 2011 General Election, a Straits Times poll finds the Government's shifts in social policy have boosted confidence in its handling of housing, ageing, the poor and health-care issues.

But dissatisfaction over transport and foreign workers still simmers, with more than a quarter saying government performance in these two areas is now worse than in 2011.

When asked to name the Government's biggest achievement since the country last voted, 26 per cent said housing, pushing it to top spot. As for its worst failure, 45 per cent said transport.

Here are some of the survey results pinpointing the major bugbears that could serve as hot button issues in the next general election.

1. What is the government's biggest accomplishment since the 2011 elections?

Housing 26%

The elderly 19%

Healthcare 11%

Specific accomplishments: Financial assistance (7% of respondents cited this), the Pioneer Generation Package (6% cited this) and estate upgrading (6% cited this).

2. What is the government's worst failure since the 2011 elections?

Transport 45%

Housing 18%

Foreign workers & immigrants 15%

Specific failures: Car prices/COE (11% of respondents cited this), rising cost of living (11% cited this), too many foreign workers (10% cited this).

What are the bugbears: Housing has turned out to be one of the government's biggest accomplishments and worst failures at the same time.

That's because housing policy is still a problematic, divisive issue -- some segments of the population are benefiting at the expense of others.

And what's conspicuously absent? The increase in supply of HDB flats was not mentioned by respondents as one of the government's accomplishments, even though plenty of effort has been spent expounding on how calls for more housing have been heeded.

3. How would you rate Singaporeans' satisfaction with government policies?

What are the bugbears: 59% said they are satisfied or very satisfied. In other words, 41% don't share the same good vibes, and specifically, one quarter of respondents who are neutral have been unmoved by or simply not informed about government policies introduced since 2011.

4. Has it become easier for first-time buyers to own a home since 2011?

What are the bugbears: Well, it's a strange question to ask because how are you supposed to know if it is easier if it is your virgin experience? And how many respondents have experience buying a flat before so that they can adequately answer this question?

Regardless, 2 in 5 felt it has become easier to own a home since 2011. That leaves 3 in 5 who are still feeling iffy.

But 2011 is not exactly the best time to benchmark against: The public housing issue was in a state of crisis then.

What is interesting but has been left out, however, are the satisfaction levels of homeowners who are looking to upgrade and aiming for social mobility by cashing in on their property.

5. How confident are you with your ability to pay for health care in your old age?

What are the bugbears: Only 1 in 2 were confident of paying for their health care in old age. That's just half of the people surveyed.

6. How would you rate Singapore's public transport system at the moment?

What are the bugbears: Only 1 in 3 find Singapore's public transport system good. That leaves 2 in 3 who find it wanting.

7. How would you rate public transport services now as compared with 2011?

What are the bugbears: 1 in 2 who take the train regularly felt services had deteriorated since 2011.

2 in 5 of those who take the bus regularly felt services had improved since 2011.

At the same time, 2 in 5 felt there was no change at all for bus service standards since 2011.

Top photo from here

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