SINGAPORE, April 23 -- As Singapore gears up for its next general election, political parties are setting out contrasting ideas on key national issues such as fiscal policy, cost of living, housing and foreign manpower.

The Straits Times reports that while manifestos and campaign speeches will play a role in shaping voter decisions, analysts say the public should also consider what parties and their Members of Parliament have said and done over the past five years.

The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has consistently defended its decision to raise the goods and services tax (GST) from 7 per cent to 9 per cent, arguing that it was necessary to support rising healthcare and social expenditure.

Fiscal policy: Balancing budgets and usin...