Means test for elderly acceptable
I believe there should be a means test for the 'fruit money'. I agree with the government's original proposal which requires the elderly to prove they deserve the monthly HK$1,000 payment.
Many people said such a test was an insult to the elderly. I disagree.
The government proposed the means test along with an increase in the fruit money. If the authorities didn't respect the elderly, they wouldn't have raised the old-age allowance in the first place.
Our economy is now in recession. Hundreds of workers have lost their jobs. More and more people are likely to seek government assistance in future.
Raising the allowance for the elderly may become a heavy financial burden. The government cannot help all of them at once.
Only those who are in genuine need should be paid the full allowance.
