WP and Jamus Lim's mixed messages on carbon tax and protecting the environment

Cover all ground. Please everyone. Chase every vote.

WP's mixed messages is meant to win everyone, never mind if these messages become incoherent when put together.

There is one message to please all who are concerned with climate change and another to please those for whom the present is more important than the future.

What is more disturbing is that the economist in WP, Jamus Lim, demonstrated that he didn't quite fully understand when he equated his suggestion of a flexible carbon tax to an uncertain interest rate.

“'I'm befuddled because even now, the Government routinely alters levers or policies, such as the interest rate when there is uncertainty on a year-to-year basis about the level of interest rate. Yet, businesses continue to invest,” he said.

This is not about the COST of doing business as interest rates go up or down. This is about the TRANSFORMATION of a business.

The carbon tax trajectory is critical in enabling the pace of transformation to a low-carbon future.

It provides certainty and impetus for businesses to plan their transition, to invest in low-carbon technologies and carbon markets.

It ensures that NEW investments and economic activities are aligned with a low-carbon future.

I'm very proud that a small country like Singapore that imports our energy needs is making effort to achieve zero emission. Kudos to the PAP Government for staying the course despite the difficult time we are in.