I think control and knowing where to draw the line is important. It's not that we don't want growth. It's not that we hate or think foreigners are unnecessary here. But it's how to manage it well such that there is balance. Cost of living will definitely increase in every developed country. But by how fast? Can the people cope or feel comfortable?
Back in the 90's and early to mid 2000, Singapore was doing very well and I remember there was hardly any concern we had unfavourable economy or exchange rate. I remember at every GE, there was no point waiting for the results. PAP would win hands down 80+% of the votes. Fast forward 2011, they won marginally only and we know, they know, their popularity has gone down drastically.
Then suddenly, when there was a surge in population and we began to notice foreign-looking faces every corner, infrastructure not planned properly (by PM Lee's own admission), we knew something was not quite right or comfortable.
For me, I knew something was screwed up when within a span of 5 years, typical HDB flat prices in non-prime areas could increase by as much as 250%, or more than $300,000 but yet PAP ministers constantly insisted they remain affordable.
If economy is of utmost importance over the commoners' well-being, and if I want to be selfish now, then I will say, Ok please jack up the population by 6.5 million end of this year. And I hope more HDB flats can be sold for a million $. Don't give a damn about the poor whiners of this country. Let the new grads live in 2-room HDB flats. Tell them: "Either you try to survive here with your pittance salary or you can rot and be gone from this country."
I don't think that's the right thing to do.
