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http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/08/24/sg-pm-defends-immigration-policy-ahead-of-ge/
[h=2]SG PM defends immigration policy ahead of GE[/h]
August 24th, 2015 |
Author: Online
Press
(AFP,
24 Aug) – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday defended his
immigration policies and unveiled a set of economic goodies for families ahead
of general elections expected to be held in September.
“Soon, I will be calling elections to ask for your mandate to take Singapore
into this next phase of our nation-building,” Lee said in an annual policy
speech after the city-state celebrated 50 years of independence from
Malaysia.
“This election will be critical. You will be deciding who’s governing
Singapore for the next five years, but much more than that… you will be setting
the direction for Singapore for the next fifty years, you will be determining
the future for Singapore,” he added.
Lee, 63, addressed one of the most sensitive issues in Singapore — an influx
of foreign workers and immigrants which has seen the population surge from 4.17
million in 2004 when he came to power to 5.47 million last year.
The government slowed the intake after the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)
— which has been in power for more than 50 years — saw its share of the vote
plunge to 60 percent in the 2011 general election.
It retained 80 of the 87 seats in parliament thanks to a block-voting
system.
“On foreigners and immigration, there are no easy choices. Every option has a
cost, has a downside,” Lee said.
“If we close our door to foreign workers, our economy will tank. Companies
won’t have enough workers. Some will close down and our own people working in
these companies will lose their jobs,” Lee said.
“On the other hand, if we let in too many foreign workers, our society will
come undone. Singaporeans will be crowded out, workplaces will feel foreign, our
identity will be diluted and we just can’t digest huge numbers,” he added.
“Whichever option we choose, it will involve some pain. But I believe that I
am doing what Singapore needs and what best safeguards your interests.”
Lee did not give details on his future immigration policy.
- Key election issue -
The influx of skilled and educated migrants remains a source of tension in
the compact city-state, with middle-class Singaporeans complaining that the
newcomers are competing with them for jobs and housing and straining public
services like mass transport.
Read more: www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/666008/singapore-pm-defends-immigration-policy-ahead-of-general-election
[h=2]SG PM defends immigration policy ahead of GE[/h]
August 24th, 2015 |
Author: Online
Press
24 Aug) – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday defended his
immigration policies and unveiled a set of economic goodies for families ahead
of general elections expected to be held in September.
“Soon, I will be calling elections to ask for your mandate to take Singapore
into this next phase of our nation-building,” Lee said in an annual policy
speech after the city-state celebrated 50 years of independence from
Malaysia.
“This election will be critical. You will be deciding who’s governing
Singapore for the next five years, but much more than that… you will be setting
the direction for Singapore for the next fifty years, you will be determining
the future for Singapore,” he added.
Lee, 63, addressed one of the most sensitive issues in Singapore — an influx
of foreign workers and immigrants which has seen the population surge from 4.17
million in 2004 when he came to power to 5.47 million last year.
The government slowed the intake after the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)
— which has been in power for more than 50 years — saw its share of the vote
plunge to 60 percent in the 2011 general election.
It retained 80 of the 87 seats in parliament thanks to a block-voting
system.
“On foreigners and immigration, there are no easy choices. Every option has a
cost, has a downside,” Lee said.
“If we close our door to foreign workers, our economy will tank. Companies
won’t have enough workers. Some will close down and our own people working in
these companies will lose their jobs,” Lee said.
“On the other hand, if we let in too many foreign workers, our society will
come undone. Singaporeans will be crowded out, workplaces will feel foreign, our
identity will be diluted and we just can’t digest huge numbers,” he added.
“Whichever option we choose, it will involve some pain. But I believe that I
am doing what Singapore needs and what best safeguards your interests.”
Lee did not give details on his future immigration policy.
- Key election issue -
The influx of skilled and educated migrants remains a source of tension in
the compact city-state, with middle-class Singaporeans complaining that the
newcomers are competing with them for jobs and housing and straining public
services like mass transport.
Read more: www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/666008/singapore-pm-defends-immigration-policy-ahead-of-general-election
