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The mainstream media and PAP politicians have started to frame the concerns and unhappiness as "anti-foreigner" sentiments[Has anti-foreigner sentiment gone too far] and "tirades". Through this re-casting of the problem, the MSM and PAP puts the blame on Singaporeans for being intolerant and harboring "anti-foreigner" sentiments. This characterisation is not only incorrect, it is unfair to Singaporeans who have suffered from PAP policies. While this "blame the victim" approach has been used by the PAP to promote their past policies, there is general consensus on the ground against the high foreign influx. This tactic to turn play one group Singaporeans against another in order to achieve their own political goal will divide Singaporeans. Singaporeans should not "stand up against" one another on this, we should stand to gather in order to move ahead on this issue.
Nowhere else in the world have citizens been as tolerant as Singaporeans when it comes to the acceptance of foreigners. Just look at what has happened in Australia and Hong Kong[Link] where there has been a far stronger reaction even though the influx to those places is far lower on a per capita basis.
Labelling those who oppose the liberal immigration policies as "anti-foreigners" and calling their expression of frustration "tirades" are irresponsible attempts to divide Singaporeans in order to advance a policy seen as harmful by most Singaporeans. So much for the much touted 'inclusiveness' they keep harping about. The focus of govt should be on how the problems faced by Singaporeans should be addressed and on changes that will lead to long term benefits for Singaporeans. By failing to do this, the govt has deepened the anger and opposition to this policy. By putting forth fallacious arguments such as foreigners create jobs for Singaporeans when more than 70% jobs created are taken up by foreigners [Link]they have added to the frustration and anger.
- http://singaporemind.blogspot.sg/2012/06/irresponsible-framing-of-our.html
Nowhere else in the world have citizens been as tolerant as Singaporeans when it comes to the acceptance of foreigners. Just look at what has happened in Australia and Hong Kong[Link] where there has been a far stronger reaction even though the influx to those places is far lower on a per capita basis.
Labelling those who oppose the liberal immigration policies as "anti-foreigners" and calling their expression of frustration "tirades" are irresponsible attempts to divide Singaporeans in order to advance a policy seen as harmful by most Singaporeans. So much for the much touted 'inclusiveness' they keep harping about. The focus of govt should be on how the problems faced by Singaporeans should be addressed and on changes that will lead to long term benefits for Singaporeans. By failing to do this, the govt has deepened the anger and opposition to this policy. By putting forth fallacious arguments such as foreigners create jobs for Singaporeans when more than 70% jobs created are taken up by foreigners [Link]they have added to the frustration and anger.
- http://singaporemind.blogspot.sg/2012/06/irresponsible-framing-of-our.html
