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PAP MPs jumped to the defence of Singapore “quitter PR” Zhang Yuanyuan
October 6, 2009 by admin01
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From our Correspondent
Three PAP MPs have spontaneously jumped to the defence of Singapore PR Zhang Yuanyuan, who stirred a storm in cyberspace by proclaiming her allegiance to China publicly on Chinese TV channel CCTV!
When interviewed by the state media, the PAP MPs urged netizens not to “extreme” in their reactions as Zhang did nothing wrong from an objective point of view since she is only a Singapore PR.
Dr Lim Wee Kiat, Sembawang GRC:
“Singapore netizens need not be too appalled because Zhang Yuanyuan is only a Singapore PR and she still retains her China passport. Hence, her motherland is still China. As a matter of fact, some Singaporeans are also PRs of other countries and they frequently return to Singapore, so are they going to be condemned by these countries too?”
Josephine Teo, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC:
“I can understand the sentiments who are worried that foreigners may use Singapore as a ‘jumping board’. However, in this instance, Zhang Yuanyuan is actually ‘jumping’ back to her homeland and the possible reason is that she may have little feeling to Singapore after staying here all these years. As Singapore is an “open” city, such examples will happen from time to time. Perhaps we should work harder on this aspect to encourage foreigners to integrate into our society.”
Baey Yam Keng, Tanjong Pagar GRC:
“As Zhang Yuanyuan grew up in China, she may miss her family and friends back home. Similarly, there are many Singaporeans living overseas who still regard Singapore as their homeland and will return eventually.”
It appears that the three PAP MPs still do not realize the crux of the issue: that netizens are not really angry with Zhang Yuanyuan for regarding China as her motherland but peeved with the Singapore government for its liberal open-door immigration policy.
Zhang Yuanyuan is not the only foreigner or PR who has turned her back on Singapore. There are many others who come here on government scholarships or grants and leave after earning a quick buck or worse, by making a hefty profit from sale of HDB flats.
It is disappointing that the MPs, who are supposedly close to the grassroots, are unable to grasp the real concerns of Singaporeans and make no comments on the government’s immigration policy.
Are we importing too many foreigners at too fast a rate that we cannot integrate them into our society without causing social tension? Are we getting the real first world talents or the second class leftovers who cannot make it in their native countries? Most importantly, is the economic pie big enough to be shared among the citizens and the newcomers?
It is understandable that the PAP MPs are reticent on the matter out of fear of jeopardizing their political careers, but what about the three opposition MPs?
Zhang Yuanyuan is definitely not an isolated case. Mass importing foreigners without providing them with a conducive environment to settle down will not solve the problem. Neither will throwing away taxpayers’ monies to help them “integrate” help much.
Foreigners and PRs need only take a look at how Singaporeans are being treated as second class citizens by the ruling party to realize that they are better off in their homeland.
Interview source: Shin Min Daily
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