SM Goh: Foreign workers numbers may still “riseâ€
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February 5, 2010 - Temasek Review
SM Goh: Foreign workers numbers may still “rise”
Written by Our Correspondent
For Singaporeans who are elated at recent promises by PAP leaders to slow the “intake” of foreign workers, it is too early to celebrate yet.
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong injected a dose of reality yesterday when he told Singapore reporters in Bahrain that the moves “do not mark a ’sudden turnaround’ in policy.”
“Rather, it is simply a recognition that the country is nearing what it can accommodate. While foreign worker numbers may still rise, it will now grow more slowly,” he was quoted as saying.
Due to the ruling party’s liberal immigration policies, foreigners now make up 36 per cent of Singapore’s population, up from 14 per cent in 1990.
With Singapore’s birth rate declining, this means that the percentage of foreigners in Singapore will increase though the rate of increase may slow down.
It seems that SM Goh is unaware of public sentiments on the ground – that a sizable number of Singaporeans not only want to decrease the inflow of foreigners, but to reverse it as well.
The relentless influx of foreigners into Singapore over the years has changed its demographics beyond recognition.
Certain parts of Singapore now resembles more like a town in China or India with congregation of large number of foreigners.
To compound matters, the ruling party gives out PRs and citizenships liberally to foreigners just to make up for the shortfall in population, but without assessing if they can really integrate into Singapore society.
SM Goh added that the Government was reviewing the PR scheme to try and make sure foreigners do not exploit it:
“If you want to come to Singapore, decide to be a PR, the logical conclusion must be Singapore citizenship. Do your fair share contributing as Singapore citizens.”
Unlike other countries which require a minimum period of residency before one can apply for PR, foreigners can apply for PR as soon as they found work in Singapore.
There is a “Landed PR scheme” which allows them to stay for up to 2 years in Singapore to find work and an “In-principle PR” for residents from Hong Kong and Taiwan who do not need to even step foot on Singapore to qualify for one.
Large number of PRs were given to mainland Chinese, some of whom cannot speak a single word of English and as a result, taxpayers’ monies have to be spent to provide free language classes for them.
Too many immigrants have been accepted as PRs and citizens into Singapore without any “QC” in too short a period of time that it is impossible to integrate all of them.
Singaporeans should not harbor any more false hopes on the ruling party to make radical changes to its disastrous immigration policy to suit their interests.
It is time they reclaim their ownership of the country by doing the necessary at the next general election.
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Please do not move this to other forums.
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What do you expect from him? The old man has the final say.
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As I always say, PAP loves practising double standard.
Their continual rule in this dot will create more and more problems.
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It's downhill leadership.
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as long as the old heck lives, it is top down.
It will be helpful , good for people if the leaders adopt the bottom up. Life would be better
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A close mind cannot give freedom and hence they are failing.
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deliberate choice of closed mind benefits them so I doubt they want to change.
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Why encourage local workers to go upgrading? After upgrading they cannot find jobs.
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Last time they say sporean are hardworking, can work long hours...now bopakei, must work smart.....
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Originally posted by likeyou:
Last time they say sporean are hardworking, can work long hours...now bopakei, must work smart.....
They need only cheap, smart, hardworking and non stop working people. Squeeze blood.
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In summary, they are experts in the area of exploitation.
Brainwashing people who go to CDC look for jobs that the trend now is to accept low salary and work extra , work more.
They misuse, abuse the word "trend". The word should be changed to their selfish desire
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Originally posted by Chew Bakar:
They need only cheap, smart, hardworking and non stop working people. Squeeze blood.
Ha...no blood to squeeze liao. Left brittle bone and flesh (c/w little fat). -
Originally posted by likeyou:
Ha...no blood to squeeze liao. Left brittle bone and flesh (c/w little fat).Fat not worth much these days. Oil better.
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You left with only that , never mind the doctors at govt hospital can help you improve. Go there for help. Go there they squeeze all you are left with
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Originally posted by Chew Bakar:
Fat not worth much these days. Oil better.
No oil, need to apply chiam cheah You.