Manpower minister stresses need for balance, saying both needed for economy to thrive
By
Aaron Low
Some Singaporeans questioned the need for foreign workers, arguing that Singapore could survive without them. -- ST PHOTO: MACOLM MCLEOD
THE foreign-versus-local debate dominated a community dialogue on Sunday, with both sides expressing dismay.
Some Singaporeans questioned the need for foreign workers, arguing that Singapore could survive without them. One even called for the Government to stop issuing work permits to them.
On the other side of the fence, a permanent resident argued that he should receive more benefits as he paid similar taxes to citizens. An employer spoke up in favour of foreign workers, and complained about the high turnover rate of local workers.
These points were made by 10 out of 11 residents of the Tanglin-Cairnhill ward in the Tanjong Pagar GRC, at a dialogue with Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong.
In his responses, Mr Gan underlined the need for balance between keeping foreigners to boost Singapore's economy and keeping jobs for Singaporeans. He said: 'We need to manage and strike a calibrated approach. Foreigners are important and contribute but we must always find ways to help Singaporeans compete.'
After the discussion, he told reporters he was not surprised by the tension that was present during the one-hour session at the Singapore Management University, noting that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had identified the issue as a key stress-point in society.
'The sentiment will remain and it is heightened during this recession because Singaporeans are affected,' he said.
During the dialogue, the plight of local job seekers struggling to find work in this recession was highlighted by a resident. The debate also extended into a discussion on the need to distinguish between citizens and permanent residents.
Addressing these issues, Mr Gan stressed that keeping foreigners away will harm Singapore's future. He said that if companies were forced to employ only locals, they may find it difficult to operate and move away, taking Singaporeans' jobs with them.
'To keep foreigners out may be very appealing to the locals, but it may not be the right approach for Singapore in the long term because it will undermine the basic economic fundamentals,' he said. 'I think ministers and MPs will have to be on the ground to explain the policy. And I am confident that more and more Singaporeans will accept this position.'
Read the full report in Sunday's edition of the Straits Times
