The opposing questions, raised in Parliament during the current Budget debate, were emblematic of the tensions within Singapore society on the issue of foreign workers, said Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen yesterday.

'There are some who advocate making it rigid so that Singaporeans have an easier chance of finding jobs,' he observed.

'But those who are...involved in business say: Relax so that businesses can grow.'

It was a tension that is not likely to go away for many years to come, he said during the debate on his ministry's budget.

So the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) job was to 'maintain a tightly tuned balance to make sure our economy grows'.

'And I think, as our result showed us last year, that we've sort of got the balance right,' he said, in a likely reference to recent reports that showed that, while six out of 10 new jobs went to foreigners, Singaporeans got the majority of positions for 'professionals, managers, executives and technicians'.

Indeed, the tension can be seen in the questions the MPs posed before and after the minister's reply.

Ms Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC) asked: 'In view of the acute manpower shortage in the construction industry, will there be any relaxation on the employment of foreign workers and professionals?'

Dr Ng replied that MOM would continue to monitor the situation.

Ms Irene Ng (Tampines GRC) followed, calling for the balance to tilt towards Singaporeans. A constituent of hers in his late 60s lost to a China national when competing for a job as a coffeeshop assistant.

He wanted to work seven hours a day for $1,200 a month - what he needed to support his family. But the China national was willing to work 12 hours a day for $900.

'So can I ask the minister what assurance can he give to Singaporeans, especially the older ones, who feel it's an almost impossible task to compete with the foreign workers who are cheaper,' she said.

Dr Ng replied: 'Employment rate has increased overall, so more of those...who were vulnerable had found jobs.'

On exploitation of foreign workers, he said MOM's strategy is to explain to the workers their rights, and create communication channels for them.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Hawazi Daipi added that MOM prosecuted 229 employers last year for illegal deployment of foreign maids, and helped to recover more than $270,000 in unpaid salaries for 276 maids.

There are 500,000 foreign workers here, leading to unhappiness among some Singaporeans about living near them.

In response to Mr Ong Ah Heng (Nee Soon Central), Mr Hawazi said police statistics show foreign workers are no more likely to commit crimes than Singaporeans.

'We need to balance the housing and recreational needs of foreign workers with the concerns of Singaporeans.

'This will require Singaporeans to adapt and accept foreign workers within our society. We have to recognise this and not take a 'not in my backyard' attitude.'

LI XUEYING