Forum: Election gives parties a good opportunity to debate issues rationally

As in previous general elections, the issue of immigrants and foreign workers will likely be a hot debate topic in the current election campaign.

The topic is a delicate and sensitive matter, even in non-election years.

Way back in 2004, Mr Daniel Lian, an economist at investment bank Morgan Stanley, suggested that Singapore should contemplate increasing the population – which was four million then – to six million to eight million over the long term.  

He pointed out that Singapore’s fertility rate was on the decline. He particularly emphasised the benefits of allowing more prime-age working adults and their young families to come here. 

His suggestion was met with many objections from the public. I was one of them. My concerns were that local citizens might become the minority in our total population, and that the policy might cause social conflict.  

Today, I find that the Government and the people have managed this issue quite well. The Government has implemented a series of pro-family measures to boost the birth rate, and is also promoting deeper integration between newcomers and Singaporeans.  

I hope that during the election campaign, political parties will not play up the issue of immigration. Playing up such issues might hurt the feelings of foreign-born residents and workers here. Also, Singapore’s image as an open society and a global city would be tarnished.

A general election presents all political parties with a good opportunity to debate issues rationally, and for them to support their visions and views with facts and figures.

Those who oppose any current policies should present their alternatives. I think the Government and policymakers would consider good suggestions that are brought up. This would make our election process more beneficial to the nation and its people, on top of selecting capable leaders.

Albert Ng Ya Ken