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June 8, 2009 Foreign v local debate gets airing Manpower minister stresses need for balance, saying both needed for economy to thrive By Aaron Low THE foreign-versus-local debate dominated a community dialogue yesterday, 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. Her suggestion: Why not stop issuing work permits to foreign workers so that unemployed locals will get the first bite of any job opportunity. But an employer disagreed, arguing that the Manpower Ministry should instead make it more flexible for employers to hire foreigners. Ms Amelia Kang, who runs a business consultancy, said she had trouble retaining locals who would leave the instant they were offered better pay or prospects elsewhere. Out of 15 locals she had hired, only three stayed for over a year, she added. Quality control manager Andrew Kang agreed, saying many foreigners would happily agree to do overtime while locals would be reluctant. The debate extended into a discussion on the need to distinguish between citizens and permanent residents. It was sparked by a Singaporean questioning why PRs were eligible for subsidised training under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur) as well as Jobs Credit, a $4.5 billion programme which sees the Government paying for part of a worker's salary. Giving an opposing view, a PR argued that he should be given similar benefits to citizens because he, too, paid taxes like a Singaporean. A Singaporean later rose to challenge the PR: If you want the benefits, become a citizen. 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.' The hour-long dialogue capped a four-hour visit Mr Gan made to the Tanglin-Cairnhill ward. He mingled with residents, visited exhibitions and even scaled fish at the Bukit Merah View market. With him were the GRC's MPs, including Acting Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State Koo Tsai Kee, Ms Indranee Rajah and Mr Baey Yam Keng. aaronl@sph.com.sg Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement & Condition of Access ------ June 8, 2009 Crucial to keep overseas S'poreans connected MANPOWER Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday spoke about a friend who migrated to Australia and gave up his Singapore citizenship. The friend continues to visit Singapore to see his parents, and he would catch up with friends during the visit. 'He asked me out for lunch next week, but unfortunately, I'm not free,' said Mr Gan, with a rueful smile. The point of his story: It is important to help overseas Singaporeans - even those who have given up their citizenship - stay connected to Singapore. 'We must find ways to keep in contact with them and they will continue to contribute to the country,' he said. Mr Gan was responding to a question at a dialogue with residents of Tanglin-Cairnhill ward on how to retain local talent instead of losing them to other countries. He cited efforts like a Government-organised event in April. The Singapore Day celebration in London included decorating the venue's main entrance with an ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) gantry. The gantry is a quirky reminder of Singapore, but he said it is also critical to help overseas Singaporeans maintain emotional ties to the country. 'It's not just about money and food, but about family and friends back home,' he said. Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement & Condition of Access |