In the months leading up to the 2020 general election, the incendiary issue of immigration once again reared its head.
Many irate Singaporeans took to social media to express their displeasure about a supposed lack of high-level job positions, though sometimes in a prejudiced manner.
In an attempt to reassure Singaporeans, the government has raised Employment Pass salary thresholds and promised to build a strong Singaporean core.
Still, as we’ve seen in many countries, advocates of stiffer regulations over the influx of foreign workers often neglect the benefits of having a diverse workforce.
As our prime minister recently explained, it can actually benefit Singaporeans.
PM Lee: If We Send Away Work Pass Holders, There’ll Be Fewer Jobs for S’poreans
The best way to protect livelihoods in Singapore is to keep the country open for talent and business.
That was one of the messages PM Lee had for Singaporeans when he spoke at the People’s Action Party (PAP) biennial conference.
The prime minister appreciated that many locals are concerned about the competition from foreign work pass holders.
The government should reassure Singaporean workers by ensuring they are treated fairly and are able to compete with foreign workers, he said.
If not, it would lead to a lot of “angst and social tension”, as we’ve already seen in several social media posts.
At the same time, the government needs to convince Singaporeans that keeping the country open for talent and business is actually the best way to protect livelihoods and families here.
“If we just close ourselves up and send away the work pass holders, it will result in fewer jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans, and more hardship for our workers and their families,” PM Lee warned.
Extra Focus on Low-Wage Workers
The prime minister also touched upon the struggle of low-wage workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said one concern is that it could disproportionately affect low-income workers, and undo years of progress made to level up low-wage workers.
This is why low-wage workers will get special attention from the government during the pandemic.
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This, PM Lee said, will be done through practical support measures, and not “glib slogans or half-baked proposals”.
He brought up the Progressive Wage Model, Workfare and Silver Support as examples, promising to come up with new ways to help these low-income groups.
PM Lee: PAP Must Adapt to What Singaporeans Want in Politics
In another speech at PAP’s central executive committee (CEC) elections, PM Lee said that it is the government that has to adapt to what citizens want in their politics, reported CNA.
The political beliefs of Singaporeans are shifting, and the government must make adjustments.
“They still want stability and progress, job security and opportunities for themselves and their children,” he said.
A 34YO “old-virgin” S’porean was desperately looking for a boyfriend and surprisingly, she really found one online. But the intentions of the man will make you cry. Prepare tissue paper to watch this video based on real events:
“But increasingly, Singaporeans want other things too,” he said. This includes being able to participate more actively in shaping society, having more checks and balances, more alternative voices, and scrutiny of government policies.”
This explains the performance of the Worker’s Party in the 2020 general election, who won a record 10 seats.
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As PM Lee said, these new expectations and desires will only grow with every generation of Singaporeans.
Featured Image: zahimmohd / Shutterstock.com
