‘Unacceptable nearly 40% of population make up of foreigners
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By Andrew Loh | SingaporeScene – Wed, Jul 4, 2012
COMMENT
Since the release of the first part of the video recording on the forum on xenophobia, some have questioned why the bloggers involved did not outright condemn xenophobic expression online and offline. The forum, called "Online|Offline", is an initiative by several bloggers to discuss the hot issues of the day. Xenophobia was the topic chosen for the inaugural forum.
First, there is a misunderstanding that the forum is some sort of "movement" against xenophobia. It was never intended to be. The purpose of the dialogue was to kickstart discussion on the matter, especially online, on the issues related to the topic. Also, the bloggers each have their own views on the matter, and they do not — whether individually or collectively — represent other bloggers or the blogging community as a whole.
But what about the topic itself, which has raised concern among government ministers and members of the public? I do not believe we are at the stage where xenophobia — the irrational fear or hatred for foreigners or things foreign — is a serious matter for the moment. I do, however, believe that we are headed in that direction, if we do nothing to look into it and fix the root cause or causes.
Singaporeans, as filmmaker Martyn See said at the forum, have always welcomed foreigners. Singaporeans, as indeed people anywhere, were not born xenophobic. In our island, especially, which has always been opened to foreign influences, Singaporeans are by and large accepting of foreigners and things foreign. Just look around you — in entertainment, at work, etc. We have and enjoy pleasures from many different and diverse nations and cultures.
That is not to say, however, that there is no unhappiness about the number of foreigners in our midst, or that there is no fear of how this has influenced the way we live, work and play. It has affected our way of life, there are no doubts about it. Just look at the public transport system, the prices of public housing flats, the weekend at the parks, or even your neighbourhood.
There is unhappiness and most of us recognise this.
And this has led to the expression, online and offline, of anger towards members of the expat or foreign community. Some irrational while others more measured. All, however, are an extension of a deeper malaise — which, to put it bluntly, has emerged from a government policy which was ill-conceived.
While the government has explained that the influx of 2 million foreigners onto our shores was an economic necessity — we either take advantage of the opportunities which come our way or we will lose out — questions of the wisdom of allowing such an open-door policy, especially on the consequences for our social cohesion and infrastructural readiness, is now being raised.
The Prime Minister has tweaked some of his government's policies to "put Singaporeans first". And so we see certain policies tilted to weigh more in favour of Singaporeans. While these are welcomed, the more important issue is the presence of the 2 million foreigners which the government has said little about, except to reiterate that we need them for our economic progress. "More investments leads to more jobs which means more foreigners", a Straits Times headline said.
That is all well and good, except that the everyday reality of life here is causing social friction and unhappiness. And these are not limited to Singaporeans alone. The foreigners themselves are increasingly feeling it too. In the end, we may end up with both sides being unhappy and suspicious of each other. We may have economic growth — but we will be a society divided. And that is a tinderbox waiting for a match.
Where do we go from here then?
First, we need to go beyond the labelling of expression of unhappiness as xenophobic or xenophobia. These negative sentiments did not arise because Singaporeans were born with them. They are more pronounced now, in the last few years especially, because of national policies. While we may condemn xenophobic expression, it would be folly to think that that is all that we need to do to rein in xenophobia, or even these negative sentiments.
Second, we do seriously need a national dialogue on our economic strategy, going forward. If the presence of 2 million foreigners is directly linked to our economic growth, as the government has constantly insisted, then we need to decide — as a nation — if this is what we want to continue to do, or if there is another way forward.
Third, we must, despite all the unhappiness, realise the great potential that Singapore has to truly become a great city. The fundamental pre-requisites to be one are already there. We will next need to adopt a more global mindset to accept the presence of foreigners, as our city continues to evolve into something greater.
The crux of the matter then is how do we strike that sweet spot where we have a good balance between the number of foreigners and economic growth. Both are important. The unhappiness is that we have missed that spot and have veered towards an irrational dependence on foreign talent and labour.
To resolve this whole conundrum, we will need for everyone to have a say, and for the government to heed the voices which are coming from the ground.
It is unacceptable that almost 40 per cent of our population is made up of foreigners. No other country on earth, besides Dubai, has such a large proportion of foreigners. Is it then any surprise that this has led to fear of or expression of xenophobia?
Instead of looking at the irrational outbursts of unhappiness in some quarters, we should instead look at the irrational policies which have given rise to them. How else will we root out such sentiments if not to look at the root cause?
And that, in a nutshell, was something which all the bloggers at the forum agreed on.
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I think it is acceptable as long as the consequences are made known.
Our govt is aware that by 2025, the NS enlistment would be under 20000 enlistees.
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Technically we need 10% of the 40% to riot and we will cease to exist as a country
Its not a far fetched thought
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Quoted from "A date with a vampire"
"When humans are the majority, vampires are the monsters. When vampires are the majority, humans are the monsters."
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just get rid of PAP at 2016 general elections. No need to stand at ceremony with the PAP.
You stand at ceremony with PAP they will take your head and cut it off.
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Total rubbish, the majority of the Singaporean accept 40% or even higher % as they had given the elites the mandate for the FT policy in the last G.E
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Originally posted by laurence82:
Technically we need 10% of the 40% to riot and we will cease to exist as a country
Its not a far fetched thought
The recent Burmese riot outside the Singapore's Burmese Embassy. Something mainstream Singaporeans were unaware of or bo chap.
1) The Burmese were hundreds (at some points tens of thousand).
2) They rioted openly with weapons - with policemen in sight.
3) In youtube (not sure if the videos still there), you can see the look of fear on the faces of these inexperienced policemen.What our bo ji govt did? they only expelled the 3 ringleaders. The rest of thousands of lawbreakers gotten away scot-free, sniggering at our tough-talking but bo ji govt.
Imagine, in the near future where these Burmese, Pinoys riot not against their home-country but against Singapore - for total acceptance, for equality of treatment, for equality of job opportunity, for recognition of their languages, cultures and religions.
When this day arrives, LHL and the PAP have farked, conned and milked each and every local-born, native, third/fourth/fifth generation Singaporeans, left, right, up, down for $$$$ and political mileage.
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SG Galament
Regardless you are a Black Cat or a White Cat.... As you as you pay Income Tax... you are a good cat....
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But the ang mo oso hav a saying
"dont kill the goose (Singaporeans) that lay the golden eggs"
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Originally posted by 4sg:
The recent Burmese riot outside the Singapore's Burmese Embassy. Something mainstream Singaporeans were unaware of or bo chap.
1) The Burmese were hundreds (at some points tens of thousand).
2) They rioted openly with weapons - with policemen in sight.
3) In youtube (not sure if the videos still there), you can see the look of fear on the faces of these inexperienced policemen.What our bo ji govt did? they only expelled the 3 ringleaders. The rest of thousands of lawbreakers gotten away scot-free, sniggering at our tough-talking but bo ji govt.
Imagine, in the near future where these Burmese, Pinoys riot not against their home-country but against Singapore - for total acceptance, for equality of treatment, for equality of job opportunity, for recognition of their languages, cultures and religions.
When this day arrives, LHL and the PAP have farked, conned and milked each and every local-born, native, third/fourth/fifth generation Singaporeans, left, right, up, down for $$$$ and political mileage.
This is the exact scenario that i am talking about and one every singaporean should fear of
if they march onto Parliament or other government buildings Singapore as a nation is finished
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Originally posted by laurence82:
if they march onto Parliament or other government buildings Singapore as a nation is finished
Then it is up to the local people of Singapore to restore the country.
Those people who suppressed the local people and their cultures, all must be destroyed.
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9:)
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i think this must be someone's big farewell gift to us
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hahaha
since u all going to vote me out in 2016
i will make sure u all and the next gahmen kio sai, like what Saw did to everyone
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next government dunno got economists in the cupboard i mean cabinet or not
if anyhow do reverse engineering
we will be left with a void resulting from FT pulling out or driven out
and suffer big repercussions
becos our system would have access capacity orginally created for them
if we are now left with the 60%
we will be screwed too -
either way we get farked
no wonder no need s3x -
it's not a matter of quantity but the qualitative nurturing and caring society at a whole to ensuring long lasting impact in singapore for a more promising world of tomorrow. every pple in singapore either singaporeans or foreigners have a major share to ensure the success of this small plot of land, cos it directly and indirectly delivering a strong good signal of harmonious bliss for other part of the world a basis or model. Singapore is a hybrid formation from all walks of nationalities since the beginning of human history, apes men. Otherwise, they have to look into buddhism study which never would it be as tasty and suitable to everyone in life
no offending pls just as a tinge of a little side toning.... -
At 2025, do we still need National Service to defend Singapore ?
The 7G Armed Force will be protecting Singapore.
So, the number of NS enlistees does not matter.
Whether they listen or not, it is obvious they are adopting the approach of I say you accept whether you like it or not.
Even if they are attracting PRs, they are here for free education and move on after that.
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We need gundam to protect Sg.
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In the year 2525
Do we still need NSF
The Prime Minister can protect us.
With a briefcase and a red button.
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Originally posted by laurence82:
hahaha
since u all going to vote me out in 2016
i will make sure u all and the next gahmen kio sai, like what Saw did to everyone
damn scary.
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Originally posted by laurence82:
hahaha
since u all going to vote me out in 2016
i will make sure u all and the next gahmen kio sai, like what Saw did to everyone
no joke, it's sai?n I tot it was her worn pad!
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Saw is an ugly guy
what worn pad?