While delivering his National Day message on Sunday (8 August), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed that Singaporeans’ anxiety over the issue of foreign work pass holders are being addressed, adding that the Government has to adjust its policies in order to manage the quality, number and concentrations of foreigners here.
“If we do this well, we can continue to welcome foreign workers and new immigrants, as we must. Turning inwards is against our fundamental interests,” he said in his televised speech.
PM Lee pointed out that Singaporeans understand that the country needs to welcome talent and expertise in order for the economy to grow. These include work pass holders who contribute towards expanding the economy and creating more opportunities for Singapore.
“When we complement our own workforce with skills from around the world, more companies will invest here, and this then creates more jobs for Singaporeans,” he explained.
He added, “This is a virtuous cycle.”
However, PM Lee acknowledged that he understands the worries that Singaporeans have over competition for jobs, especially when the number of foreign work pass holders is high.
To make it worse, the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused more anxieties for Singaporeans.
He said that same work pass holders who reinforce the team and contribute to the company may also compete directly with their local colleagues.
“Sometimes, the local feel unfairly treated, for instance, when they miss out on being hired or promoted,” he said.
He continued, “Outside work, from time to time, there are also social frictions, because some work pass holders and their families have not fully adapted to our social norms, nor fully integrated into our society.”
“I understand these anxieties and problems. The Government is addressing them,” said PM Lee.
However, he stressed on not turning inwards as such a shift would negatively impact Singapore’s standing as a global and regional hub, and cost its people jobs and opportunities.
“Most importantly, it goes against our values of openness, and of being accepting of others who are different from us,” he added.
“We uphold these values, because they have anchored us, and helped us progress over the years as a nation.”
Netizens’ react
After hearing this, online users slammed PM Lee for his remarks made in his National Day message. They said that the Prime Minister “got it all wrong”, and that it’s important for Singapore to manage the quantity and quality of Foreign Talents (FTs) that are brought into the country.
Penning their thoughts in the Facebook page of The Straits Times, netizens expressed the need to bring so many FTs, urging the Government to trust the local talents instead.
Others asked if the Government will now accept FTs as Singapore’s ministers as they should “level the playing field”.
Some stressed that the FTs who are brought into the country are not talented and has no proper qualifications to do the job. As such, they urge the Government to do a proper check on them before allowing FTs into Singapore.
A number of online users questioned Singapore’s education system since the country has to rely on FTs to do the job and grow its economy.