Damage Control on FT policy?

[Angmokio]

recently the tone on FT policy has change somewhat, I smell fear.

 

 

Replenish, redefine the oasis

Inflow of migrants must be managed to ensure S'poreans don't lose out: SM Goh

 

05:55 AM Nov 06, 2009

by Asha Popatlal [email protected]

SINGAPORE - On any given day, some 100,000 tourists are in Singapore, while more than half a million foreigners live and work here. Everyone must go the extra mile if this is to be "an oasis of harmony", said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

 

"But let me add a caveat here. Those who come to drink from the oasis must add to our ability to replenish the water, and not just consume and deplete the stock.

 

"By this I mean that we must manage the inflow of talent and new immigrants to ensure that Singaporeans do not lose out and in fact benefit from their presence."

 

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore last night, Mr Goh spoke about Singapore's need to be one the most liveable cities in the world, which would require a new identity - beyond that of being "clean, green and safe".

 

"If Singapore cannot differentiate itself as an outstanding city, we cannot sustain our high quality of life," he said.

 

Pro-business policies, connectivity, low tax rates, family-friendly environment - these have been the Republic's competitive advantages in drawing talent and investments. But not for much longer, for this edge is "fast being eroded as other cities start to acquire similar attributes".

 

"Singapore must, therefore, project a new identity, one that captivates the eyes, moves the heart, stirs the soul and inspires the mind.

 

"To stand out, Singapore must go beyond being clean, green and safe. It must be a vibrant place which boldly embraces talents and ideas.

 

"Most importantly, it must hold special meaning as Home for its citizens, both here and abroad," said Mr Goh.

 

His vision of a distinctive Singapore encompasses a convenient, compact and aesthetically-pleasing city with gardens and water spaces, marrying environmental sustainability with economic vibrancy.

 

"Singapore can be a city big on economic ideas but small on environmental footprint," he said, such as by making public transport the choice mode.

 

But "even as we aspire to benchmark ourselves against the best, we must not price ourselves out" - whether in terms of business rentals or homes for people.

 

To those worried over recent price hikes, he assured, an adequate supply of homes is in the pipeline while the Government is releasing more land to "ensure that property prices do not fall out of sync with economic fundamentals".

 

It will also continue to factor in growing demand from permanent residents in the resale market.

 

[Fantasy]

you still dont get it.

 

the policy is simply made to meet the requirement and request from many key employers. gov does not hire and pay those FT. employers do.

 

it's those big bosses and employers who make louder noise asking to bring in FT. you dont hear them, because they make their noise on "elite" lunch and dinner table, not on useless forum or newspaper!

 

gov is just trying to playing the game to balance and make everyone happy.

 

it's just same that when you go to wet market, you see so many filipino around and you complain to gov to bring them in. but the fact is people badly need them to do house work!

Edited November 6, 2009 by Fantasy

[City100a]

you still dont get it.

 

the policy is simply made to meet the requirement and request from many key employers. gov does not hire and pay those FT. employers do.

 

it's those big bosses and employers who make louder noise asking to bring in FT. you dont hear them, because they make their noise on "elite" lunch and dinner table, not on useless forum or newspaper!

 

gov is just trying to playing the game to balance and make everyone happy.

elections coming i guess

[Angmokio]

you still dont get it.

 

the policy is simply made to meet the requirement and request from many key employers. gov does not hire and pay those FT. employers do.

 

it's those big bosses and employers who make louder noise asking to bring in FT. you dont hear them, because they make their noise on "elite" lunch and dinner table, not on useless forum or newspaper!

 

gov is just trying to playing the game to balance and make everyone happy.

 

it's just same that when you go to wet market, you see so many filipino around and you complain to gov to bring them in. but the fact is people badly need them to do house work!

 

 

it's a win-win sit, see how our GDP grow, woo-hoo!

 

the problem is, every single approved FT, they bring their spouse, children, grandparents here.

 

A Big social problem in 20 years time, e.g. if they abandon their old ones here and go back to their home country.

[Fantasy]

it's a win-win sit, see how our GDP grow, woo-hoo!

 

the problem is, every single approved FT, they bring their spouse, children, grandparents here.

 

A Big social problem in 20 years time, e.g. if they abandon their old ones here and go back to their home country.

 

will see more and more strangers for sure. but on the other hand those spouse, children, grandparents all spending money here. this will boost business like foodcourt, restaurant, childcare, retail, housing, car, and almost all business areas. but gov really needs to do more to accommodate otherwise environmental conditions will go down for sure. another extreme is domestic helper, many strict restrictions. if i look at my maid, she can not bring anyone here. she can not get married, can not get pregnant. must stay at employer house. there is very little chance she can do anything or spend money. yes she brings very little social issues but you know she saved every cents to Philippine bank and once saved, can only withdraw from Philippine side! so end of days we are purely boosting Philippine economy. that one quite scary.

[Leepee]

5% pay raise next year promised.

Minister call for employers to reinstate the salary cut.

Cheaper COE while the quota is cut.

Affordable HDB/Condo promises.

More land released promises.

Gov announced they have new candidate ready in their annual convention last week.

Reduce FT intake and chiding FT to remember who gave them water.

 

I can only smell the ground is sweet for an opportunity for the 33.3% to vent their frustration very soon.

[Angmokio]

just make the 33% feel like 1st class citizen, problem solved.

 

 

[Noobcar]

I think all these are just nice pre-election talk nothing more. Anyone can promise the moon and stars but how many can fulfill their promise?