The problem with Singapore, and the
source of so much angst among fellow Singaporeans, is that it is
both a city and a country. I’ve lived in both New York and London,
and the fact is that a large proportion of people (at least half
from my own personal experience) living in these 2 “global” cities
were not born there specifically (though many of them were
born in the country).
Vibrant cities attracts people to
go there to live and work and play. But it also implies that there
is a large turnover of population, as is indeed the case in both
New York and London. People flock to these cities because the pay
is higher, the lifestyle is more exciting, the career options are
greater etc. Many of the people who flock there also do not stay
forever. But it also means these cities are much more expensive and
cramped than other territories just outside them.
In a broad sense, the situation in
Singapore is actually not very different when seen from this
perspective. What is different about Singapore is that it is both a
city and a country.
You see a person born in London who
might prefer a cheaper and less exciting lifestyle for whatever
reason could escape to Wales or Cornwall without having to leave
the country. In these places, a London pension or even small
government handouts can go a long way because they are so much
cheaper. Singaporeans do not have that choice. If you don’t want
the city life, you have to leave Singapore or you’re forced into a
marginal existence because you simply can’t afford to fully enjoy
the vibrant but expensive lifestyle.
So a Singaporean who wants a slower
pace of life and a bigger house is forced to move to Australia or
NZ, or if he doesn’t move he will constantly feel aggrieved about
how “unfair” the government treats him. If Singapore were part of
Malaysia, for example, this person could move to Trengganu or
something. After selling his HDB in Singapore, he could buy a
massive beach-front bungalow in Trengganu, and enjoy a much cheaper
lifestyle.
So perhaps the practical way to
solve the problem that Singapore is both a city and a country is
maybe that we need to re-merge with Malaysia.
You made some very valid points and I have learned much from
reading your post.
However re-merging with Malaysia whilst practical is not
realistic at least not in the near future.
Also it is not an option for the average Joe to migrate. And i
concede such as yerself that Singapore is unique in the sense that
it is a city/country.
As such perhaps the floodgates should not be open so wide for
foreigners to migrate to Singapore. And the low income should
recieve an artificial income boost from the govt for them to
survive in this "expensive" city ..... afterall they don't have
options.
