Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore's current and future
leaders would decide if the country should allow dual
citizenship.
He said in a fast-changing world, nothing can be ruled out
forever.
The economy is doing well and the country is more integrated into
the region. But like other developed countries, the outflow of
talent remains a challenge.
When it comes to a global search for talent, Australia, New Zealand
and Singapore have the same problem.
But there is one difference Australia and New Zealand have wide,
open spaces and are able to have a more generous immigration policy
whilst Singapore, as a compact city, has to hold out for the very
best of the skilled lot.
Mr Lee said Singapore has been putting it off for security reasons
because it needs its male citizens to do national service.
But it is up to Singapore's current and future leaders to make the
call to change the policy.
He said: "I cannot predict what the future will force us to do. I
was against casinos all my life but come to the end of the 1990s
and in the 21st century, I can see casinos in London, Paris, Geneva
and Zurich. When I was a student in Britain in the 1940s, there was
only one casino in Europe and that was in Monaco but today it is
commonplace."
In response to a question, Mr Lee said it was stereotypical to
perceive Singapore as a country that curtails individual
rights.
He pointed out that Singapore has attracted businessmen and other
talented people who know the real Singapore.
They would have the wit to understand and know what they were in
for before coming over.
