I find the xenophobic characteristic displayed by some
of my fellow Singaporeans worrying. They speak as though living in
prosperity in Singapore is a right, not something that we need to
fight for. The same characteristic that I found among groups of
youths in many well to do western countries. I cannot help but
remembered how hard our forefathers worked when they first migrated
to Singapore from their hometown, be it in China, Malaysia or
India. And today, we the descendants of those who had fought so
hard to prosper, are now demanding our government to keep out
others with the same spirit of our forefathers so that we can have
things easy!?!? What is the Ethos of us Singaporeans? Kiasuism? Was
our state not built with sweat, blood and courage of our
forefathers such as ricksaw pullers, coolies, construction workers.
And instead of continuing the spirits that our forefathers
displayed, we, who grew up in relative comfort compared to the
majority of the rest of the world, we act as if we have inherited
the right to be rich and prosper without a fight. Sure, jobs are
not as readily available as they were during the 80s, but we won't
starve to death as long as we are willing to work. If we want to
raise to the top, we shouldn't demand people to give it to us, we
should fight for it with our true ability! The state had already
provided us with great subsidies in terms of education, and that is
our greatest capital!
When we talk about foreign talents, two pictures spring to mind,
the "experts" picture and the "construction worker" picture. The
experts possess the skills that Singapore lack of while the
"construction workers" took the jobs that Singaporeans are refusing
to do. Without these foreign people coming in, we will not have
enough population to renew the labour force and economical growth
will be hampered.
In terms of culture, one must remembered that the greatest part of
our culture is its diversity and its tolerance. Refusing "foreign
element" from entering into our culture would be the greatest
betrayal to our culture.The current racial mix of Chinese, Malay
and Indian are incidental, they will not stay the same forever and
rejection of new immigrants will only plant the seed for future
racial disharmony.
The NS may seem like unfairness to Singaporean males, but utility
should override fairnes and there are measures such as extra pay
that reduce the degree of such unfairness.
Foreign influx may appear frightening to some, but we were once
foreign to this island too.
we din shut the door on all FTs but just wish govt to have tighter
control on things.when our forefather come to singapore, singapore
is not even a country but a british colony/settlement. no one care
about this island, get your money and F*&K off. situation now
is rather different though it the same piece of land. we are
singaporean, born, raise, serve our NS, educated here.
we just hope govt can have a tigher control on the immigration
policy. make singaporean feel wanted and priority. trust me, since
when is living in singapore as easy as you think especially when
you start working in the society?
men that serve NS get extra pay only happen in govt uniform sector
and some statutory board.
one of the main reason they come singapore is because of the
safety, security that you, me, bro, fathers that spend 2.5 the very
best years of our life provide for. thus asking those FTs who as
you say has the intention to stay, breed next generation in
singapore to serve 2 years in national duty. too much to ask
for?
