SINGAPORE : Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan has said he feels it
is too early to decide if Singapore should have a casino.
He said it was good for people to discuss and look at the economic
aspects, as well as how it will affect Singapore as a brand.
Dr Tan said Singaporeans needed more information about the project,
which will only be available after February 28, in order to discuss
the matter rationally.
All concept plans for the integrated resort must be submitted by
the end of this month.
Dr Tan said: "It is a complex issue and we can look at it in many
dimensions. I think it is good that people should be given time to
give their views. A lot of debate has been going on for this issue
for quite some time. It has been framed in various ways I
think.
"One discussion has been to look at it from value against money. Do
we sacrifice our moral values for economic gain? There is a lot of
talk on that issue. Another way to look at it is some people have
tried to frame it as an issue of whether Singaporeans are mature
enough. Can they look after their own money? Are they responsible?
Are they grown up?
"My own view on the casino debate. I would tend to take a very
hard-headed practical view of the casino, pragmatic. To me the
essential question is on balance. Is having a casino in Singapore
an economic plus or an economic minus for Singapore?" - CNA