SINGAPORE: Singapore has to adapt to a changing
world, but at a pace which Singaporeans can accept and get used to,
said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Speaking at the FutureChina Global Forum on Tuesday
afternoon, he said it was "completely understandable" that
Singaporeans may feel uncomfortable with the recent influx of
mainland Chinese immigrants, who may look the same as Singaporean
Chinese, but sound and behave differently.
He said the government will continue to manage the
social impact of immigration, and urged newcomers to play their
part.
Mr Lee said: "We have to encourage the non-Singaporeans who are
living here to adapt to the circumstances in Singapore and
understand that this is a different society with different values
and cultures and (a society that is) multi-racial and religious.
(They) have to make those adaptations which the Singaporean Chinese
have adapted and learned over several generations. Of course, we
also have to manage the numbers and the flow and make sure that
we're not overwhelmed."
During the 30-minute dialogue, Mr Lee fielded a wide range of
questions on Singapore-China relations, ranging from foreign policy
to opportunities for Singapore companies.
- CNA/fa
