Apr 25, 2011 - Straits Times
PEOPLE'S Action Party chairman Lim Boon Heng, who broke down two
weeks ago when recalling the difficult decision he had to struggle
with on the casino debate in 2005, acknowledged on Monday that the
two Integrated Resorts have benefitted the Singapore economy.
One year on after the casinos have been in operation, he said
they have not only created direct jobs, but also spin-offs for the
travel, food and beverage industries, said the retiring minister on
the sidelines of a community event in Jurong East on Monday
morning.
Citing an example of the gains from the IRs, he said: 'I think
today, taxi drivers are generally quite happy because they are
fully booked. All in all, it has been beneficial.'
At a press conference two weeks ago, Mr Lim, 63, had to pause at
least twice to compose himself as he recalled the 'very difficult
process' he went through to accept the decision, for the sake of
jobs that the integrated resorts would create, despite his
opposition to gambling as an industry.
Mr Lim also responded to Singapore Democratic Party candidate
Tan Jee Say's proposals to shift away from manufacturing and focus
instead on the services sectors. He said he 'fully disagreed' with
Tan's suggestions as they would lead to companies moving their
operations out of Singapore, and many families here depended on the
sector for jobs.
Countering a charge from Mr Tan, a former aide to Senior
Minister Goh Chok Tong, that the PAP had lost is 'moral compass',
Mr Lim said: 'I think Mr Tan may have lost his way... he is trapped
in a time warp. He has been out of policy making decisions for
quite some time. The world has moved on.'
Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Manpower Lee Yi
Shyan also weighed in on the rebuttal, warning of the loss of many
economic spinoffs in doing away with manufacturing.
