I would like to assure the author of this TRS article (link below) about the scope available for an alternative government to implement positive changes if the opposition is voted into power in the next GE.
http://therealsingapore.com/content/what-happens-after-2016
However, readers should note this proposal originates from this writer who has been pushing for some of these measures for almost a year now. The intention is to show readers that there is leeway for an alternative government to operate differently and not be entirely tied down by the status quo.
Problem 1
Singapore is overpopulated and the foreign influx threatens our existence and sovereignty.
Solution 1
Reduce the economically inactive and non-essential foreign population:
a. A 5-year breather (pause) in accepting new PRs and citizens. This will prevent their family members from settling here. Only those who have completed full-time NS and children born overseas to Singapore citizens will be exempted.
b. Remove the privilege from work pass holders to sponsor family members under Dependant's or Long Term Visit Pass. Only Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders (minimum fixed monthly salary of $12 K) can continue to sponsor their spouses and children so as to sustain the international schools. However, they can no longer sponsor their parents.
c. Non-citizen households will be barred from hiring Foreign Domestic Workers. Those who have young (13y o & below), elderly (70 y o & above) and handicapped will be exempted.
d. Stop granting study mama passes and student passes to foreigners planning to study in private schools (such as those under CPE).
e. Adopt a population cap of 5.8 million for 2030 through a referendum.
As the existing stock and supply pipeline of dwelling units are able to accomodate 6 million, no more dwelling unit will be added to the supply in the short to medium term. Hence, the foreign construction workforce will be drastically reduced within 5 years.
Problem 2
Rampant discrimination against Singaporeans, especially local PMEs.
Solution 2
A 'hire Singaporeans only' and 'Singaporeans preferred' approach.
a. A 'hire Singaporeans only' policy should be implemented in sectors that are dependent on final demand in Singapore. That means their viability is a direct consequence of the existence of Singaporeans and imply the need to seek our favour.
The Civil Service, retail and construction sectors are such sectors. This policy will be implemented over 2 years by not approving new or renewals of Employment Passes. Only vacancies that cannot be filled by Singaporeans will be open, first to PRs, followed by other foreigners.
b. A 'Singaporeans preferred' policy should be adopted for all other sectors.
c. No foreigners can own an employment agency. This has been identified as one of the main sources of discrimination against locals, fueling the rise of anti-foreign sentiment.
Problem 3
The foreign scholarships regime.
Solution 3
Stop all foreign scholarship cum living allowance to foreign students.
The first argument for maintaining the foreign scholarship scheme is to ensure MNCs a ready pool of talent here. This argument is flawed as the Employment Pass already permits the hiring of foreign talent (and not so talented) in Singapore.
The second argument is that foreign scholars are a diplomatic asset. However, we can generate more goodwill and influence by investing in humanitarian projects in the Third World and, more importantly, extending soft loans. Thus, goodwill diplomacy can be achieved without antagonising Singaporeans.
(China has gained tremendous influence by extending no-question-asked loans to countries all over the world. I'm not advocating this policy, though. Just pointing out to readers what will really endears foreign leaders to Singapore)
Part 2 will address the shortfall of revenue from land sales, ethnic balance, softening the concrete jungle and protecting our anchorage area.
David Ching
TRS Contributor