With the current influx of foreigners and the accompanying animosity it generates, the number of ivory towers where Singaporeans can seek refuge (out of sight, out of mind) are fast disappearing. Of course, there will be a few left for the exclusive use of some citizens.
It is sad to read that many netizens and at least one minister stereotype Singaporeans as a complaining lot without offering solutions. In truth, suggestions to improve life and warnings to avert further problems have been made but to no avail. I've done my fair share with articles published by The Real Singapore and TR Emeritus. In addition, I've posted comments on the Straits Times, Todayonline, Yahoo Facebook and even the Facebooks of Tan Chuan Jin, Tharman and our PM. No prize for guessing if our ministers respond!
With the real threat of social disintegration fast becoming true, here are some ways to stem the rise of anti-foreign sentiment among Singaporeans. Readers must also remember that anti-Singaporean sentiment is also prevalent among foreigners across all sectors of the economy and throughout the entire island.
Since the government cannot bring itself to freeze the foreign labour force, let's cut down the population of the economically inactive foreigners.
Suspend the intake of new PRs and new citizens for at least 5 years. This will prevent the further settlement of their spouses, children, parents and parents-in-law in our overcrowded city. Exceptions will include those who have completed NS and children born to Singaporeans overseas.
Remove the dependents passes privileges from workpass holders, namely, S and EP holders as well as long term pass from EP P1 holders. These will remove their spouses, children and parents from our population. To sustain the international schools, the dependents of EP P1 holders will be exempted.
No new issue of PEP (allows an unemployed foreigner to stay here for 6 months ), study mama and student passes for private schools.
Hike the maid levy for non-citizen households without young, old and handicapped to slow the alarming rise in the maid population.
Allow only citizens to work as job placement consultants so as to spare job-seeking Singaporeans the indignity of seeking employment opportunities from foreigners/PRs in our own country.
Stop all scholarship/living allowance to foreign students when many local students have to pay high fees and work part-time to make ends meet.
Are you willing to listen?
David Ching
TRS Contributor