http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/02/02...case-scenario/
PM Lee: I fully agree with Khaw’s explanation that 6.9M is just a worst case scenario
February 2nd, 2013
Yesterday evening (1 Feb), MND Minister Khaw posted a note on MND’s blog saying that the 6.9 million population figure outlined by NPTD’s Population White Paper is just “the worst case scenario” (‘Khaw: 6.9 million figure is the worst case scenario‘).
He added that this is for planning purpose and the actual population figure may be lower, “But as planners, we have to ensure that the infrastructure could accommodate such a figure, if need be. Our hope is that the actual figure would turn out to be much lower.”
Not too long after Mr Khaw wrote on MND’s blog, PM Lee then echoed the same tune in support of Mr Khaw on his Facebook.
PM Lee wrote:
“Fully agree with Khaw Boon Wan’s explanation that a 6.9m population is not a target, but just a worst case, aggressive scenario that we must prepare for. We need to plan consciously and responsibly for the future, so Singaporeans continue to enjoy a good quality of life, and Singapore continues to thrive. – LHL.”
However, the netizens are not convinced as seen from the replies and rebuttals on PM Lee’s own Facebook page [Link]:
Andrew Loh, Editor of publichouse.sg, replied:
“In 1991, the Concept Plan’s ‘planning scenario’ was 4 million people. In the 2001 Concept Plan’s ‘planning scenario’, it was 5.5 million. Now, this 2013 White Paper has a ‘planning scenario’ or ‘worst case scenario’ of 6.9 million.
After having reached the first two ‘planning scenario’ figures, you can understand why S’poreans see this ‘6.9 million’ as a target, and not just as a ‘planning scenario’. There is a disconnect between Govt and people here. And it is not the fault of the people.”
Others also asked how can this be just a planning scenario and not a target since the Govt has full control of how many foreigners to let in:Cheok Yew Lee: The govt has full control on how many to let in, so why is this not a target?
Aaron Quek: Dear PM Lee Sir, I do not understand how this can be a scenario and not a planning target. Does our government not control the number of foreigners issued work passes and the number of new citizenship given out? I cannot see how even one foreigner can get his work pass without some ministry knowing about it. Why does our government seem surprised when there are too many people here for the number of houses built and the amount spent on our transportation network?
Yan Thye Lee: Immigrant influx can be controlled accordingly. Why we say – worse case ?? Birth rate – agreed but number of immigrant influx- believe within government control.
Many complained about the already crowded situation in Singapore:Muhaimin Ghostlera: I hope u understand our situation sir… Too big a population will cause crowdedness and we won’t feel comfortable… Please sir I begged u don’t bring in foreigner anymore. This has to stop!
Lyn Lin: closed immigrants gate, we had enough people on small island.
Bryan Noisynoisyboy Goh explained how foreign influx will further force Singaporeans not to have kids:1) Old Singaporeans pass on, new generation Singaporeans can’t afford to raise kids due to crazy prices of living
2) Govt sees an aging population, bring in foreigners to replace the Old that pass away
3) Singaporeans still cant afford to have kids due to increasing prices of living
4) Govt brings in more foreigners
5) We now have a land of foreigners and few Singaporeans…..
Shamala Thanabal asked why not start bringing down the population figure, “Why not bring the figure down instead of ‘preparing for worse case scenario’?”
Others talked about the people losing faith and trust in the PAP Govt:
Shafiq Rahman: You are making Singaporeans confused. This should have been told from the start when the White Paper was released. Anyways, people have lost faith in you and PAP. Sir. Either PAP start a good soul searching or some random Party is gonna be voted in in 2016. This is not just some cyber noise. This is reality.
Cinder Lalokz: You promised in 2011 election you going to decrease intake of new immigrants. You cried in front of us. but now in 2013, I see no differences. First you say you want 6.9mil people. Now you say this is just ‘worst case scenario,’ in case something bad happen. Then you say so we could have good quality life. but who? you or me? all I know my salary is stagnant and you still don’t want to implement minimum wages. how to thrive? And this left me wondering who to believe and if I still know my Singapore or not.
Some highlighted the problem with foreigners integrating into Singaporean society:Rosita Lea Sharif: Mr Lee sir, I have 3 children. My eldest in NUS and she told us that there are specially made class just for PRC students taught by PRC lecturers. They don’t mingle with local students nor show interest to. What is really going on sir?? Please listen to all what all of us are writing here. I want my SINGAPORE back. Already there are talks that eventually our sons will be protecting foreigners while these foreigner’s kids enjoy the benefits of residency. My plea as a mother, please please please. Stop this liberal influx of foreigners.
And Some are even thinking of getting out of Singapore:
Mark Seow: Nuff said’. I’m migrating to help balance the worst case scenario.
Beldin Kee: Honestly, one should perhaps considered changing nationality, then come back as a foreign talent between 2020-2030, and enjoy the best that our leaders are providing… Just an idea…
To make things worse, it appears that the admins of PM Lee’s Facebook are deleting some of the more negative feedback:
Jonathan Ang: Why all the comments deleted? How to feedback upward?