Lianhe Zaobao, 9 Feb 13 (Page 12)
Title Translation:
PM Lee: Non-natives can become Singapore core if they have the same values and ideals
Summary of article:
In his support of the Population White Paper, PM Lee said yesterday during Parliament sitting that the Singapore core should include people who settled down in Singapore, those having the same values and ideals as us and those who pledged their loyalty to Singapore.
Mr Lee acknowledged that today's situation is different from that in the 1960s, when the founding generation was thrust together to forge its own destiny. He noted that the new citizens may lack the qualities of the founding generation and have problem integrating into Singapore’s society. He added that Singapore neither subscribes to the super-open philosophy of the United States nor the closed-off policy of Japan, but will practise a "controlled openness”. He concluded with the promise that the Government will "watch the numbers" and make sure Singaporeans are clearly in the majority. It will always treat citizens
better than non-citizens, especially when it comes to health care, education and housing, he said.
Singaporean core is about spirit, not numbers.
It is a privilege to be a Singaporean, it's a special status which Singaporeans should be proud of, and not think of it as a perk. It is also a responsibility because Singaporeans are not just the beneficiaries of the country's success; Singaporeans also need to be architects and the builders of the country’s future success.
PM Lee also highlighted the three big issues: marriage and procreation, economy and identity, which will continue to be discussed over the next few years.
