NSP calls for quota on inflow of foreign manpower
SINGAPORE — Calling for quotas on the number of foreigners who can work here, a less exam-centric education system and for the Government to return Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings to Singaporeans, the National Solidarity Party (NSP) yesterday said they want to be a constructive force in Parliament.
In his speech during the party’s second rally at Tampines Street 81 yesterday, acting secretary-general Lim Tean declared that his party would be one that challenges the Government to a debate, and engages them in a robust debate of critical issues, adding a constructive Opposition does not mean a meek one.
“On Nomination Day, the Prime Minister said to the press he was very disappointed in the performance of the Opposition ... he said voters had voted for tigers in the chamber and got a mouse instead,” he said.
Quipping that blue — the colour of the Workers’ Party, which Mr Lee Hsien Loong was referring to — is not the right colour for a tiger, Mr Lim, who is among the five-man team standing in Tampines, said the NSP, usually seen in orange, will be the “tigers” for voters. “I think the time has come where we must put a stop to this nonsense of trying to be a very pliant, a very meek Opposition,” he added.
NSP candidates who spoke also continued to warn of the consequences of unmitigated inflow of foreign workers, while laying out how the cost of living has been rising here, adding to the burden on Singaporeans.
Mr Reno Fong, a Tampines GRC candidate, called for quotas to be imposed on foreign professionals seeking employment here, saying the jobs should be returned to Singaporeans.
Sembawang GRC candidate Spencer Ng, who spoke briefly between introducing candidates, noted how much young couples have to spend on their weddings, and on their new families.
“We spend a bomb in our wedding costs. It’s not that we want the best of everything in our wedding, it’s just that things are so expensive in Singapore. Purchasing a HDB (flat) itself is another big ticket item. Just getting married will clear out all our savings. Why are Singaporeans being caught in this cycle?” said Mr Ng, adding that the Baby Bonus is not enough to cushion the rising cost of living in Singapore.
His fellow Sembawang teammate Kevryn Lim also spoke, criticising the current education system for being too exam-centric and stressful. “NSP advocates 10 years of compulsory education and the setting up of a few schools that cover both primary and secondary education without having to go through PSLE, as a pilot project,” said Ms Lim. “This will give parents the option of sending their children to a less stressful learning environment.”
She also said local universities should not set aside places for foreign students, “when there are students who fulfil requirements who can’t enter (local) universities”.
Ms Nor Lella Mardiiiah Mohamed, part of the Tampines GRC team, pointed out how costly kindergartens run by private operators have disadvantaged children from low-income families. “People who can’t afford (to go to an expensive kindergarten), (it) doesn’t mean they are stupid. If all of us are given equal education, I believe the people of Singapore ... can beat the foreign talent any time,” she said.
Most of the candidates who spoke last night, including Mr Lim, also asked for the Government to return CPF savings to Singaporeans. “This is your money. If I want to go by a legal standpoint, you have the right to do anything you want with your money.”
He also challenged comments made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on CPF returns at the People’s Action Party’s Aljunied GRC rally. Mr Lee said opposition parties often fail to mention that members can earn 5 per cent interest on Special Accounts on the first S$60,000, and 6 per cent for the first S$30,000 in Retirement Accounts.
“I am telling you even if the CPF returns you 30 per cent, 100 per cent a year, it is still your right to decide whether you want to park your money in CPF,” said Mr Lim.
