Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Chen’s remarks on elderly reignite debate on immigration

SINGAPORE — The Government should continue to invest in the elderly — especially as human capital — while Singapore’s population continues to age, said Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Chen Show Mao in Parliament yesterday.

SINGAPORE — The Government should continue to invest in the elderly — especially as human capital — while Singapore’s population continues to age, said Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Chen Show Mao in Parliament yesterday.

Speaking on the final day of debates on the President’s Address, Mr Chen, referring to the Government’s plans to develop a national action plan for successful ageing, said the call for change in attitudes towards ageing from one of worrying about challenges to celebrating longevity was welcome.

Investing in seniors, he said, would reward society with the economic, social and cultural contributions they are able to make. For example, older Singaporeans can teach subjects such as social studies and national education in schools.

A “pillar” of investment, he said, could be supporting the development of this group as human capital.

“Just like children who need to develop and working adults who need to upgrade their skills, our elderly, too, need support and resources to continue growing, learning and developing,” said Mr Chen, who also called for more support for caregivers.

Mr Chen’s views prompted Pioneer MP Cedric Foo to ask him whether he deemed it necessary to bring in immigrants in view of Singapore’s ageing workforce, echoing the fiery debate on Wednesday between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang on the WP’s stand on policies and issues.

In response, Mr Chen said the focus should be on “growing the resident workforce”, which includes elderly workers.

He added: “The WP’s position on this is clear — that is, we will focus on the growth of the resident workforce and when that falls short, the population of foreign workers in Singapore may be increased.”

But Mr Foo pressed on, asking whether Mr Chen welcomed immigrants and would “rally the support of Singaporeans to bring (in) these immigrants”.

Mr Chen said the WP has “nothing against immigrants”, but it is about “an orderly growth within limits”.

Mr Low also rose to clarify the party’s position, reiterating that it is not an “anti-immigration party”.

He added: “We welcome foreign talent, but real talent — not immigrants who (are) taking away the jobs of Singaporeans or taking away opportunities (in which) Singaporeans would have been … better served.”

Wrapping up the debate, Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC) called it a “very robust and passionate week” of speeches, where key issues such as constructive politics, healthcare and retirement adequacy had been raised.

He added in his speech in Malay: “When we talk about issues of concern that are essential to our survival, we cannot afford to merely grumble but, more importantly, what are the ideas, suggestions and solutions that are constructive, that we can think of and can also be implemented.”

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.