Second-generation PRs perform NS but are treated differently
I REFER to Monday's report, 'School fee changes for non-Singaporeans'. As a permanent resident (PR), I wish to highlight the contradiction in policies, particularly with respect to second-generation male PRs.
Such PRs are required to do national service. The oft-quoted reason is that they, like all male Singaporean citizens, have enjoyed the benefits of growing up here and so they must repay their debt in the form of NS.
But with the recent change in education policies:
# Singaporeans will get two ballot slips - one more than PRs - in the balloting for primary school places; and
# Fees for PRs will more than triple by 2012 while they remain the same for Singaporeans.
If second-generation male PRs truly enjoy the same benefits of growing up in Singapore as their contemporary male Singaporean citizens, shouldn't they have the same balloting chances for primary school places and pay the same school fees, as enjoyed by male Singaporean citizens?
Before anyone gives a 'If you are not happy, then don't live here' retort, I would like to say that PRs, while 'enjoying' the benefits of living in Singapore, also do contribute in other substantive ways:
# We pay the same taxes as all Singaporeans;
# We set up businesses here employing Singaporeans;
# We work in both public and private sectors serving Singaporeans;
# We consume goods and services benefiting Singaporean businesses; and
# We interact daily with Singaporeans in a peaceful and accepting manner.
I trust my points will be taken constructively, in the spirit of Majullah Singapura.
Teo Kheam How
I REFER to Monday's report, 'School fee changes for non-Singaporeans'. As a permanent resident (PR), I wish to highlight the contradiction in policies, particularly with respect to second-generation male PRs.
Such PRs are required to do national service. The oft-quoted reason is that they, like all male Singaporean citizens, have enjoyed the benefits of growing up here and so they must repay their debt in the form of NS.
But with the recent change in education policies:
# Singaporeans will get two ballot slips - one more than PRs - in the balloting for primary school places; and
# Fees for PRs will more than triple by 2012 while they remain the same for Singaporeans.
If second-generation male PRs truly enjoy the same benefits of growing up in Singapore as their contemporary male Singaporean citizens, shouldn't they have the same balloting chances for primary school places and pay the same school fees, as enjoyed by male Singaporean citizens?
Before anyone gives a 'If you are not happy, then don't live here' retort, I would like to say that PRs, while 'enjoying' the benefits of living in Singapore, also do contribute in other substantive ways:
# We pay the same taxes as all Singaporeans;
# We set up businesses here employing Singaporeans;
# We work in both public and private sectors serving Singaporeans;
# We consume goods and services benefiting Singaporean businesses; and
# We interact daily with Singaporeans in a peaceful and accepting manner.
I trust my points will be taken constructively, in the spirit of Majullah Singapura.
Teo Kheam How