Those worried about job security and housing issues asked Mr Shanmugam his views on what they perceived as difficult competition from foreigners at a two-hour dialogue session yesterday in Yew Tee.
Foreign workers come in handy because they "will come in as needed by the economy and when not needed by the economy, they will go back", Mr Shanmugam said.
"We have to start off with the perspective that we have to help Singaporeans first," he added. "Singaporeans must have jobs and be able to afford the basic things."
Another issue raised by residents at the dialogue session was the question of availability of housing for young couples, especially with reports of the Build-To-Order flats in Chua Chu Kang being over-subscribed.
Mr Shanmugam didn't think that Housing and Development Board was building behind the curve, adding that HDB had to be careful not to flood the market, even as it promises to build up to 12,000 BTO flats this year.
On a lighter note, one resident also asked to laughter if the government could consider waiving the $100 entry charge to the casinos at the integrated resorts on National Day.
"I hope Singaporeans don't get overly excited about the casinos. I don't think the Government can pay for it and say 'free entry'," Mr Shanmugam, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, replied. "We have put in various safeguards. So, let's see how those safeguards work."
- Source: TODAY, 18 January 2010
