Friday, April 6, 2007

"Revolving door" style of citizenship

Singapore cannot afford to have a "revolving door" style of government where top leaders change every five years, so said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in Australia. No, Singapore don't have a "revolving door" style of government, we just have a "revolving door" style of citizenship.

I have no problem if foreigners take PR in Singapore and stay. But what about people who take PR and then leave after a few years. Prime example: Sportsmen. For people who do not know, Singapore give PR to sportsmen who are willing to play for the Singapore flag. Footballers, table tennis players, badminton players etc, all were given fast-track citizenships. Problem is these sportsmen usually leave Singapore back to their home country after their playing career are over. Now, isn't this a "revolving door" style of citizenship? People who come to Singapore for their benefit, then disappear after getting help from us. I know of a friend who had to wait for about 10 years before getting his PR. If only he was good in sports huh?

Singapore may not have a "revolving door" style of government but how about we stop the culture of a "revolving door" style of citizenship. That way, at least we know who is a Singaporean and who isn't?

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