China View
1 May 2008
SINGAPORE, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Thursday urged Singaporeans to look at the contributions of foreign workers objectively, saying they are not here to steal Singaporeans' jobs, but to help enlarge the economic pie for the country.
Speaking in Mandarin at the May Day Rally, Lee said foreign workers helped strengthen Singapore's overall competitiveness.
The PM said foreign workers are hardworking and willing to work long hours. With the help of foreign workers, airport, seaport, factories, offices, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets can offer better service and business hours: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, they can run their operations, service their customers, and so strengthen Singapore's overall competitiveness.
Lee reiterated that the Singapore government is controlling the inflow of foreign workers, by setting limits on the proportion of foreign workers they can hire and imposing a levy. This gives Singaporean workers the edge in competing for jobs.
"Overall, our policies are creating many job opportunities for Singaporeans," he said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/01/content_8087326.htm
