Minister Lim Boon Heng Speaks At Bukit Batok

Bukit Batok division held its national day dinner celebration on the evening of 7 August 2010. Minister Lim Boon Heng was the Guest-of-Honour. The following are the key points of the speech given by Minister Lim, who noted that most residents in Bukit Batok would be happier this year.......

• Our economy has rebounded; record growth this year.  We adopted the right measures – cut costs to save jobs, and when the upturn came, companies were able to accept orders because they had retained their workers.  In other countries, they cut jobs to save costs, but when the demand returned, they could not rebound as fast because they did not have enough workers.
• Our unemployment is down to 2.2%. More people are employed today than ever before.  Older workers too.  Most workers have annual increments, and better bonuses. 
• Strong growth has also brought new issues:  more foreign workers, more cars and parking problems, higher housing prices. 
• Many Singaporeans are uncomfortable with more foreigners as they compete for jobs, housing, and crowd our public transport.  These are issues we need to resolve. 
• We should not shut out foreign workers.  Growth allows us to create a bigger economic pie, so there is more to share.  It also increases government revenue e.g. taxes.  The surpluses allow government to prepare for a future rainy day.  It was because government set aside reserves from past growth that it was able to help workers and their families, and employers in the recent downturn.  So we must take advantage of current strong growth – and we will need more foreign workers to do so. 
• Some foreigners will become permanent residents, and new citizens.  We can tell from their accent, and behavior.  Let’s help them to assimilate.  Their children are growing up Singaporean – I have met them at floor parties and other grassroots functions, and they use typical Singapore terms, even Singlish!   They will be no different from us born in Singapore, and remember, our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents came from the region.  If they had not come, we would not be here! 
• As more foreigners come in, they generate demand for housing.  Government is releasing more land for new housing, and for workers’ dormitories.  Our grassroots can help them understand our values, customs, and especially how we live in peace and harmony despite being multi-racial and multi-religious. 
• The demand for public transport has gone up.  LTA has been working on this, and capacity in the Jurong and Bukit Batok area will be increased soon. 
• Economic growth means that families have more money to spend.  And some have spent on cars.  That is why we have a shortage of car parks.  In the past 2 years we have been working with HDB to create additional car park lots.  Some have already been built, and more will be built. 
• Since Dr Ong passed away 2 years ago, the 4 of us MPs have been working with you.  Buikit Batok is one of the top constituencies, as measured by the number of activities organized by grassroots organizations.  All the GROs are awarded with 4 stars.  And it has one of the highest number of events attended by MPs. 
• From my interaction with residents, I find that most are happy living here.  The environment is good; there are good schools; there is a market and a mall; public transport is convenient.  And we have many VWOs helping the less fortunate and the needy.  Our grassroots organizations too help the needy – giving out bursaries and scholarships every year, and providing food vouchers for temporary relief. 
• So, I believe most residents in Bukit Batok are happier this year!  Happy National Day!