Give citizens priority in Primary 1 registration

[buzybuzz]

A rebutal.. ..


http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/Online+Story/STIStory_419729.html

Priority in education for citizens and non-citizens is an either-or option

MRS Sweta Agarwal, in her letter on Thursday ('Thanks, being a PR is good enough), has rightly pointed out that taking citizenship is a personal choice. Again, she is right that 'every child has the right to get the best education possible'.

However, she is plainly misguided in believing that while in Singapore, a non-Singaporean child should have an equal right as a Singaporean child to the best education possible. The division of educational resources, a limited commodity, becomes a zero-sum game. Priority can be given only to either citizen children or non-citizen children, but not both.

What Mrs Agarwal demands is tantamount to political suicide for any government, not just ours. Let us consider - would an Indian government ever give priority to Pakistani children in admission to Indian schools and universities?

In this case, Mrs Agarwal should bear the consequences of her personal choice in not becoming a citizen - that her child will be discriminated against in terms of educational resource allocation.

While most Singaporeans are pragmatic enough to acknowledge the need for foreign talent, this does not mean foreign talent should outstay its welcome and denigrate the spirit of citizenship.

To foreign friends in Singapore, just stick by the old adage, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do', and I am sure you will have a pleasant time here.

Hoon Tze Ming

[blueblue]

caroline3sg:

Totally agree. The benefits must not be negligible, but must be distinct.

That is what I have been telling my hubby. No incentives at all. Even the medical benefits between PR and citizens doesn't differ much. It is only recently the government tweak it a bit.

I do find it is a bit ridiculous that some PR hv priority over citizens esp in the phrase 2B.

I read somwhere that being a PR is akin to getting a permanent work permit. I think a lot Singaporeans are actually sore abt these things.

Maybe someone should remind our dear gahmen tat who votes for them?????

[raysusan]

blueblue:

That is what I have been telling my hubby. No incentives at all. Even the medical benefits between PR and citizens doesn't differ much. It is only recently the government tweak it a bit.


I do find it is a bit ridiculous that some PR hv priority over citizens esp in the phrase 2B.

I read somwhere that being a PR is akin to getting a permanent work permit. I think a lot Singaporeans are actually sore abt these things.

Maybe someone should remind our dear gahmen tat who votes for them?????

or we can vote wisely in the next GE

[Red_Rhino]

An example of PRs having priority over citizens (in a way):


De La Salle Primary school does not accept PVs, and I know of Catholic PRs who got in under Phase 2B whilst Singaporeans (non Catholics) don’t even have a chance at phase 2B!!

[ChiefKiasu]

raysusan:

blueblue:

... Maybe someone should remind our dear gahmen tat who votes for them?????

or we can vote wisely in the next GE

The depends on whether anyone from the opposing camp can actually come up with a more practical plan without damaging Singapore's reputation as a free state that champions meritocracy and not cronyism.

[ChiefKiasu]

Red_Rhino:

An example of PRs having priority over citizens (in a way):


De La Salle Primary school does not accept PVs, and I know of Catholic PRs who got in under Phase 2B whilst Singaporeans (non Catholics) don't even have a chance at phase 2B!!

I think this is a weak argument, since there is nothing to stop Singaporeans from being Catholics too.

[blueblue]

ChiefKiasu:

Red_Rhino:

An example of PRs having priority over citizens (in a way):


De La Salle Primary school does not accept PVs, and I know of Catholic PRs who got in under Phase 2B whilst Singaporeans (non Catholics) don't even have a chance at phase 2B!!

I think this is a weak argument, since there is nothing to stop Singaporeans from being Catholics too.

hmm..maybe I will be shot for this..

maybe Singaporeans can consider being Catholics then if want to register for Catholic schools...

[3Boys]

Seriously, we all need to get some perspective on this. A few hundred PRs children get equality of priority in school selection, and it becomes an electoral issue? Its not as if any Singaporeans are denied school places. Where is the right place to draw the line PRs vs citizens rights? Everyone will have different view, and the govt have decided not to draw it in education, but elsewhere. Suddenly its so emotive? How about the fellow Singaporeans fibbing about rental properties and grandma’s addresses? Far more prevalent and an even greater an even greater insult to the concept of meritocracy, where’s the outrage? Ms Agarwal truly knows how to get under the skin, but many other PRs are more grounded.

[KS_me]

buzybuzz:

So cham, too rich to buy from HDB direct, too poor to buy private. :stupid:

:lol: :lol: Dunno where govement want us to stay... :idea:

[tankee]

KS_me:

buzybuzz:

So cham, too rich to buy from HDB direct, too poor to buy private. :stupid:

:lol: :lol: Dunno where govement want us to stay... :idea:

:idea: at home with your parents and solve the ageing problems at the same time ... joking.