MM Lee urges new citizens to pull together with Singaporeans
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 March 2009 2007 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said new citizens must pull together with Singaporeans to adjust to changes in the world economy.

He was speaking at the Tanjong Pagar GRC Citizenship ceremony where 250 citizenship certificates were presented Saturday evening.

With the economic downturn, some developed countries are restricting immigration.

But not Singapore, which accepted 20,513 new citizens last year, up from 17,334 in 2007.

Mr Lee said: "Singapore treats all our citizens equally, (both) Singapore-born and new citizens. What each of you earn or make in business depends upon your effort."

Mr Lee also urged the new citizens to get involved in civil organisations such as Residents' Committees, and Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

He said: "That we have done well in the last 40, 50 years does not guarantee that we will continue to do so. We must pull together. To play a full part, you must embrace Singapore’s society. It is a two-way process. Make the effort to meet Singaporeans more than halfway. Singaporeans will respond positively."

The government had previously estimated that with the current low total fertility rate and without new immigrants, Singapore's population would be halved by around 2070.

To help new citizens integrate into Singapore’s society and bridge the local-foreign divide, a National Integration Council would be set up this year.

It would have four sub-committees focusing on the community, school, media and workplace, and each is supposed to devise ways to help foreigners settle in and mingle with Singaporeans.

- CNA/yt