Myopic: Why Are More and More Singaporeans Getting Short-sighted?

"Although she may have lost, Singapore People's Party (SPP) candidate for Potong Pasir Lina Chiam says she's determined to win back the constituency in the next election.

Addressing a crowd of about 100 supporters and residents who had gathered at Potong Pasir before setting off on "thank you" parade with SPP candidates on Sunday afternoon, Lina  attributed the presence of new citizens as one of the reasons for her narrow loss in the polls, where her PAP rival Sitoh Yi Pin won by a mere 114 votes. "This election is a very close fight and we had to do recounting; I believe that my loss is not because of you all not voting for me," said the wife of opposition stalwart Chiam See Tong.

"I think it's because of the new citizens and also because of the upgrading of the flat which some of these old folks are afraid of and they were told they might not get their upgrading," she added. She said the building of new condominiums in the constituency is also a sign of changing demographics in her ward. But unperturbed, she stressed she will continue to "fight" for Potong Pasir".

Some want a First World Standard, like.....America, the Land of the Free for whom immigration is a contentious issue. Others clearly affected by myopia, want pure citizens and blame everything on foreigners. New citizens or not, Political figures should stop bashing foreigners for the sake of self preservation, the many foreigners from the street and food court cleaners to the competent health care providers contribute to the well-being of Singaporeans.


Just as Singaporeans talk of greener pastures elsewhere, we should not torch the field of dreams of others. You can't have your pie & eat it too!!