Singaporean and Singapore PRs: What are the differences???
There have been many articles, discussions, etc...talking about benefits of being Singaporean and Singapore PR? So what are the differences actually?
According to Zakir Hussain in The Straits Time on 24th October, 2009:
"If you are a Singapore citizen, you have the right to vote, visit 150 countries without a visa on your red passport, and receive a slew of tax reliefs and a cornucopia of subsidies. If you are so inclined, you can form a political party, launch a tirade and stage a protest at Speakers' Corner on most matters- but race and religion are off-limits. Indeed, from the cradle- or from the point you are given a pink IC- to the sick bed, you have a leg up over permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners working or living here.
Should you have the misfortune of becoming destitute or unable to support yourself, you would qualify for public assistance, Com-Care aid, a rental flat and hand-outs to help pay your utility bills and conservancy charges. And if you fall ill, you can bank on Medi-fund to pay for your hospital bills. "
In addition, National Population Secretariat (NPS) said: "Citizenship is a birthright for legitimate children of Singapore citizen parents. As such, citizen enjoy more rights and benefits than PRs".
However, many Singaporean are still complaining about being marginalised by the influx of new arrivals and becoming strangers in their own country. They insist saying there is no difference between Singaporean and Singapore PRs. So what is the truth?
To all these concerns, P.M Lee Hsien Loong told 1, 5000 Nanyang Technological University student in last month that there will be a sharper differentiation in treating Singaporean and Singapore PRs "to reflect the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship"....
Look at the table below to see what are the differences between Singaporean and Singapore PRs.
So overall, being Singaporeans, you will have 3 kinds of rights.
1. Civil rights as such: "the right to speak freely at Speakers' Corner", said Dr. Tan. The right to own property, to freedom of religion and to equality before the law.
2. Political rights such as the right to vote and to stand for office. According to public law expert Kevin Tan "If you say you are a citizen, the most blatant right is the right to vote, but because of the GRC system, there are a large number of Singaporeans who have never voted in their life. As a result, they do not feel they are citizens in the political sense"
3. Social rights such as the right to education, housing and protection against poverty.
But then, another question is raising up: "What are the benefits for Singapore PRs?" We gotta look back at the pictures above to compare about benefits for Singapore PRs vs. foreigners. There are some benefits for Singapore PRs too. "PRs must continue to feel they have a place here, as they would otherwise leave for more welcoming shores, to Singapore's loss. But citizenship has to also appeal to them, just as it has to mean more to those born-and-bred here, beyond the bread-and-butter concerns and monetary advantages.
Prof. Straughan sums it up: "Being Singaporean means membership in a sovereign state that is socially, politically and economically stable and secure, where people from different races can live together in harmony, and where our respective religions can be practised openly. More importantly, being Singaporean also means we can rely on a government that is free from corruption and where national policies are sensible and apt."
"If we continue to advance Singapore as a city state where you can raise your family in a wholesome, vibrant city governed by efficient and honest policymakers, with a world-class education and health-care system, and where basic needs of citizens are met, I think that would elevate the prestige of Singapore citizenship"
Prof. Straughan sums it up: "Being Singaporean means membership in a sovereign state that is socially, politically and economically stable and secure, where people from different races can live together in harmony, and where our respective religions can be practised openly. More importantly, being Singaporean also means we can rely on a government that is free from corruption and where national policies are sensible and apt."
"If we continue to advance Singapore as a city state where you can raise your family in a wholesome, vibrant city governed by efficient and honest policymakers, with a world-class education and health-care system, and where basic needs of citizens are met, I think that would elevate the prestige of Singapore citizenship"
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