By MP for Aljunied GRC, Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 5 March 2014]
Mdm on several occasions, the government mentioned publicly that there is a need to maintain the racial balance in Singapore’s population so as to preserve the character of our society and enhance the social fabric of this nation.
During last year’s debate on the government’s proposed population white paper, it was reported that the percentage of Malays in the resident population suffered a drop in the 10 years period, from 13.9% in 2000 to 13.4% in 2010. During this same period, Singapore saw an increase in the percentage of Malays in the citizen population from 14.9% in 2000 to 15.1% in 2010.
The government has also made it clear that they intend and will attempt their very best to attract talents and immigrants of ethnic Malay origins to Singapore to preserve and maintain the racial balance in our resident population.
Mdm Speaker, I would like to seek clarifications on the following issues:
(a) What is the projected size of the resident Malay population in Singapore in 2030?
(b) Secondly, over the period of three years between 2011 and 2013, what was the percentage of Malay applicants out of the total number of applications received for (i) permanent residency (PR) and (ii) citizenship?
(c) Thirdly, out of the total number of Malay applicants between 2011 and 2013, what was the percentage that was granted for (i) PR and (ii) citizenship respectively and for Malay individuals whose applications were rejected, what were the basis behind their unsuccessful applications?
(d) Additionally, between 2011 and 2013 how do Malay applicants for permanent residence and citizenship fared vis-à-vis non-Malay applicants?
Lastly, I would like to seek an update on the government’s efforts in reaching out and attracting talents and immigrants of Malay ethnicity to Singapore.
Source: http://wp.sg/