SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong again talked about cultural and social stability in the country as new and old citizens struggle with the burgeoning rise of immigrants to the country. Earlier this month, Lee spoke of the fear of new arrivals of Chinese workers to the country, saying that all Singaporeans must work together to develop an understanding that allows for the new Chinese to integrate into Singapore society easier. Speaking at a Racial Harmony Day celebration on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that there is a rising unhappiness across the city-state, with Singaporeans becoming increasingly agitated by the new immigrants in the country. But a number of those new immigrants told Bikyamasr.com that they hope to become a part of Singapore society and “be a true citizen.” Wong Feng, a southern Chinese national who arrived in Singapore last year to work in construction, told Bikyamasr.com he has already learned a lot about the city and its people. “I am very excited about the future and what I can offer. It is definitely different than China, but people have been warm and welcoming, teaching me about customs here,” he said. Locals believe the new immigrant wave is putting a hamper on job opportunities for residents and citizens in the country, but Lee hopes this will subside with time and a push toward integration. The PM highlighted rising tensions between older citizens and new immigrants, a hot-button issue that has dominated political and social debate in recent months. “The new arrivals should embrace the Singapore values and norms, and try to fit in as Singaporeans; Singaporeans can encourage the new ones to integrate, and help the new ones to fit in,” said Lee, urging both new and old citizens to adjust to one another. He also warned that race and religion remained fault lines that could tear society apart when it comes under pressure, such as after a terrorist attack. He stressed that the “community had to do its part, such as by sharing common spaces, and to be psychologically comfortable with one another.”
