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Response to reports on Serangoon Gardens
In response to reports on Serangoon Gardens' residents objections to a hostel for foreign workers in their neighbourhood, TWC2 president John Gee sent the following letter to "Straits Times'.
Dear 'Straits Times',
Some of the residents of Serangoon Gardens are obviously incensed or anxious about the idea of a large number of male foreign workers coming to live in their area.
They have some concerns about increased traffic on their road and uncouth behaviour by workers with which anyone could sympathise - though the behaviour could be tackled by a bit of education and an assurance of good on-site provisions for the workers.
But what about the hints of danger and criminality being posed by these workers? This seems to reflect preconceived ideas that are not based on reality. The number of foreign workers in Singapore has risen sharply over the past ten years. At the same time, Singapore's prison population has been falling. Wouldn't the opposite have occurred if the foreign migrant workers represented a wave of criminality? Is there any evidence that they are more disposed towards criminal behaviour than locals? Suggestions that elderly people and children left alone would have cause to live in fear are unwarranted - there's undeniable evidence of the workers being messy, but none of a particular predisposition to break into other people's homes, use violence towards them or sexually menace the more vulnerable."
John Gee
Some of the residents of Serangoon Gardens are obviously incensed or anxious about the idea of a large number of male foreign workers coming to live in their area.
They have some concerns about increased traffic on their road and uncouth behaviour by workers with which anyone could sympathise - though the behaviour could be tackled by a bit of education and an assurance of good on-site provisions for the workers.
But what about the hints of danger and criminality being posed by these workers? This seems to reflect preconceived ideas that are not based on reality. The number of foreign workers in Singapore has risen sharply over the past ten years. At the same time, Singapore's prison population has been falling. Wouldn't the opposite have occurred if the foreign migrant workers represented a wave of criminality? Is there any evidence that they are more disposed towards criminal behaviour than locals? Suggestions that elderly people and children left alone would have cause to live in fear are unwarranted - there's undeniable evidence of the workers being messy, but none of a particular predisposition to break into other people's homes, use violence towards them or sexually menace the more vulnerable."
John Gee
TWC2 has also given an interview on Channel News Asia about the issue. The following is reported by Imelda Saad of Channel News Asia on 11th September 2008.
SINGAPORE : The idea of a self—contained township for foreign workers has been given a thumbs—up by foreign workers themselves. But foreign worker advocates said more should be done to help these workers integrate with the wider community.
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But are these fears rational? Some foreign workers welfare groups said it is simply a fear of the unknown. That is why they are advocating that foreign workers be integrated with the wider community through a more structured orientation programme.
"I think community centres are a good start. If they are able to do social activities that can involve both migrant workers along with its local community, either through festivals or through sports activities or National Day Parade, it’s a good opportunity to bring the two groups together," said Sha Najak, helpline manager at Transient Workers Count Too.
She added that current orientation roadshows may be a little too top—down in approach.
But some foreign workers said they are quite happy to live among themselves, away from housing estates.
"Wherever the dormitories, if it is away from the residents, it’s better because when it’s very near to the residents’ area, the workers have to go to the same FairPrice supermarket, or ... canteen, they might misunderstand each other," said Keve Xavier, a foreign worker.
But others said they would like to get to know Singaporeans better to ease misunderstandings.
"Really, we feel shame too (when) the people go and disrupt everybody, and nobody likes to stay with those people," said Nathan Neduzcheliyan, also a foreign worker.
"We want to establish a good relationship between the Singaporeans and workers," said foreign worker Humayun Kabeer.
Responding to Channel NewsAsia, the People’s Association said some grassroots organisations have engaged foreign workers through ad—hoc programmes aimed at helping them integrate into the community.
The government has said that more Singaporeans will find themselves living in the midst of foreign workers as Singapore expands.
While no solution has been reached yet for residents of Serangoon Gardens, the National Development Ministry is looking into the issue and is expected to respond soon. — CNA /ls