Only Singapore Citizens can...
I have wondered what are the differences between a Singaporean and a PR. Other than having to spend more than 2 years in NS and the constant dread of the annual call ups, are there any differences?
The Straits Times published an interesting article last weekend on the special rights of Singaporeans to answer this question. So read on and see how you can make the most out of these rights.
Only Singapore Citizens can:
1. Vote for (or against) their MPI have yet got the chance to vote even though I am a eligible voter for the past ten years. Election day to me is equivalent to holiday. So this point is pretty irrelevant to me and I doubt this situation is going to change in the near future.
2. Stand for election and become MPs
This is a really attractive deal considering that MPs are pretty well paid in Singapore. But with only 84 seats to go around, the odds are pretty low for most Singaporeans. I think I have to pass up on this as well.
3. Speak at Speakers' Corner
I am not exactly an eloquent nor a charismatic speaker. I am lucky if the old folks playing chess at the Speaker's Corner don't chase me away, let alone hear me speak. Next.
4. Organize a protest at Speakers' Corner
I love the sun but I prefer to enjoy it by the beach with a cocktail in my hand. Sweating and confining myself to a little corner just for a protest isn't exactly my cup of tea. Maybe a protest against wearing leopard prints might be interesting though.
5. Hold a political talk indoors
Refer to point 3.
6. Have the constitutional righ to free speech and other protection
I don't understand this point. Shouldn't this be a basic right for anyone living in a developed country like Singapore?
7. Get a red passport, which allows entry to 150 countries without a visa
I got to admit this is my favorite though you need to have the time and money to fly around.
8. Hold senior positions and certain jobs in the civil service
The iron rice bowl is attractive but I love what I am doing now so that is another pass for me.
9. Get a taxi driver's licence
I am not sure why this is even mentioned. The job of a taxi driver is tough. They should have mentioned that only citizens can operate 4D and Toto shop. That would have made more sense.
10. Get tax rebates for parenthood and national service
This is nice though at this moment I am not sure if I am ready for this phase in my life.
11. Get Special Transfers, e.g. CPF tops ups, New Singapore Shares and the Progress Package
Another great deal for citizens but they are not frequent enough. They appeared mainly around the elections or policy changes such as the increase of 5% GST to 7%. Sometimes no news is good news.
12. Get financial grants for infant care and childcare
Again great news though you might want to note that despite the encouragement for a bigger family size, the size of a HDB flat is going in the opposite direction.
To wrap it up, if you are a Singaporean, make more love and make more babies assuming that you are legal and preferably married. If you think that sucks, go ahead and organize a protest at the Speakers' Corner.
After all, that is your right.
