We are astonished at the response of the Ministry of Manpower to the findings of the economists from the Nanyang Technological University on job creation and employment of Singaporeans.

The remarks by the Acting Minister for Manpower that the NTU economists are " irresponsible and unprofessional" are uncalled for and unfair.

The economists explained that they relied on MOM's data published on its website as a basis for their analysis and concluded that three out of every four new jobs created had gone to foreigners. They did not pluck the data from the air.

It is only in response to their findings that MOM has now released their data that nine out of ten jobs created in the last five years had gone to Singaporeans.

By releasing previously classified data and a fresh analysis only now in response to the study by the NTU economists, is the MOM doing so only because its policies are being scrutinized? Is there other relevant data which the MOM has not yet released?

The Acting Minister for Manpower also criticized the economists for failing to verify the data with his Ministry. The economists relied on data published officially by the government. Is the Minister saying that official data published by the government is unreliable and any study based on the data has to be further verified by the relevant authority? If so, what is the purpose and use of the published government statistics?

If the government disputes the findings of these respected economists, it should release the findings of both the economists and the Ministry, together with the relevant data, to the public. The government can then point out the discrepancies in the data and the analysis so that the public can judge for themselves based on facts, instead of labeling the economists as irresponsible and unprofessional.

Before we can talk about remaking Singapore, the government needs to first examine its own attitude and response to open discussion and public debate.

Low Thia Khiang
Secretary General
1 August, 2003