Full transparency on PR criteria may lead to "gaming" of system, says Grace Fu

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu said the government can give more information on the kind of foreigners it accepts into Singapore. 

In an exclusive interview with MediaCorp, she said that more information can be given on where Permanent Residents come from, or what kind of employment or income status they have. 

There have been calls among Singaporeans for the government to be more transparent on its criteria for granting PR or citizenship status. 

Ms Fu said the government takes a holistic approach to the criteria. 

This includes a person's education background, his assimilability, employment status and family background. 

But she cautioned against providing a list of requirements. 

Ms Fu also touched on what she described as "the worrying trend" of anti-foreigner sentiments. 

She said most Singaporeans understand the need for immigration but feel the competition on space and opportunities. 

The government is addressing this by ramping up the supply of flats and enhancing the public transport network. 

But she added there is still a small group taking a negative view. 

And they're dominating public discourse. 

So she urged the majority of Singaporeans to speak out when they don't agree with such comments.