Minister S. Iswaran reiterates the 6.9 million population projection is not a target which the government is setting to achieve

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, S. Iswaran, has once again emphasised that the 6.9 million population projection, which the government has revealed in the population White Paper, is not a target which it is setting to achieve.

He says this misconception should be addressed and the projection set in the proper context.

Addressing the issue at the Jurong Central ministerial visit, he explained that from a long-term planning perspective for the country and a population perspective, the projection is the upper bound in the range of possible scenarios which have been projected in the national White Paper in the range of a 6.5 to 6.9 million population.

Mr Iswaran also assured dialogue participants and all citizens that the objective of the White Paper is to put Singaporeans at the centre.

He added that the government wants to do its best to meet both the short- and long-term needs of the people. 

Hence, the government made various announcements in the area of infrastructure concerning land use for housing and public transport. 

Parliament will debate the White Paper on Population at its sitting beginning tomorrow when Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean moves a motion to debate the document.