Updated: 02/06/2013 04:16

WP MP Chen Show Mao says the government should focus on getting more citizens and residents into the workforce rather than importing foreign workers

Speaking on the White Paper, the Workers' Party MP Chen Show Mao says the government should focus on getting more citizens and residents into the workforce rather than importing foreign workers.

He said his party believes that the resident workforce can grow at one per cent a year if more elderly, homemakers and foreign spouses of citizens are encouraged to enter the workforce.

This, coupled with productivity gains, can result in modest economic growth without diluting the national identity.

His suggestion was questioned by some People's Action's Party MPs and two ministers.

Mr Chen was asked to clarify if the Workers' Party is proposing that Singapore not import any foreign labour.

Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin asked what else the Workers' Party is suggesting given that the government already has in place a variety of schemes to encourage the elderly to work.