The headlines today are spectacular. A few of the NTU academics found that 3 of 4 new jobs in the past 5 years were given to foreigners. And while I am not sure how they came up with their findings, I know that they have just opened a can of worms.

This issue of foreign talents and foreign workers filling up spaces in our job market and depriving our citizens of a higher pay or even employment has been simmering for quite a while. And in times of economic crisis, such a piece of information will no doubt have both the eyes and ears of the people.

It has been a constant debate between the ruling party and the opposition party for legislation in terms of a minimum wage law and priority employment for citizens when all relevant factors are equal.

More often than not, all things are equal except for pricing.

Now that the citizens are not guaranteed lifetime employment, neither are they guaranteed employment, the sense of a secure future that is central to the citizen's life is absent. Without material security, dreams and visions are difficult.

The government's call to the people not to rely on the state is to distance the people from the state. Forced and imposed independence often leads to a lack of love and loyalty. And the people assume a mercenary mentality akin to large multi-national corporations; every country is the same; every country can be a land of opportunity; ripe for plucking.

People will question why they even have to serve their national service. For all they have done, for all that they have contributed, they are neither protected from competition from fellow citizens nor foreigners. Then for what should they be loyal for?

Many stay because their loved ones are here, but that matters little when the living conditions become too harsh. I urge that we do not forget that we are a nation of migrants and a nation of quitters, and we can quit anytime.

Remember the power of good bye...

This is a time of anomie and change. If the opposition wants to turn the tables on the ruling party, the tide is in. They have little to lose. The people never had much to lose, and they are just beginning to realize it. They are only beginning to realize that they are each alone in this, with little to rely on. National pride is an illusion, social welfare non-existent and our national icons will fall one by one, beginning with our Changi Airport.

This enlightenment will bring about drastic changes. And hopefully, it will bring about new wisdom.