Let S’poreans have say on citizenship applications: MPs

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/let-sporeans-have-say-citizenship-applications-mps

Between five and 10 Singaporeans’ endorsements should be sought before a new immigrant is granted citizenship here — a suggestion several Members of Parliament (MPs) proposed during the Prime Minister’s Office’s Committee of Supply debate yesterday.

Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong GRC) suggested having 10 Singaporean “community assentors”, such as the applicant’s colleagues and neighbours, even though the applicant may have satisfied the eligibility criteria.

He noted that the cantons in Switzerland are practising such a system. “If we are accepting newcomers to join the Singaporean core, surely it makes sense for existing members of the core to express their views on the matter,” Mr Ang argued.

He added that there could be rules to safeguard the scheme, such as requiring the assentors to come from different racial groups or having to be Singaporean citizens by birth.

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin (Potong Pasir), who suggested that there should be 10 Singaporean citizens supporting a bid, added that the backers should be citizens for at least five years.