MM Lee on Japan’s Immigration Policy

This particular article was interesting to me.  Like many things in life one never really know what is right or wrong; US is currently engaging in one of the most fierce political battles in years and the faith of the people’s right to have access to health care stands in a crossroad. There are two sides to everything; no exceptions here, both sides; for and against universal heal care are passionate and determined. Almost like a scene from Hollywood where two men fought each other; one bad and one good.  Supposing a spectator with a gun; a good guy trying to intervene to support his teammate; the spectator would be hard pressed trying to figure out who is the friend from the foe.  Who really knows what is right?

In the same way, with the issue of immigration policy; I have often wondered the merit of having an open door policy on immigration similar to that of Singapore’s.  I guess like healthcare or any other issues of importance, there are many for and against such policy.  My perspective on this is from the stand point of how a nation perceived the most complex and dynamic resource known; human.  If your perspective is that ‘man’ is nothing but a cost on the society, then closing the border is a necessity.  However, if one perceived that ‘man’ is a valuable resource and an asset to society, then an open border is the only solution.

Clearly MM Lee is very much for an open door policy on immigration; one that has served Singapore well; but not without difficulties:

“There is a reluctance on the part of both leaders and people to dilute or to complicate the society by bringing in people of different cultures, different races. It’s not just bloodlines but also language, culture, the way you communicate with each other. I think Japan faces a difficult choice here,”

“When we had to put work-permit holders in Serangoon estate, there was tremendous unhappiness. But in fact, we’ve fenced it off, made a different entrance, and I think it will work out. But nevertheless there is a certain amount of discomfort,”

The argument against such policy is always the same; people are always protective of their own turf – like a territory animal; too busy limiting its border to realize anything beyond; delusional if you ask me.

“If the Japanese ruling party – the Democratic Party of Japan were to adopt MM Lee’s suggestion and open its doors to immigrants, it will soon be booted out of office in the next election.”

You can read more here.