CITY COUNCIL EMPLOYEES (Non-Singapore citizens)

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi asked the Prime Minister what is the total number of City Council employees who are not citizens of Singapore, and the total amount of salaries and allowances paid monthly to such employees; and whether it is the Government's intention to retain such employees until they reach the retirement age.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Mr Chan Sun Wing) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question.

There are approximately 3,789 City Council employees who are not citizens of Singapore. They are in receipt of salaries and allowances of approximately $713,586 each month. Although the Government is conscious of the need to safeguard the employment opportunities of its citizens under healthy economic circumstances, the Government hopes to continue employment until retirement age of all its good workers although they are non-citizens.