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| CATEGORIES ABOUT INTEGRATED RESORT | |
| singapore government policies | |
| casinos in singapore | |
| singaporean culture | |
| tourism in singapore | |
| downtown core | |
| marina bay | |
| southern islands | |
| sentosa | |
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In December 2004, the Government Of Singapore called for a request-for-concept (RFC), inviting industry players to submit concept proposals for the Integrated Resorts. A total of 19 bids were submitted during the RFC. PROPOSAL The government claims the aim of the project is to boost the Singapore's Tourism Industry which is facing intense competition from other destinations around the region, particularly from nearby Bangkok , which has since also considered legalization of casinos in the wake of initiatives in Singapore. The IRs in Singapore are expected to create about 35,000 jobs directly and indirectly. In addition to the casinos, the IRs will have other amenities including Hotel s, Restaurant s, Shopping and Convention Center s, Theater s, Museum s and Theme Park s. The industry is expected to invest five billion Singapore Dollar s in Integrated Resorts. PUBLIC DEBATES The plan to build the Integrated Resorts is subject to considerable debates among Singaporeans. Several groups, such as those belonging to the Muslim and Christian communities as well as Social Worker s, have openly expressed their disapproval to the casinos. Concerns were raised about the negative social impact of casino gambling, citing worries that the casinos could encourage more gambling and increase the risk of Compulsive Gambling . Activist groups argue that a casino could also lead to undesirable activities often associated with gambling, including Money Laundering , Loan Shark s or even organised crime. Lee acknowledged the downsides of having Integrated Resorts and the concerns expressed by the public. He promised that there would be safeguards to limit the social impact of casino gambling. He stated there would be restrictions in the admission of the local population into the casinos, for example, family members of a patron of the casino may block him or her from entering and gambling. Lee stated that an exorbitant entrance fee of SGD 100 per entry or SGD 2000 every year would be imposed, and a system of exclusions. In addition, the casinos would not be allowed to extend credit to the local population Lee, who has been prime minister since August 2004 , took significant political risk when he made the decision, with some of his cabinet members even against the plan. Nonetheless, Lee decided to go ahead with the decision; he stated: "''As prime minister, I carry the ultimate responsibility for the decision''". {Link without Title} The issue of Integrated Resorts could possibly be brought up when Lee, for the first time, will lead the People's Action Party (PAP) to contest the next General Elections to be held by the end of 2006 . The six month consultative period gave the opportunity for many sections of the population to voice their opposition to the casinos, including a Petition that attracted tens of thousands of signatures. When Lee approved the proposal after such widespread criticism, the opposition took the opportunity to state that he had overruled Consensus . The debate over Integrated Resorts in Singapore also brought to attention to the public a discussion on the methods and ways government policies should be deliberated in Singapore, and whether they were effective or needed reform. This is especially because the political climate is Dominated by the PAP. Low Thia Khiang , the leader of the opposition Workers' Party , warned in a parliament session: " ''... The Government sought the opinion of the people but it does not go along with the opinion of the people and it has now made a unilateral decision. Eventually, will it turn out to be a blessing or a curse to our people? We have to wait and see. ... Under the current situation, where a party is dominant and the civil society is very weak, the people cannot sway the Government's decision on such a matter that cheese concerns the fate of the people. If the Government's judgment is wrong, it would lead the nation and our people on to the 'river of no return', where the cost would be very real and very heavy."'' {Link without Title} PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PROBLEM GAMBLING See Also: National Council on Problem Gambling (Singapore) On 31 August 2005 , the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was set up to address Problem Gambling . The council embarks on several programmes to promote public awareness on problem gambling and to provide advice and feedback to the government on related issues. |
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