Most Singaporeans not surprised by casino go-ahead
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 18 April 2005 2318 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most Singaporeans were not surprised by the Government's green light for the integrated resorts-cum-casinos.
But many opponents also expressed their disappointment.
50-year-old Fong Hoe Fang was one of them.
Mr Fong is one of the co-founders of the Family Against the Casino Threat in Singapore (FACTS), set up in December for Singaporeans to air their views on the casino issue.
While he was disappointed with the decision, Mr Fong acknowledged that the government's consultation exercise had been useful, and life would go on.
He said: "This is an issue where they have really listened. I don't think you can throw away 40 years of fighting against a casino being established in Singapore. Most Singaporeans would close ranks, that's in our nature. But there would still be some reactions or response over the next two to three weeks. But these would die off."
Religious groups opposed to the casinos also made their stand.
Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values."
The Hindu Endowments Board expressed its confidence that proper checks would be built into the system to prevent abuse and preserve social values.
Ordinary Singaporeans that Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they had expected the government's move.
"I am not surprised at all, already expected it! Whether casino or not, there's already 4D, Toto. In fact, if it can help Singapore's economy, go ahead!" said a member of the public.
"It's quite expected, but two casinos, I'm surprised! Anyway, build two casinos, got even more revenue and more jobs created. There are many unemployed people," said another.
"It's a great idea, actually, to have both investments. With a billion dollars each casino, it'll provide double the impact for the economy. We should have some maturity, going forward. As Singaporeans, we should take some responsibilities for ourselves rather than relying on the government on what to do," said a third.
"If it has to be done, let's do a good job! Once the decision has been made, we have to take whatever steps to minimise the social impact (of casinos)," said a fourth.
Most Singaporeans agreed with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that there's a need to move forward now that the decision has been made, but not to forget the risks associated with gambling at the same time. - CNA/ir
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 18 April 2005 2318 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most Singaporeans were not surprised by the Government's green light for the integrated resorts-cum-casinos.
But many opponents also expressed their disappointment.
50-year-old Fong Hoe Fang was one of them.
Mr Fong is one of the co-founders of the Family Against the Casino Threat in Singapore (FACTS), set up in December for Singaporeans to air their views on the casino issue.
While he was disappointed with the decision, Mr Fong acknowledged that the government's consultation exercise had been useful, and life would go on.
He said: "This is an issue where they have really listened. I don't think you can throw away 40 years of fighting against a casino being established in Singapore. Most Singaporeans would close ranks, that's in our nature. But there would still be some reactions or response over the next two to three weeks. But these would die off."
Religious groups opposed to the casinos also made their stand.
Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values."
The Hindu Endowments Board expressed its confidence that proper checks would be built into the system to prevent abuse and preserve social values.
Ordinary Singaporeans that Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they had expected the government's move.
"I am not surprised at all, already expected it! Whether casino or not, there's already 4D, Toto. In fact, if it can help Singapore's economy, go ahead!" said a member of the public.
"It's quite expected, but two casinos, I'm surprised! Anyway, build two casinos, got even more revenue and more jobs created. There are many unemployed people," said another.
"It's a great idea, actually, to have both investments. With a billion dollars each casino, it'll provide double the impact for the economy. We should have some maturity, going forward. As Singaporeans, we should take some responsibilities for ourselves rather than relying on the government on what to do," said a third.
"If it has to be done, let's do a good job! Once the decision has been made, we have to take whatever steps to minimise the social impact (of casinos)," said a fourth.
Most Singaporeans agreed with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that there's a need to move forward now that the decision has been made, but not to forget the risks associated with gambling at the same time. - CNA/ir
Posted: 18 April 2005 2318 hrs
SINGAPORE: Most Singaporeans were not surprised by the Government's green light for the integrated resorts-cum-casinos.
But many opponents also expressed their disappointment.
50-year-old Fong Hoe Fang was one of them.
Mr Fong is one of the co-founders of the Family Against the Casino Threat in Singapore (FACTS), set up in December for Singaporeans to air their views on the casino issue.
While he was disappointed with the decision, Mr Fong acknowledged that the government's consultation exercise had been useful, and life would go on.
He said: "This is an issue where they have really listened. I don't think you can throw away 40 years of fighting against a casino being established in Singapore. Most Singaporeans would close ranks, that's in our nature. But there would still be some reactions or response over the next two to three weeks. But these would die off."
Religious groups opposed to the casinos also made their stand.
Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values."
The Hindu Endowments Board expressed its confidence that proper checks would be built into the system to prevent abuse and preserve social values.
Ordinary Singaporeans that Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they had expected the government's move.
"I am not surprised at all, already expected it! Whether casino or not, there's already 4D, Toto. In fact, if it can help Singapore's economy, go ahead!" said a member of the public.
"It's quite expected, but two casinos, I'm surprised! Anyway, build two casinos, got even more revenue and more jobs created. There are many unemployed people," said another.
"It's a great idea, actually, to have both investments. With a billion dollars each casino, it'll provide double the impact for the economy. We should have some maturity, going forward. As Singaporeans, we should take some responsibilities for ourselves rather than relying on the government on what to do," said a third.
"If it has to be done, let's do a good job! Once the decision has been made, we have to take whatever steps to minimise the social impact (of casinos)," said a fourth.
Most Singaporeans agreed with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that there's a need to move forward now that the decision has been made, but not to forget the risks associated with gambling at the same time. - CNA/ir
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