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Wed, Jun 10, 2009
my paper
Develop another little red dot on Christmas Island

SINGAPORE is very congested. To alleviate the problem, the Government could consider buying Christmas Island or small Indonesian islands.

I understand that the Indonesian government is offering islands for sale.

Singapore could replicate its success story on these small islands if the price for them is right.

The purchases could be financed by profits from the state's investments, such as the billions which have been ploughed into foreign banks.

The islands could be used for housing, schools and health-care facilities.

Part of the population in Singapore could be moved to these islands.

Over generations, another economic miracle could be accomplished.

With Singapore's wealth of experience in urban planning and nation-building, the redevelopment of such islands should be child's play.

Christmas Island, for example, could be turned into a bustling city. With Singapore's touch, such a mega-project should be successful.

The island was sold by Singapore to Australia in 1957 for £2.9 million (SGD 6.9 million).

Why not buy it back?

Considering the multiracial, multilingual nature of Singapore culture, fitting in with the existing population on Christmas Island should not be a problem.

Mr Darren Chong


 
 
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