"Why are Phase 2C children given an equal chance in Primary 1 registration?"

MR EDUARD TAY: "My child was unsuccessful in balloting for a place in a neighbourhood school, less than 2km from our home. His chances were poor, having to vie with children registered under Phase 1A, 2A1, 2A2, 2B and first-generation permanent residents' (PRs) children under Phase 2C.

I did national service (NS) and so will my son, while first-generation PRs can choose not to do NS when they reach 18 by returning to their own country.

Why are these Phase 2C children given an equal chance in Primary 1 registration at the expense of Singaporeans like my son? While I understand the need to attract foreigners, I hope the Government will not do so at the expense of citizens and give us priority in balloting or in the registration phases, rather than make us compete for places in a neighbourhood school."

"We too have a right to give our children the best education."

MRS SWETA AGARWAL: "This is in response to yesterday's letter by Mr Eduard Tay, "Permanent residents - Why are these Phase 2C children given an equal chance in Primary 1 registration?"

I understand Mr Tay's disappointment that his son did not get a place in his school of choice. As a permanent resident for about six years now with my husband working here, I feel we too have a right to give our children the best education.

Just because we are not citizens does not mean we deserve less. We pay taxes and abide by Singapore's laws and if our children cannot get places in good schools, why would we stay?

Our daughter has a place in our choice of school and we are very happy. I hope I have not offended Mr Tay and I wish him all the best so his son can secure a place in a good school too."

"Not all schools are equal and parents just want the best for their children."

MR TONY LIM: "I refer to yesterday's letter by Mr Eduard Tay. A permanent resident (PR) child was guaranteed a place in the school of our choice because his parents did not have to face balloting as they had bought an apartment within 1km of the school.

We live between 1km and 2km from the school and our child lost out on the balloting. Not all schools are equal and parents just want the best for their children. Many PRs place their children in government-funded schools and not in expensive international schools.

I have given my fair share to Singapore, so did my father, and so too, hopefully, will my son. It is convenient for an eligible foreigner to obtain permanent residence and, as my case illustrates, reap what citizens like me sowed."

"Mrs Agarwal has the option of returning to her country to find a good school for her daughter. Mr Tay's child does not. Should any government not take care of its citizens first?"

MR JIMMY LOKE: "To Mrs Sweta Agarwal who argued that permanent residents (PRs) like her family have an equal right to give their children the best education here, I pose this question: If she has been a PR for a lengthy six years, why has she not taken up citizenship?

She further implied that it was pointless staying here if her daughter could not get into a good school. Therein lies the difference between PRs like her family and Singaporeans like Mr Eduard Tay, whose letter prompted her response.

Mr Tay asked why the children of PRs should have the same chance of a Primary 1 place in their preferred school.

Mrs Agarwal has the option of returning to her country to find a good school for her daughter. Mr Tay's child does not enjoy that luxury.

As a Singaporean, Mr Tay served national service for 21/2 years and spent 13 more years as a reservist. Should any government not take care of its citizens first?

I do not think Mr Tay and I are asking too much. I do not mean to offend Mrs Agarwal by making this point and I hope she and her family will join us as citizens in the near future."