THE population issue is expected to be a hot topic in this year's National Day Rally speech in English by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, which will be broadcast tonight. Not much success has been achieved in spite of the efforts, largely in the form of financial incentives, by the Government in the past years to address the low birth rate.

Much as I share the Government's concern and anxiety over the low birth rate, any attempt to boost population numbers should be carefully studied.

In my opinion, the financial cost of having a child is just a small component of a "big consideration" for any responsible couple.

If you look around, you will notice that many families with three or more children are, in fact, unable to cope with even one or two children, financially and otherwise.

Certainly, Singapore would not want to end up with many large families such as these, which depend on financial handouts.

The other problem with such large families is the lack of parental attention and guidance given to the children.

Many responsible couples would rather keep their families small so that they can pay more attention to their children.

Statistics could probably show that many juvenile delinquents are from large families such as those mentioned above, or families which are not close.

The Government has also shown concern over the increase in the number of people who remain single or delay their marriages.

Obviously, there are good reasons for them to do so. Some, many of whom are responsible people, feel inadequate about bringing up children - good and responsible children, that is.

With so many bad influences around us, it is extremely difficult for parents to inculcate good values in their growing children.

As for late marriages, it is better late than never.

In fact, I observe that many young couples - some of who are in their teens - lack parenting skills, and this can only add to their family's woes and to those of society in general.

Marriage is a life-time commitment, not only for the couples, but also for their children.

Granted, not all large families are bad, but parents must be conscious of the fact that they are responsible for the children they bring into this world.

Perhaps the Government should encourage couples to have more children only if they have a passion for kids, as well as the ability to raise good, able and responsible children for the country.

It would be disastrous to encourage couples to procreate just for the sake of population growth, without placing more emphasis on the quality of care that the children get.

- Mr Hiah Eng Tak

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