WE agree with your report on “Time right for minimum wage” (Sept 24).

As we progress economically, we cannot keep a segment of our population in perpetual poverty. It is not only dangerous for our society but also unjustifiable.

Raising minimum wages has many effects. First, it will create a chain-reaction in the wage structure. By pushing up wages at the lower strata, it will also have a possible effect  on wages at the next level.

Second, an increase in wages means more purchasing  power. More purchasing power is good for the economy.

We would like to emphasise that the role of the government  is to control inflation. It is public enemy No 1. It will negate  all the gain in wages. For those with fixed incomes like pensioners, high inflation will bring them down to their knees. It will make them poor.

The government also has to ensure that the number of foreign workers is strictly controlled. Enforcement of  immigration policies is paramount to the success of any government policies.

Source: The Sun – October 6, 2009