A “RESILIENT Singapore”, where all do their part and move forward together, is the vision drawn by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his first speech at the 12th Parliament yesterday.
He compared the country to a vessel, with some people setting the pace, while others provide strength.
“Others, even if you are not able to pull your full weight, do what you can so that nobody is just a passenger,” he explained.
His overarching plan is to build an inclusive society which leaves no one behind.
And the Government’s first priority, he said, is to enhance social mobility so that everyone will be able to progress.
However, self-reliance based on personal endeavour is still key to the country’s success.
He said he tasked Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam to set up a high-level committee encompassing several ministries after this year’s general election, to “comprehensively review social policies”.The following are the broad ideas raised in the committee’s discussion:
INCLUSIVE SOCIETY FOR ALL
The Government is marshalling education resources to ensure that everyone has the chance to develop his potential.
This means focusing on providing good-quality and affordable pre-school education; making every neighbourhood school a good school; and having learning- support programmes at Primary 1 and 2 levels. Children with special needs and learning difficulties will be helped, and youth problems will be tackled early.
On education, it will not rest on a “narrow one-dimensional definition of success”, like grades.
Instead, it should take into account a broader range of abilities where there are “many ways to make your mark, whether it is (in) arts, sports, science or business”, he said.
Mr Lee also said the Government is preparing for the silver tsunami by helping the elderly to work longer, by containing health-care costs and by building more hospitals and other healthcare and home-care facilities.
It will continue to support low-income and disadvantaged families through policies such as Workfare and ComCare, ensure that skills are upgraded and ensure everyone can own a home, he said.A VIBRANT ECONOMY
Mr Lee stressed that “competition is fiercer than ever”, adding that there is no way to “insulate ourselves” from the world by shutting out foreigners and hoping to protect local jobs.
Singaporeans need to be mindful that growth is likely to slow down, as the country’s economy is now more developed.
And, while the Government is slowing the inflow of foreigners, he said this means more businesses are being squeezed out. Thankfully, Singapore has an efficient business environment, which continues to attract investment. So, it must continue to “uphold the fundamentals and stay the course”, he said.
CONSTRUCTIVE POLITICS
Mr Lee hopes for greater space for the civic society, where the Government can “pull back” so Singaporeans can take the lead.
He pledged to take a more open approach to governance, by welcoming diverse views, even from critics. Transparency will be improved.
He also urged the opposition not to “just criticise what the Government does” but to put up serious alternatives to be scrutinised.
In turn, he asked his Members of Parliament to “stand up for your convictions” and express the concerns of their voters frankly.
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