http://news.xin.msn.com/en/key-points-from-national-day-rally-2013-1
As Singapore reaches a turning point, Mr Lee said the community and government must do more to support individuals.
It will provide core public services like housing, education and heathcare, and at the same time make three important shifts:
- do more to give every citizen a fair share in the nation's success,
- strengthen social safety nets,
- do more to keep paths upwards open to all.
PSLE scoring system to be overhauled
The PSLE T-score, an aggregate that shows how a student performed in comparison to his peers, will be scored differently to give space to develop students more holistically.
Instead of having the T-score, the PSLE will be scored using the wider bands for grades like those used in the 'O' and 'A' Level examinations.
Mr Lee said it will reduce excessive competition to chase that last point -- an A* is still an A*, whether one scores 91 marks or 99 marks. However, the changes will not be immediate -- Mr Lee said this will take several years.
New volunteer youth corps to be set up
Mr Lee said: "We want to encourage more young people to build a better world, and a better Singapore. You are our future, you're idealistic, full of energy and passion. Go forth, change Singapore, change the world, for the better."
The new volunteer youth corps will give young Singaporeans, especially those in polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) and universities, more opportunities and funding to run community projects.
And for those who intend to contribute full time, there's help coming in -- in the form of an allowance.
New MediShield Life for universal coverage
Falling seriously ill and being saddled with large hospital bills are major worries for many Singaporeans, especially those aged above 90 who are also not covered by MediShield.
To allay these concerns and give better protection against large bills, MediShield will be revamped to become MediShield Life.
Prime Minister Lee said: "The MediShield Life will not stop at 90. So don't worry, it will cover old people. Secondly, MediShield Life will be universal. It will cover everybody, every Singaporean -- old ones , young ones, those newly born.
"Even those who are now outside the MediShield network, we will bring them back in. You may be elderly, you may have dropped out, you may have pre-existing illnesses, we will bring you back in -- it may cost you a bit more but it can be done. There will be no more opting out for MediShield."
Mr Lee said: "We are going to spend more on healthcare, year by year. The goverment subsidies are going up... Therefore, I think you can guess what my next line will be -- Medisave rates have to go up. It has to be."
More grants to help low-income households own their homes
Mr Lee announced new Step-Up Housing Grants and the extension of the current Special Housing Grant to help more low- and middle-income households.
This means home buyers will be able to use mostly money from their CPF to pay their loans, and be able to pay off their flats in 25 years instead of 30.
The current Special Housing Grant, which provides up to S$20,000 in grants will also be extended -- from the current 2-room and 3-room flats, to include 4-room flats.
Govt to do more to support individuals & community
The government will make three important shifts:
1) do more to give every citizen a fair share in the nation's success
2) strengthen social safety nets, and
3) do more to keep paths upwards open to all.
PM Lee on Malay Singaporeans
Mr Lee said that in the next few years, three new mosques will be built in Woodlands, Jurong West and Punggol.
By 2016, 18,000 additional prayer spaces will be added.
He said Malay Singaporeans share concerns of other Singaporeans in 5 areas -- housing, healthcare, education, jobs and opportunities.
Mr Lee said the government "will extend Edusave accounts and contributions to all students of school-going age, whether they attend madrasahs, study abroad, or are home schooled. This is a signal that we value every child, and will help build a sense of solidarity among the next generation".
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