PM confident of another good year for
Singapore
Feb 6, 2008
PM confident of another
good year for Singapore
Country in strong position to face uncertainties, he says
in his CNY message
By Lydia Lim
THE new Chinese Year of the Rat begins tomorrow under more
uncertain and challenging circumstances than the Year of the Pig,
the Prime Minister said yesterday.
But Mr Lee Hsien Loong assured Singaporeans, in his traditional
message to mark the occasion, that the country is 'in a strong
position to weather any storm'.
'In the Chinese zodiac,' he said, 'the Rat symbolises wit,
imagination and resourcefulness. Let us harness our creativity and
ingenuity to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
'Then despite the difficulties that come our way, we can all look
forward to another good year for Singapore and for
ourselves.'
Mr Lee recapped the economy's sterling progress last year, when it
powered ahead to its fourth consecutive year of robust growth and
created a record 237,000 jobs.
However, the external environment has changed, with turbulence in
the global financial markets and a slowdown in the United States
economy.
There is therefore a need to 'gird ourselves for further
uncertainties ahead', but he also urged continued confidence as
Singapore is in a strong position to tackle challenges.
In the face of public concern over rising food prices, Mr Lee
reiterated that the Government has the resources to help ease the
burden on the poor and elderly.
The Budget statement on Feb 15 is expected to include measures to
do so.
But he also stressed that the Government cannot provide subsidies
for basics such as rice and cooking oil as these will lead to
'artificial shortages, queues and a black market'.
This is the second time in three days Mr Lee has spoken on the
cost-of-living issue.
He again noted that rising costs are due to soaring food and fuel
prices worldwide, trends Singapore as a small, open economy cannot
escape.
He pointed out the ways in which the Government has directly helped
those in need, through programmes like the Workfare Income
Supplement Scheme, which made its payout last month. About $150
million was given to 290,000 low-income workers.
Mr Lee also dwelt on the importance of family ties, the Chinese New
Year traditionally being a time for reunion dinners and visits to
relatives.
Building on the 2004 pro-family measures, he said the Government is
studying practical matters to see how it can create an even
friendlier environment for having and raising children. They
include childcare facilities, flexible work options and parental
leave.
The Prime Minister ended his message by wishing all Singaporeans a
happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.
