Many say PM Lee addressed difficult issues confronting
Singaporeans
Channel NewsAsia - Monday, August 20SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong's speech at the National Day Rally on Sunday has been
described as substantive.
Mr Lee brought up various issues in his most important address of
the year � from new measures to narrow the widening income gap to
specific initiatives to help the ageing population, to new
initiatives in education.
Many in the audience said the Prime Minister took the bull by the
horns and addressed some of the most difficult issues confronting
ordinary Singaporeans.
"I think every citizen is involved in today's speech. He's really
touched everyone - young, elderly, middle-aged, whoever,� commented
community leader Sarjit Singh.
A junior college student, Goh Li Jie, said, "Now with three
universities, (we have) tight schedule with limited scope. But with
a fourth university� chances of us getting in (are) quite
high."
To NTUC assistant secretary-general Halimah Yaacob, "I think the
most important message he has put across is that Singaporeans need
to work longer and that the government will do its best to support
Singaporeans in their effort by making sure there are jobs
available."
Gerard Ee, chairman of the Council for the Third Age, agreed. "If
your lifespan is expected to go to 80 and beyond, that is 20 to 25
years to the traditional retirement and that is a very long time to
live doing nothing. So those with opportunities to do so should be
meaningfully engaged."
Among the audience, for the first time, were opposition MPs.
Chiam See Tong, MP for Potong Pasir said, "The CPF one per cent
increase in interest rate will be welcomed by people. But (for the)
delay in drawing down the CPF money from 62 to 65, I think the
government will have to do a lot convincing the people."
Most MPs believed the speech has put all the signs in place, so it
is now their turn to explain the details to their
constituents.
"These things are not easy to digest and I think Singaporeans will
need time to digest. There are positive steps but (they) will need
a lot of explanation," said South West Community Development
Council Mayor Amy Khor. - CNA/ac
The above is from govt controlled TV
station.
