PM Lee calls on Singaporeans to make
country a special home
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 August 2007 1940
hrs
SINGAPORE: In his National Day Message to the nation, Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to work
together to transform the country and make it a special home for
everyone.
He said in ten years' time, it would be a new Singapore with its
own unique identity and a can-do and never-say-die spirit of the
Lion City.
Mr Lee also brought good news about the economy in his televised
message, recorded at the top floor of the new National Library
Building.
Economic growth in the first half of this year was 7.6 percent,
higher than expected, and for the whole year, growth forecast has
been raised to between 7 and 8 percent.
Singapore is celebrating National Day in a happy mood with four
good years of growth, said PM Lee.
There are many things to cheer about Singapore's athletes are
winning medals, students are excelling in international events and
the country is gearing up for new and exciting projects like the
Formula One Grand Prix and the integrated resorts.
On the economic side, 111,000 jobs have been added in the first
half of the year and unemployment is very low at 2.4 percent.
Mr Lee said: "Singapore is growing not just because of more
investments or more workers. Our people are adapting and working
smarter. We are organising ourselves more efficiently and making
better use of our resources.
"In short, we have increased our productivity. Our efforts to
transform the economy are paying off."
Looking ahead, Mr Lee said Singapore is poised to take off, with
many projects already underway.
Among them are the integrated resorts and the banking and financial
centre.
The prime minister said: "From here, I can see dozens of cranes.
It's a bit hazy today, but there is buzz and excitement in the air,
as our city changes before our eyes, day by day.
"Even the NDP this year is different and exciting. For the first
time, the parade will be held on water at Marina Bay. It will be on
the largest floating stage in the world, with the new city skyline
taking shape all around us."
While Singaporeans come together to help build the nation, Mr Lee
said there is a major challenge which could affect the country's
social harmony and national cohesion, and that is the widening of
income gaps here and all over the world.
Mr Lee said while Singapore cannot stop or reverse this global
trend, it can do a lot to help Singaporeans cope with it.
He said one reason for the widening income gap here is the ageing
population, so the government is making changes to help
Singaporeans work longer, earn more and build up their retirement
savings.
It will enhance the value of HDB homes and improve the CPF system
so they can enjoy a steady income and peace of mind in their golden
years.
PM Lee said: "The government cannot solve all these problems alone.
Everyone must play a part. We each must take responsibility for
ourselves, make the effort to do well, and provide for our families
and our old age.
"At the same time, the more successful Singaporeans must pitch in
to help the weaker ones. The more you have gained from society, the
greater your obligation to give back something to your fellow
citizens."
Mr Lee said the government would tackle these issues one by one and
Singaporeans have every reason to be confident about their
future.
"The global backdrop is favourable. The winds and tides are with
us. Our spirit is high, and our ship is ready," he added.
Mr Lee's call to the nation is to seize the moment to sail ahead
into the bright and exciting future.
