SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the
government is adjusting the balance between its key goals to
achieve Singapore's future objectives.
Mr Lee, who likened these goals to yin and yang
elements that complement each other, said it is important to strike
a balance between them.
Mr Lee, who is also secretary-general of the ruling
People's Action Party (PAP), said this at the party's 32nd
conference on Sunday morning.
Stressing that the PAP must set a clear direction, he highlighted
three key goals.
First, it wants to achieve a vibrant economy by creating good jobs
for everyone, as well as a harmonious society where people can
enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life.
Second, it wants a meritocratic system where people succeed based
on their effort and contributions, along with special effort to
help those who start off with less to do well in school and upgrade
at work.
Third, it wants to build a Singapore where citizens belong and feel
as one, as well as an open, cosmopolitan city that welcomes
foreigners with the skills and talents to help the country
succeed.
Mr Lee said the balance between these goals - just like yin and
yang elements - will change will over time.
The government, he said, is in the process of adjusting them.
He said it is useful to re-examine the goals as Singapore advances
as a nation.
Society must continue to be based on
meritocracy
Mr Lee said meritocracy is a fundamental principle of the PAP, and
that it is the reason why the party fought for a Malaysian Malaysia
and left Malaysia in 1965.
He noted that there has been vigorous debate on meritocracy, with
the most recent discussions revolving around the Primary School
Leaving Examination (PSLE) and school rankings.
Mr Lee said some people are even asking if meritocracy is a good
thing.
The prime minister said merit not only refers to academic success,
and pointed out that while school grades are important, they are
not the only measure of ability or determinants of success.
He described the PSLE as an important examination, saying "it is
right that students study hard".
However, he said, it is "not the be-all and end-all".
Mr Lee said for those who did well, there is no free ride to
success in life
But for those who did not do as well and missed entering their
school of choice, Mr Lee said there are more opportunities to
develop and succeed later in life.
He said he is worried when people say that meritocracy is
wrong.
He asked Singaporeans what Singapore would base its society on,
other than merit.
Mr Lee said Singaporeans have to be careful not to go overboard and
abandon the values and principles which have brought the country
this far.
He pointed out that the ongoing "our Singapore Conversation"
process brings people together to discuss these fundamental
issues.
The PAP, he said, has been taking part in this process to develop
consensus.
Mr Lee stressed that as the ruling party, it must also lead
Singapore; and that after all the discussions, the party must be
clear about what it stands for.
The prime minister said for Singapore to achieve its goals, the
country needs good leadership - and it is the PAP's duty to offer
this to Singapore.
PAP to give WP a "tough
fight"
Mr Lee also touched on the PAP's plans in opposition-held Aljunied
Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
He said the party is regrouping in the GRC and will give The
Workers' Party's (WP) Members of Parliament a "tough fight".
He added that the PAP will support its team in Aljunied.
A branch chairman of a division in Aljunied GRC also shared views
on the PAP's plans in Aljunied GRC at the conference.
Mr Victor Lye, who heads the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch of the
PAP, believes it is not impossible to win back the GRC, even though
it will be an uphill task.
He believes what is needed is a five-per cent swing in votes.
He said he is focusing on building a team of activists - different
from the grassroots network.
It will be more targeted in its approach and reach out to the PAP's
core supporters, as well as swing voters and new voters.
Mr Lye said he understands the odds against the PAP and stressed
the need for party activists to win the hearts of the people.
Ultimately, he said, the outcome will also be shaped by national
perceptions of the PAP and the opposition.
Mr Lye said while the PAP has made adjustments, the test lies in
how connected the people feel towards the party.
The WP team of MPs in Aljunied GRC comprises Mr Low Thia Khiang, Ms
Sylvia Lim, Mr Muhd Faisal Abdul Manap, Mr Chen Show Mao and Mr
Pritam Singh.
It beat the PAP team of Mr George Yeo, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Mr Zainul
Abidin Rasheed, Ms Cynthia Phua and Mr Ong Ye Kung in the 2011
general election.
- CNA/xq
