SINGAPORE: Singaporeans must strengthen their values
of tolerance, mutual respect and empathy, as their country's
success as a nation is increasingly defined not just in economic
terms but also by the country's social capital.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the call in his
2012 New Year message on Saturday, saying the effort must go beyond
being civil and considerate.
He said it involves actively appreciating others'
perspectives, caring for fellow citizens, conducting a constructive
public discourse and accepting the need to make compromises that
benefit the majority.
Mr Lee said these are essential attributes of a mature, gracious
society, which he believes Singaporeans want for their
country.
He said he is glad to see signs of such positive engagement
emerging and cited the work of nature, heritage and other interest
groups as an example.
He praised them for working closely and enthusiastically with the
Ministry of National Development on the project to redevelop the
former KTM railway land.
At the same time, interested Singaporeans are making innovative
suggestions on how to balance development and nature along the rail
corridor.
Mr Lee said Singaporeans need to handle other more contentious
issues as constructively too, such as the building of new
expressways, train lines or nursing homes that affect residents
nearby.
He said if all sides refuse to budge, Singapore will be gridlocked
and nothing will move.
He urged Singaporeans to uphold a spirit of give and take, actively
search for creative and practical outcomes that serve the common
good, as well as rally behind collective decisions.
- CNA/fa