SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says while
a strong economy will always be a priority, Singapore must also
build a united society which leaves no Singaporean behind, and a
well-functioning political system that delivers good government to
Singapore.
He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of
Singapore's seventh President Dr Tony Tan at the Istana on
Thursday.
Mr Lee said Singapore faces considerable challenges.
And to surmount them, Singaporeans must remain cohesive and united,
supporting one another, and making tough choices together.
Then the country can continue to progress and prosper, and create
more opportunities and a better life for everyone.
Mr Lee noted that the recently concluded general and presidential
elections were fiercely contested.
In the Presidential Election, some candidates championed various
policies while campaigning, even though policymaking is the
responsibility of the government and not the President.
Mr Lee said the debate was intense, at times even divisive.
But now both elections are over and voters have decided.
Prime Minister Lee stressed that Singaporeans need to come together
again and move forward as one people and one nation.
Mr Lee also spoke about the custodial functions of the President
who holds the second key to unlock the reserves.
He said the government will continue to be prudent and build up the
reserves year by year.
But he noted that there will surely be future occasions when the
government will have to seek the President's approval to draw on
the hard-earned past reserves again.
Mr Lee said it could conceivably happen within the term of Dr Tony
Tan as President, if the dangers facing the world economy escalated
and precipitated a major crisis.
In such an eventuality, Mr Lee assured the new President that the
government will work with him to handle the request and decision
deliberately, systematically, and in the best interests of
Singaporeans.
Prime Minister Lee noted that Singapore's elected presidency is a
unique institution.
It has been created within a parliamentary system of government for
the specific purpose of instituting certain vital safeguards,
particularly to protect the past reserves and key
appointments.
But Mr Lee added that it remains a parliamentary system, and as in
all parliamentary systems there is still only one centre of power,
which is the government, as pointed out by President Dr Tony
Tan.
Prime Minister Lee said: "We need to continue to develop and adapt
this important institution from time to time, to take into account
new circumstances and our growing experience.
"This will give Singapore a more resilient and stable political
system that continues to deliver good government for the benefit of
citizens.
"But the fundamental purpose of the second key will not change: to
have the President and Council of Presidential Advisors act as a
safeguard to ensure that our reserves are not squandered, and the
integrity of the public service is protected."
- CNA/ir