SINGAPORE : Singaporeans have been reminded to stand
united regardless of race, language or religion.
Speaking at the annual Tanjong Pagar Lunar New Year
dinner on Friday, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew emphasised that as
long as Singapore continues to give everyone equal opportunities,
the country will do well.
Minister Mentor Lee said 2010 was a splendid year,
with the economy growing 14.7 per cent - thanks to several
factors.
Mr Lee said Singapore's tourism sector received a boost from
Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands, while the manufacturing
sector grew some 30 per cent last year compared to 2009.
He added that the Trade and Industry Ministry's forecast of a 4 to
6 per cent growth for this year is not bad for a mature economy
like Singapore.
Mr Lee said: "To keep this going at this stage, we need several
things. First, stability and confidence of investors. Stability
means everybody is satisfied and acts like a good reasonable
citizen, he owns his own home, he has got a good job, his children
are going to good schools, polytechnics, universities, ITE.
"All races are given equal treatment, all use the English language,
it is a common platform, nobody gets an advantage and it is also
the language which has enabled us to connect to the world and get
investments in."
He said that one factor which will help achieve further progress is
providing children with better schools and teachers.
Mr Lee said: "Fair play enables harmony to be maintained. On that
basis, we will continue to do well for many, many more years and
our children will grow up in one of the most safe, secure and
prosperous countries in this part of the world, if not the whole
world."
Mr Lee said that according to the Liveable Cities Index, Singapore
is ranked amongst the top five, and all Singaporeans have played
their part in achieving this by working harmoniously with the
government.
- CNA/ms
