SINGAPORE : Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said
Singapore's policies are not set in stone.
He said the ability to improve on what has been done and
basic values like meritocracy have led to Singapore's
success.
Addressing his constituents at the Tanjong Pagar National
Day dinner on Sunday evening, Mr Lee also spoke of the crucial need
for succession.
Mr Lee said the spectacular 45th anniversary National Day
Parade encapsulates the experience the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
has gained in 45 years.
He said: "Every year, the SAF improves on what it has
done. It is like the rest of Singapore. It is the reason for our
progress. Soldiers are better trained and officers are of the
quality to improve on last year's performance. And a new team of
officers takes over, studies the past and improves on it. This way,
Singapore has ensured succession.
"We defied the odds and got to where we are. However, we
must never forget our hard and harsh beginnings. If our national
solidarity is splintered by communal hostility, and our social
cohesion is weakened, we will regress. Then we will have a weak
economy that cannot afford a strong SAF. That will again make us
vulnerable."
Mr Lee said the resources the SAF needs to mount such a
superb performance require a strong and vibrant economy.
And to build such a Singapore, the nation needs an
exceptionally strong government with the ablest, the toughest and
the most dedicated leaders.
Mr Lee said: "We headhunt for them, test them out in heavy
responsibilities. Only such leaders can keep the economy growing
and create good jobs and generate the revenue to pay for the
equipment and training of our 3-G SAF.
"This 3-G SAF provides the security and confidence of our
people and of foreign investors, assured that we can more than
defend ourselves. If there is insecurity, there will be fewer
investments. That means a poorer people and instability."
Mr Lee added that Singapore's basic values - of ensuring leaders of
high integrity; meritocracy; a level playing field for all
citizens; and English as the working language - have laid the
foundation of Singapore's success.
He said: "People get to where they are on merit - not nepotism, not
corruption. Hence, all are capable and competent. No policy is
skewed as a result of personal benefit or profits. We have been
rated as the cleanest government in Asia, and amongst the first
three cleanest in the world.
"Third, we have a level playing field for all citizens. No one is
disadvantaged by our national policies whatever their race,
language or religion.
"Fourth, English is our working language. We did not choose
Chinese, the language of the majority. English gives everyone an
equal chance to master the language. It is a language of the world
of trade and individuals, the Internet and new knowledge. It has
made us the hub we now are for businesses, industries, banking and
financial services, and communications."
Minister Mentor Lee also pointed out that Singapore's policies are
not set in stone and the country is always re-examining old
policies and positions and changing them with changing world
circumstances, like deciding to allow the F1 race which has been a
sparkling success.
Similarly, Singapore was also against casinos for decades. But
having seen the industry develop in Las Vegas, the Republic allowed
two integrated resorts, which Mr Lee said are doing well.
The facilities at the two hotels have drawn in hordes of tourists
and Singaporeans, with the country's tourist industry having grown
by 30 per cent already.
But Mr Lee pointed out that Singapore has done poorly in one sector
- Singaporeans are not replacing themselves. And with a fertility
rate of 1.22, Singapore will nearly halve its population in one
generation.
Mr Lee said: "So we have no choice - since we cannot encourage our
people with bonuses and incentives to have more children - (but) to
get immigrants from Malaysia, who are the easiest to assimilate,
from China, from India and from the region.
"They will take time to adjust to our culture and ways of life, but
they will adapt if they want to succeed, and learn English to be
part of Singapore."
Mr Lee called on Singaporeans to help integrate the children of
immigrants into society so that these new citizens will make for a
more varied and dynamic society.
Minister Mentor Lee also spoke in Mandarin.
He told his audience that Singapore's economic growth, expected to
be at least 12 or 13 per cent for this year, was not bad.
Mr Lee said that such growth would allow for improvements such as
schools and buildings.
He said: "I am not saying all the HDB flats can be as nice as
Pinnacle ([email protected]), but so long as there is one main area
that is just as pretty, just as luxurious."
However, for Singapore to develop and prosper, and for its people
to live peacefully, the country must be united and citizens must
feel they are benefiting, he said.
Over 95 per cent of flat owners have taken possession of their
flats at [email protected], while 70 to 80 per cent have moved
in.
- CNA/ms
