By S Ramesh | Posted: 31
December 2012 1918 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister and
Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade Group Representation
Constituency (GRC), Mr Goh Chok Tong said his wish for 2013 is
simply that it will be a better year for the world and
Singapore.
Writing on his Facebook page, he said 2012 has been an eventful
year for the world and Singapore.
Among the events coming to his mind - Hurricane Sandy, US President
Obama's re-election, leadership changes in Asia, and the civil war
in Syria with innocent lives lost and life disrupted.
Mr Goh also recalled the the Indian girl who was gang raped and
later passed away, the MRT train break-downs, the illegal strike by
Chinese bus drivers, the high-profile sex scandals and the
industrial accidents in Singapore.
He added that he cannot instantly think of good events to recall,
not that there were none but that they were overwhelmed by the bad
news.
Mr Goh wished Singaporeans good health, success in their studies,
career and business, family happiness, peace of mind and luck as
well.
Also expressing his new year wishes on Facebook was Minister for
Communications and Information and Minister in Charge of Muslim
Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who hopes the new year will be a better
year for all women.
He said as the world bids 2012 good bye and welcomes 2013, there
are many events that come to his mind.
Dr Yaacob said the acts committed against the Indian lady who died
after being gang raped and assaulted and Ms Malala Yousafzai, the
Pakistani girl who was shot in the face, have especially shocked
him with their callousness and unspeakable violence.
Dr Yaacob stressed that no one deserves what the two women had gone
through, and everyone deserves a shot at happiness and a better
life.
Dr Yaacob said it was against this tragic backdrop that he was
heartened to see his friend's daughter doing well getting the
Edusave Award.
The Minister stressed that it is society's duty to help everyone to
realise their fullest potential.
To every father, mother, teacher and those in a position to shape
and influence the lives of others, Dr Yaacob urged them to treat
their ward with care and respect and give them the dignity they
deserve.
He also urged them to empower girls and teach boys to
respect.
Finally, Dr Yaacob's perennial wish is for a homeland for the
Palestinians.
- CNA/xq
