Put economy and welfare in perspective: Tony Tan
Presidential candidate Dr Tony Tan has called for Singaporeans to recognise the urgency of the country's economic issues.
"You have to get things in perspective," said Dr Tony Tan on Saturday afternoon.
"If our economy doesn't do well, there won't be any revenue; there won't be any income at all for Singaporeans. So we won't have the means to do any welfare at all."
"The scale of the problem is totally different," he added. "That's why I regard that as really the most urgent task for the next President — to work with the government in order to get through the next crisis that hits us."
Dr Tan was speaking after a tea session with social entrepreneurs held at Professor Brawn Café in Novena Square.
He said he was impressed and encouraged by their enthusiasm, many of whom he knew left their former careers to "move on to do something which they believe to be more worthwhile in the non-profit field, where they can make contributions to society".
Dr Tan called them good examples of "active citizenry".
"People don't rely on the government to solve all issues all the time but take the initiative to bring up issues which they care about and take the initiative to try and do something about it. And I think we should encourage more of this," he said.
"The whole field of social enterprises, VWOs — there are the huge ones, like the National Kidney Foundation, community hospitals, those are needed… but there are also small needs for particular areas. Small interests (like) looking after animals which have been abandoned, I think those enrich our society."
When asked what some of their concerns were, Dr Tan noted their struggle to obtain approval from the government and people.
"Some of them don't even know who to interact with in government. They don't know which ministry they fall under."
Dr Tan said that he will look out for more "impactful ideas" and find ways to help these enterprises, if elected.
"It's good for society; it's good for the people whom they help. And I think it makes Singapore a more vibrant place… a more fair place."
"Everybody has a place no matter what level of society you are in, whatever be your circumstances, there is a place for you in Singapore," he said.
Dr Tan will hold a lunch-time rally on Wednesday, 24 August, at Boat Quay, next to UOB Plaza.
