Gov’t needs to acknowledge those who feel left behind: Shanmugam

Even as the government continues to strive for growth, it needs to acknowledge there are groups of people who feel they have been left behind, said Law Minister K Shanmugam Sunday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening of an upgraded Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) centre at Yishun, he emphasized that the government must do all it can to assist.

While economic growth remains a priority, with the challenge to stay ahead amid global competition, Shanmugam said the government must also ensure that the growth is inclusive, reported Channel NewsAsia.

He said, “If you are not getting the full benefit of growth, of course you will feel you are getting left behind. And there is a small section of the population which feels like that about the government and we must acknowledge that.

“We must acknowledge that as a genuine, legitimate feeling, and we must say what we can do to try and help.”

However, Shanmugam, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister, conceded that it may be tough convincing Singaporeans that the government will provide for those in need.

Highlighting that communication with the public will be key, he said, "You got to put your hand on your heart. First issue is you got to focus on it, accept it as a problem and then work hard at it."

Apart from the government playing its role, he noted that others can also help to ensure no one slips through the cracks.

"It is the people and the government working together to try and find the solutions and moving forward," he noted.