Strengthen values of tolerance, respect, empathy: PM Lee
As public debate expands in openness and robustness, Singaporeans need to strengthen their values of tolerance, mutual respect and empathy for one another, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In his New Year’s Day message to Singaporeans, Lee said these values go beyond being civil and considerate to one another, but involve active appreciation of others’ perspectives, caring for fellow citizens, holding constructive public discourse and making compromises that benefit the majority.
“This applies not only in good times when there are fewer frictions and it is easier to get along, but also when we encounter tough issues, passions run high and different points of view have to be bridged,” he added.
He said that citizens need to handle contentious issues constructively as well, citing the building of new expressways, train lines or nursing homes as examples that could affect residents living nearby.
“Much as we would like to, it is not possible to please everyone completely,” he said. “If all sides refuse to budge, Singapore will be gridlocked and nothing will move.
“Hence, we need to uphold a spirit of give and take, and actively search for creative and practical outcomes that serve the common good. And, after the final decision has been made, I hope that all parties will rally behind this collective decision.”
Challenges for 2012
The prime minister also acknowledged Singapore’s accomplishments in pulling together to overcome the 2008 global financial crisis, saying that Singapore’s international standing remains high.
He shared that apart from the country’s 4.8 per cent growth from 2011, the government is continuing its work to tackle Singapore’s immediate challenges, having launched 25,000 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in 2011 and its plans to put up another 25,000 for 2012. He also said that efforts to improve the nation's public transport system are being redoubled, alongside its work to expand Singapore’s train and bus networks.
“However, these improvements will take time, so meanwhile please bear with us,” he added.
Turning to population issues, Lee acknowledged the “complex and critical challenge” faced here, saying that the government is tightening the inflow of foreign workers to a more sustainable rate, although companies, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as individual Singaporeans, will feel the pinch, because many foreign workers do jobs that serve citizens.
He added that lessening the influx of foreign workers implies “forgoing business opportunities and accepting slower growth”, which is why the government is making a more conservative growth estimate of between one and three per cent in 2012.
"These population issues affect us all," he said. "We will discuss them over the next year, so that we can understand better what is at stake, and what choices we must make as a nation."
Yahoo! Singapore readers share resolutions for Singapore in 2012
Looking to the new year, Yahoo! Singapore readers shared their wishes for the nation, touching on issues like transport, employment and cost of living.
Reader Vivian Goh said she hoped that Certificate of Entitlement prices will fall (for the ownership of cars and other vehicles), and also that transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit will improve their train and bus services.
Another reader, Ethan Sia, commented that his resolutions for Singapore included a more discerning approach to awarding permanent residency and citizenship, for taxi fares to be reviewed and for the government to "take ownership of the fare system". He also said that goods and services tax should be upped on luxury items, but removed on necessities such as rice, milk, oil and salt.
"Reduce the Central Provident Fund (CPF) withdrawal cap but increase Medisave contributions and extend the usage to more illnesses and GP (general practitioner) consultations, because if it's old age they care about, that's what matters," Sia added.
Meanwhile, user Muhammad Shafie echoed the concerns of many citizens over 2011, wishing for more job opportunities, a lower cost of living and for a resolution of increasing instances of overcrowding in Singapore.
