'We've a comprehensive programme for S'poreans'

Newly-elected President Tony Tan has assured Singaporeans from all strata of society that the government has a “comprehensive programme” to improve their lives over the next five years.

In a wide-ranging speech at the opening of Singapore's 12th Parliament on Monday, Tan said lower-income Singaporeans will get more support to upgrade their skills, while the vulnerable and unfortunate can continue to rely on social safety nets such as Medifund and ComCare.

For Singaporeans in the middle, there will be more skills upgrading programmes for workers, more pathways to educate their children, especially in the tertiary level, and “every opportunity” for them to own a home.

This will help this group of Singaporeans cope with “rapid changes and growing competition in the world”, said Tan.

And for citizens who do “exceptionally well”, Singapore will continue to offer many opportunities to excel, he stated, adding that he hopes they will “contribute much to the society which helped you blossom”.

The president also touched on meeting the needs of young Singaporeans and senior citizens. This includes ensuring healthcare is kept affordable and helping young citizens develop themselves and succeed in life, say, through heavy investments in education.

“The Government has a comprehensive programme to work towards these goals over the next five years,” stated Tan, stressing that there are “no short cuts or easy solutions".

'Vigorous debate good for S’pore'

But as society changes and Singaporeans have more diverse expectations, the Republic’s politics is becoming “more diverse and open”, acknowledged the president.

Pointing to the composition of Parliament with six elected opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), Tan highlighted, “We can expect more diverse views and vigorous debates in the House. This is positive for Singapore.”

But he cautioned, “In the heat of the political tussle, we must not forget that we all share the same goal, namely serving the people.”

Only by getting our politics right and keeping it constructive and responsible will Singapore make progress,” he continued.

Tan stressed that the government will work closely with its people to bring about change.

While one key platform for engagement is the new media, Tan pointed to the “real challenges” in this medium, such as misinformation and “harsh, intemperate voices”.

“We must find ways to use the new media constructively, to connect with the digital generation and sustain fruitful conversations on issues concerning us all,” he said.

In turn, Singaporeans need to “make the effort to think through the issues, weigh the options and make the compromises and choices”.

Reminding citizens that they too “play an equally important role”, he called for “strong families” and for a “more vibrant civil society”.

“We want to harness the energies and ideas of our people, be it to tackle social issues, promote the arts, or protect the environment,” he said, encouraging more volunteerism efforts.

“Fault lines in our society have to be carefully managed,” he warned as he turned to the tension between local-born Singaporeans and immigrants.

One aim now is to prevent a “new fault line” from forming between these two groups. While the government slows the inflow, Singaporeans should help immigrants integrate, he said.

“We must stay strong, cohesive and alert, especially to potential threats to our unity, prosperity and security,” said Tan, pointing to the uncertain world economy.

Commending the nation’s achievements, he urged, “Let us build on this strong foundation together, to give all Singaporeans a better life and a better tomorrow.”

The 12th Parliament of Singapore opened on Monday at 3:30pm, with Punggol East MP Michael Palmer elected as the new Speaker of the House. Eighty-seven MPs and three Non-Constituency MPs took their oath of allegiance to Singapore.

Over the next few days, government ministries will release statements in response to Tan’s speech, detailing key plans over the coming five years.

Parliament will convene on 17 October for a week-long debate, where MPs will express their sentiments on the presidential address and addendum. They may also highlight concerns expressed by their residents.