LIVE BLOG: PM Lee delivers National Day Rally 2018 speech
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his National Day Rally 2018 speech on Sunday (19 August) evening.
Among other things, the prime minister tackled the issues of 99-year lease of HDB flats, flat upgrading and older estate redevelopment, unveiled a “Merdeka Generation Package” for those born in the 1950s, and touched on the water agreement with Malaysia.
About the cost of living, he noted that the government cannot completely prevent prices from increasing, and he urged Singaporeans to manage their lifestyles.
On healthcare, he said the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) would be extended to Singaporeans with chronic conditions regardless of income.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that the government has nominated hawker culture for UNESCO listing.
In his 15th NDR speech as Singapore’s leader, Lee spoke in Malay and Mandarin (6.45 pm to 7.30 pm) and English (8.15 pm to 9.30 pm) at the Institute of Technical Education Central in Ang Mo Kio.