Singapore first parliament hearing after GE2011 - 10Oct2011

SINGAPORE: President Tony Tan Keng Yam has called on Singaporeans not to allow diversity to divide the country.

A key theme of his Opening Address to the 12th Parliament is how Singapore has to manage an increasingly diverse population, with different demands, expectations and needs, and still remain a cohesive society.

Dr Tan acknowledged that Singapore's politics is becoming more diverse and open, as more people are contending to represent different groups and interests.

"This is positive for Singapore. But in the heat of the political tussle, we must not forget that we all share the same goal, namely serving the people," he said.

"Hence all sides must take a long-term, national perspective, put society's interests above their own, and find the right way forward together despite different views and preferences. Only by getting our politics right and keeping it constructive and responsible will Singapore make progress."

President Tan shared a word of caution that Singaporeans should not forget to be sensitive to issues which can divide society.

"Our diversity must not divide us. Fault lines in our society have to be carefully managed. We have done well in strengthening racial and religious harmony. Now we must try hard to prevent a new fault line from forming between local-born Singaporeans and recent immigrants," he said.

"The government is slowing the inflow to ensure that new arrivals not only contribute economically, but also embrace our values and integrate into our society. Singaporeans, for our part, should help them become part of our Singapore family, just as our forefathers settled here in earlier generations."

President Tan said the govern­ment will work closely with the people, engage Singaporeans more extensively on issues, tap their ideas and foster a greater sense of shared ownership.

"Singaporeans are active partners in our shared future, not passive bystanders as we progress. Citizens need to make the effort to think through the issues, weigh the options, and make the compromises and choices," he said.

One platform for such an engagement is the new media.

However he added: "On the Internet, truth is not easily distinguished from misinformation. Anonymity is often abused. Harsh, intemperate voices often drown out moderate, considered views.

"Other countries struggle with this problem too. 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."

President Tan also outlined some of the plans the government has in mind for different segments of society including the lower income, middle income and those who have done exceptionally well.

He also mentioned senior citizens and the younger generation. He said the underlying objective of the government's programmes for the people is to ensure that all citizens will always have a place in Singapore regardless of their background, religion or race.

Dr Tan said: "To achieve this, our economy must grow. This is basic to improving our lives. High rates of growth will become more challenging as we grapple with the limits of our land area and population size, and as our income level reaches that of developed countries. But we should still make 3-5 percent growth per year, and bring everyone along, provided we work together closely and wisely."

He added: "Our success is defined not just by material progress but also by our values and ideals. We want a fair and just society that ensures the well-being of every citizen; a gracious and compassionate community whose members care for one another; and a truly special Singapore, where our children can grow to be the best that they can be."

For lower-income Singaporeans, Dr Tan said Singa­pore will continue to be a country where they could improve themselves and do well as the country progresses.

For the majority in the middle, President Tan said Singapore will always be a country where they can enjoy the fruits of their labour and have ample opportunities to move ahead.

For those who do exceptionally well, Singapore will continue to offer many opportunities to excel - a secure, nurturing base camp from which they could scale the heights of the world, said the President.

For senior citizens, Dr Tan said Singapore will always be their home where they can spend their silver years with peace of mind.

And for the young, "Singapore will be the place to pursue your dreams and fulfil your promise", said the President.

Concluding his address to the Parliament, President Tan said that very few countries have been able to achieve what Singapore has done and he called on every Singaporean to build on the strong foundation together for a better life and a brighter tomorrow.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Singapore
• 154thmedia
• news
• general
• election
• 2011
• ge2011
• parliament
• tony
• tan
• president
• low
• thia
• khiang
• workers
• party

[wherewascharlie]

1:20 needs coffee

[sjche12]

Thank you 154media! Hope you can upload the subsequent debates and motions of the house.

[stealthwolf73]

hope to more opps mp in next parliament soon!

[doggie4499]

1:20 needs alarm clock.

[kezman2003]

@wherewascharlie That was the first thing I spotted as well haha. Wonder what he was dreaming about?

[gwl9]

@wallyo077 You must be kidding. Singaporeans are totally against Tin Pei Ling.

[suntilon]

His eyes keeps looking down. Is he reading the script?

[gottstein]

There's a reason why this channel's name is 154media.

[cowsaymookiller]

Thanks for uploading. Hope u can upload all the Parliamentary debates henceforth.