President Halimah Yacob's address at the opening of the second session of Singapore's 14th parliament sets the agenda for the rest of this government's term.
SINGAPORE: President Halimah Yacob delivered an address that sets the agenda for the rest of this government's term at the opening of the second session of Singapore's 14th parliament on Monday night .she spoke about ensuring a meritocracy that works well for all SingaporeansMdm Halimah's speech marks the end of the mid-term break taken by parliament. Singapore's 14th parliament opened on Aug 24, 2020, after the 2020 General Election.
The rivalry between US and China continues to intensify, and has recently taken a turn for the worse. Near-miss encounters are happening more frequently around the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Neither side wants to go to war, but events have their own momentum, and accidents can easily spiral out of control in ways no one can predict.
We must do our utmost to resist such pressures. We have to close ranks and stay united, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, especially when it comes to core national interests. We must never allow external parties to divide us, and should always stand together as one people to uphold Singapore’s vital interests.Unity will also be important as we push forward against the economic headwinds. Global trade and investment flows are facing growing obstacles.
We must develop talents and skills of our people throughout their careers, and continue to attract foreigners with entrepreneurial networks and expertise to help grow opportunities for Singaporeans. This exercise reaffirms the core values that we hold dear as Singaporeans – fairness, inclusivity, mutual support and the desire to give back to society. We want every person to be treated equally with dignity and respect. We want a Singapore where everyone belongs, and every citizen has the chance to achieve his or her fullest potential. We want a society that values and supports families; where we care for and help one another, and pitch in to make a difference to our community.
Meritocracy has long been the organising principle of our society. It has provided opportunities to countless Singaporeans with the drive and ability to excel. But as we prosper as a society, those who have already done well will naturally seek to pass on their advantages to their children. This is why absent major upheavals, all societies tend to become more stratified and less socially mobile over time.
At the same time, we will step up support for the disadvantaged and vulnerable segments in our society. We will uplift lower-income workers and families, and empower them to take the initiative to improve their own lives. We will enhance support for persons with disabilities, so they can pursue their aspirations and participate fully as contributing members of society.
We will also keep public housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. Close to 100,000 private and public homes are expected to be completed between now and 2025. We are giving priority to young married couples and families with children to purchase their first homes.IN FOCUS: Why does Singapore build flats ‘to order’? A look at the BTO system's past, present and future
Fourth, we will strengthen our collective responsibility to shape our new compact. More government action should not result in a greater sense of dependency and entitlement. Instead, the government will, through its actions, reinforce individual and family efforts, and bring forth contributions from other stakeholders.
We are here today only because of what previous generations of Singaporeans did. They were willing to work hard and make sacrifices, to give us – their children and grandchildren – a better life. We must uphold these same values and leave behind a Singapore that is better than the one today, for the sake of future generations.
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