SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says how well Singapore does in the long term depends on its policies and politics.
In his traditional May Day message on Saturday, he said Singapore needs both the right policies and the right politics to produce governments that pursue sound policies, a stable environment for growth and confidence in Singapore's long-term prospects.
Singapore's good government and policies have led to better jobs and lives, said Prime Minister Lee.
The country has to keep this virtuous cycle going, he added.
Mr
Lee said politics here have looked after the interests of workers, not
just in the sense of parties and elections but in the sense of
Singaporeans understanding what their future depends on and supporting
leaders who will work with them to secure their future.
It is
also about upholding key institutions like the tripartite partners so
that the country is resilient when confronted by challenges and to
emerge from crises tougher and more united.
On inflation, Mr Lee said it has been higher than the people wished and that hopefully it will moderate later this year.
The
stronger Singapore dollar will help to mitigate imported inflation, and
businesses too have responded well to the government's efforts to hold
down prices of basic essentials.
Meanwhile the S$3.2 billion "Grow & Share" package will help homes cope with the higher cost of living.
Mr
Lee believes that for most lower- and middle-income households, the
package should more than make up for the higher cost of living this
year.
Mr Lee said: "We aim to grow not for its own sake, but so
as to raise the standards of living of our people across the board.
Without growth, we would lack resources to invest in our future and to
help Singaporeans in need.
"But even with growth, we must make a
concerted effort to enable all Singaporeans to benefit, through social
programmes like home ownership, education and affordable health care, as
well as through special measures like the 'Grow & Share' package
when the economy does exceptionally well."
2011 also marks 50 years of partnership between the People's Action Party and the labour movement, NTUC.
Mr
Lee said this unique symbiotic relationship has produced successive PAP
governments that have improved the lives of workers beyond recognition.
Mr
Lee urged workers to continue working together to grow the economy,
create more good jobs and secure a brighter future together for many
years to come.
- CNA/ir
We've today is thks to the old guards, and I'm grateful for that.
But moving on and stay ahead, seriously I dun think we've the people
The current political system in Singapore has exhausted its potentials.
Singapore must reform its political system and society in order to move forward and survive in the 21st century.
I don't think PAP can do it, that is why I support a shake up of political system by voting the PAP out on May 7.
whose to say the policy is right? your ideas were good. but its not working now.
with no neutral third party to constantly challenge them what' good is that? imagine the criminal is the police and judge at the ssame time?