Let's have 'a national conversation on our common future'

By Matthias Chew, The Straits Times, 12 Aug 2012

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has welcomed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call for Singaporeans to build a consensus on the country's future.

Speaking at a National Day Dinner in his Marine Parade constituency yesterday, he hailed the new ministerial committee led by Education Minister Heng Swee Keat that will conduct a broad-based review of the Government's policies and direction. Beyond just coming up with new policies and programmes, the exercise is also about having "a national conversation on our common future", Mr Goh said.

In a nod to the hot-button issues of immigration and social inclusiveness that were also raised in PM Lee's National Day message, Mr Goh said that the Government has to "capture the aspirations of the people, reassure them that Singapore is still a land of opportunity for Singaporeans".

Mr Goh pointed out that the Government has good policies to address key concerns like public transport and immigration, but it needs to "connect the dots" so people can see that its policies are "part of a larger, holistic vision to look after them and improve their lives".

To do so, he said there has to be a "two-way conversation" between Singaporeans and the Government, so a consensus on Singapore's challenges and future direction can be built.

He listed some of those challenges, which he classified into the "good, the bad and the ugly".

One "bad" trend was the slowing global economy, while "ugly" ones include an ageing workforce, declining birth rates, and the trend of putting self-interest before those of nation and society.

On the plus side, Singapore has "good" qualities such as a highly educated population and a competitive economy, he said.

Acknowledging the increasing diverse views of Singaporeans, Mr Goh said he hoped all Singaporeans would contribute to the conversation, "whatever their age or views". Citizens can do so, he added, by speaking to MPs and ministers either through dialogues or in writing.

He said: "The more such conversations are held, the better our chances of developing a common understanding of our Bad and Ugly challenges, of staying united and overcoming them with our Good qualities."

'Nothing replaces an active citizenry'
By Maria Almenoar, The Straits Times, 12 Aug 2012

Making Singapore a country with a strong and inclusive society is not just the job of the Government.

Citizens also have an important role to play in achieving this, especially by being active at the community level, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday at Jurong Spring Community Club.

Mr Tharman, who is adviser to the Jurong GRC grassroots organisations, was the guest of honour at the National Day carnival for residents.

"Nothing can replace an activist government... but there is nothing that can also replace active citizenry," he said.

Mr Tharman, who is also Finance Minister, noted that while the Government has an important role to play in helping citizens in areas such as health care and housing, Singaporeans can do their part as individuals and in groups.

For example, community groups can supplement what schools are doing to help children from disadvantaged homes.

"Take these children out... and give them the exposure they may not otherwise receive," he said.

A community approach could involve taking these children on excursions to places like Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade.

As for elderly people, communities need to help them feel good about themselves and find ways to live satisfying lives.

"It's about a community that cares and is always there," he said.

He also encouraged citizens to do more to promote multiracialism, asking: "Do we have friends from other races? Do we help each other regardless of race?"

He also praised the community projects of Mr Ang Wei Neng and Mr Desmond Lee, MPs for Jurong GRC.

In Jurong Central, for example, there are two newly completed blocks of rental flats. Many residents contributed to a fund to help rental flat occupants buy basic amenities for their homes, such as rice cookers and stoves, Mr Ang said.

"Some of them are even considering adopting a young family in a rental flat to help guide the young children. Very good kampung spirit," he added.