Much remains to be done for Singapore: President Tony Tan

SINGAPORE — While policy changes — many the result of consultations with the public — were made in the last term of Government, President Tony Tan Keng Yam said yesterday (Oct 1) that the road ahead for the country is long and much remains to be done.

Speaking at the Cabinet swearing-in ceremony, Dr Tan said that in a volatile region that grows ever more uncertain, Singaporeans will be affected by economic and political problems in neighbouring countries, he said.

“Issues that cut across national boundaries will test our mettle as well as regional bonds. Even as we seek to play a constructive role internationally, we must be alert to adapt to fast-changing developments in our region.”

And with the world economy hitting a rough patch, there will be knock-on effects on Singapore, he added. Within the country, there is an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. If Singaporeans fail to address these challenges “robustly”, the economy will falter and lose its vibrancy, making it harder to improve the lives of people, he said.

Dr Tan said he was pleased with continued “good progress” in the last term of Government, during which the Singapore economy grew by 11 per cent in real terms between 2011 and last year. There was economic restructuring and many new and diverse jobs were created, with real wages growing for most Singaporeans, he said.

Referring to the General Election last month, Dr Tan said that elections could potentially be divisive, or bring a country together. “I am happy that Singaporeans sent a clear signal that they wanted to stay united in the face of regional and global uncertainties, and to work with the government for a better future,” he said.

Offering “a word of advice” to what he described as a “bold, strong and forward-looking” Cabinet, Dr Tan said: “Singaporeans have chosen to place their trust in you because they believed you were the most worthy of that trust.”

He added: “You must continue to strive to deserve that trust. You must continue to engage Singaporeans honestly and openly. You must continue to speak frankly with them on the tough issues, and lead with humility.”