National Day Rally to assure S’poreans about future

SINGAPORE — Giving a glimpse into the main topics to be covered in the National Day Rally speech he will deliver in two weeks, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong summed it up as giving Singaporeans assurance and peace of mind for the future.

Speaking at a National Day celebration dinner attended by more than 2,500 residents of his Teck Ghee ward last night, Mr Lee said topics will range from the Government’s plans to ensure Singaporeans have enough in their old age to how it will create more opportunities for young Singaporeans to pursue their dreams.

“I will be talking about how we are working in Singapore to give (Singaporeans) assurance (and) peace of mind,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about very difficult things in life, such as medical care, but you can have the assurance in order to reach for the stars, to work to improve your life.”

Mr Lee said he will also detail in his Aug 17 speech how the Government will create a better living environment in Singapore, as well as plans for building a “better, brighter future for ourselves and our children”.

Retirement adequacy has attracted intense discussion recently, with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme and how monies in it are used being hotly debated. Less than two weeks ago, for instance, it was revealed at a forum on CPF and retirement adequacy organised by the Institute of Policy Studies that the Government is reviewing various aspects of the scheme, including how the Minimum Sum is calculated and possible options to help the asset-rich but cash-poor, among other things.

During his speech at the opening of Parliament in May, President Tony Tan had also noted that for the second half of its term, the Government will improve the existing CPF savings and Life annuity schemes to ensure that Singaporeans, who are living longer, have enough for their financial needs in their golden years.

He also unveiled the Government’s ambitions of becoming the first smart nation to improve the Republic’s quality of life.

In terms of opportunities for 
youth, a review is under way in polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education to provide more practical learning opportunities and ensure that students stay competitive in the economy.

Yesterday, Mr Lee also reiterated the need for Singaporeans to take care of one another, as he paid tribute to the pioneer generation of Singaporeans in his Mandarin speech.

Citing how that generation has exemplified the importance of working together to help the community prosper, Mr Lee noted that it will be difficult for a single person to accomplish great things, as he highlighted community efforts, such as students taking the elderly to tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, he also announced that about 1,200 older flats in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, from Blocks 330 to 337, stand to benefit from the Home Improvement Programme — voting for the refurbishment work will be held next year.

Residents attending the dinner last night were treated to a variety of multicultural performances by various grassroots organisations, schools and community partners. There was also a tribute to the pioneer generation with Teck Ghee residents performing a Mambo dance.

Residents also contributed their recycled plastic bags for the We Love SG Flowers initiative. The floral creations are meant to represent people’s wishes for Singapore as it nears its 50th birthday.