S’pore must value everyone to build fair, just society: PM Lee

SINGAPORE — Every individual here matters and must be valued, regardless of who he is or what he was born with or without, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday as he reiterated the Government’s aim of building a fair and just society.

To achieve the goal, he added that the country must be guided by basic principles pertaining to how society values the disadvantaged and disabled people: “Are people with special needs just there to be helped? Or should they not be people who matter in our society, who are enabled to contribute to our society in full measure?”

Mr Lee said: “Every society will have its problems and its people who are disadvantaged, disabled or need help. What matters is not whether there are such people, but how we as a society take care of them, embrace them and how (they) can contribute to and participate in society.”

Referring to one of the Republic’s founding fathers, he recalled: “Long ago, Mr S Rajaratnam put this in his usual vivid way and he said: Are we a democracy of deeds or a democracy of words?”

Mr Lee was speaking at the 50th anniversary gala dinner for SPD — a social service provider and advocate for the community — which was held at The Fullerton Hotel.

Reiterating that the Government is building a more inclusive society, he cited recent initiatives by the Government, including the Enabling Masterplan — a blueprint on policies and programmes for people with disabilities — and providing transport subsidies and improving physical access for this group. “Everyone deserves to lead a dignified and a confident life ... Singapore is home to all of us,” Mr Lee said.

MediShield coverage was also extended to children born with congenital and neonatal conditions, and greater support was rolled out for early intervention services at the pre-school level. “Every child is precious to us,” said Mr Lee, adding that education matters and the Government also believes in opportunities for all.

Policies are also being developed to provide more social support for the elderly, low-income and disadvantaged, and more risk sharing in the form of MediShield Life, which provides universal healthcare coverage.

Adding that the State is playing a bigger role, Mr Lee said: “(Last year), as a nation we embarked on a new way forward, shifting our approach to give more social support. While individuals need to continue to work hard, the community and Government will be doing more to support individuals.”

But as the Government steps up to do more, community groups such as the SPD continue to play a critical role. For instance, these groups can address the problems of specific groups in need, mobilise volunteers, raise funds from the community and strengthen the bonds among the people, he said.

Mr Lee held up SPD president Chia Yong Yong — a wheelchair user for the past 20 years due to peroneal muscular atrophy — as an example of how people with disabilities can contribute to Singapore society and inspire others to follow their path.

Ms Chia, who played an active role as a committee member of Our Singapore Conversation, was appointed a Nominated Member of Parliament earlier this year. Mr Lee said he was looking forward to Ms Chia’s contributions in Parliament, on behalf of people with disabilities and others.

Paying tribute to the work of SPD — which provides help to 4,700 beneficiaries in different life stages each year — Mr Lee added: “Beyond tangible contributions, organisations like SPD remind us of what we aspire to be as a society: Where every Singaporean counts, no matter who he or she is.”