S’pore must stay firm but tactful in foreign policy

Singapore has punched above its weight on the world stage and must continue to do so, for this is the only way to ensure its survival.

This is why I agree with what Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan outlined in “Singapore will stand firm on its foreign policy, says Vivian” (July 18). It was well grounded.

Singapore must be heard on issues that truly matter, that have a bearing on the existence of nations and mankind itself.

Singapore has a say because it has always done the right thing and set the standards of how a country should be run and how its people’s welfare should be seen to, regardless of what some people might say.

That Singapore has done better than many larger countries must count for something in world forums, where it can contribute and make a difference.

No one should contemplate changing our stance and none more so than bigger countries, which should know better despite their agenda.

Being firm but tactful, especially in darker days at the beginning when we attempted to rise from our nascency and stand on our own feet, has guided us across stormy seas that would have swallowed up most small, vulnerable nations.

We have come a long way, but we must never become complacent about our place in the world, which we fought tooth and nail to attain.

Most of all, we must stay in touch with other nations, big and small, maintain good relations with them and make them understand how and why we do things at home — always in a civil tone.