Yearn to put nationhood before self for S’pore’s future

In the report “Shared conviction, unity of citizens ‘key to Singapore’s future’” (Nov 28), the Prime Minister detailed the vision of Singapore staying relevant and being an honest broker in situations where bigger nations cannot.

If a small country is to carve a future, there must be a yearning sense of the preservation of nationhood that must come above self in every aspect.

If we in Singapore let national interests slide and have insular, backward-leaning policies, then the ever-changing world will move ahead independent of us.

The reality is that as bigger countries open up economically and politically, we need them more than they need us. Hence, the Chinese saying the PM recited — that small countries do not make foreign policies — is so true.

Smaller countries align and influence only by the standing and respect they command in the world. With that, economic power is the key to staying relevant and respected; money and knowledge will always remain critical.

So, let us remember what our forefathers started, and continue to forge our future with the tenacity that has brought us here.

I hope that as we work towards leaving a legacy of an equally prosperous tomorrow and beyond, our grandchildren can, 50 years on, afford us the same respect.