Moving Forward Together

             The majority of Singaporeans will be able to adapt to and keep up with the changes.  But some Singaporeans, especially among the older and lower-income groups, are finding it harder to cope.  We will extend a helping hand to these Singaporeans, so that we can all move forward together as one nation and one people. 

             From time to time, when the economy has done well, and the Govern­ment has accumulated surpluses, we share part of these surpluses with Singaporeans, to give everyone a share in our economic success. With good growth in 2004 and 2005, I am hopeful that in the budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, we will again have something to share. If so, on top of a general scheme to benefit every citizen, we will also target the specific groups who need more help.  These include older citizens, lower income households, and especially middle-aged and older workers.   But the national servicemen who protect our country are important too.  We should recognise their contributions, especially those who have served faithfully for many years.

             Our aim is to provide full and equal opportunities for all Singapo­reans, regardless of their family circumstances.  We will do everything we can to help every citizen maximise his potential.   Every citizen has a place and role in our society, and a stake in the future of our nation.  No one will be left behind as Singapore progresses, so long as he makes the effort and plays his part.

The Role of Charities

        However, taking care of the needy and less fortunate is not just the job of the government. Our social safety net is supported by “many helping hands”. Everyone should do his part, and contribute according to his own abilities to help his fellow citizens. The dedication, passion, commitment and energy of volunteers are crucial to the compassionate society that we are building.

        The problems with NKF which came to light this year may have shaken the confidence of Singa­poreans in other charities too. The new NKF board has implemented fundamental reforms to the organisation, and with the Govern­ment’s encouragement, commissioned and published a full report of what went wrong.  If we discover any criminal wrong-doing, the authorities will pursue the matter without fear or favour, in order to maintain the confidence that Singaporeans have rightfully placed in the institutions and people that serve the public.

        The Govern­ment is also straightening out the roles of the various departments responsible for supervising charities and enforcing the rules, and developing a framework that supports good corporate governance in charities. We will help charity organisations to regain their proper place in society.

        Singa­poreans have always supported charities generously. People from all walks of life – workers, taxi drivers, and housewives – respond to appeals for good causes, and contribute via Giro to many charities. The overwhelming response to the tsunami disaster was in character. I hope Singa­poreans will continue to donate to charities, and to contribute their time and effort to do good works. Our society will be poorer for it if we allow the unfortunate problems of the old NKF to affect our altruism and generosity. But when you donate, satisfy yourselves that the cause is worthy, and the organisation is properly run. If you have any doubts, then let the authorities know, and find another cause or group to support.

Dealing with the Terrorist Threat

             Our plans for growing our economy, and progressing as one nation, depend on security and stability. Terrorism is one major threat to our stability and growth.  The London bombings in July, and Bali bombings in October, remind us that the fight against terrorism continues.   We must therefore stay on guard and take seriously the countermeasures to protect ourselves.    

             Despite our best efforts and tightest precautions, however, the terrorists may still get through.  This was what happened in London. After the train bombings, the British emergency services rose to the occasion and dealt effectively with the crisis.  The British people too stayed calm and resolute. They refused to be cowed, and showed the whole world and the terrorists that they were not afraid.  Within the same day, the transport network reopened.  Many Londoners travelled home and came back to work the next day.  The city recovered quickly. 

             Should a terrorist attack take place in Singapore, our emergency services too must be similarly well prepared, and our people must be equally resolute. We must deal effectively with the crisis, steel ourselves to carry on with our lives and stand united against the terrorists.  We will be conducting a major emergency exercise involving the public transport system within the next fortnight – Exercise Northstar V. This will test our response plans, and the readiness of our police, civil defence and medical services.

             But our response to a terrorist attack must go beyond dealing with the crisis. The terrorists seek to instil fear in all of us, to undermine our trust in one another, and to pit different races against each other in order to divide and destroy us. They must not succeed. The outbreak of hate crimes against Muslims in Britain after the July bombings shows how strained communal relations will be after a terrorist attack.  We must act now, before any attack, to strengthen the fabric of our multi-racial society, and to protect the harmonious community relations that are critical to our existence as a nation.

             We start from a strong base. Over the years, we have built up strong community networks. After we discovered the Jemaah Islamiyah group here, we set up Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony Circles.  Several well-respected Islamic teachers became actively involved in countering the wrong interpretations of Islam and extremist ideologies of the terrorists.  In the coming year, we will continue to work with leaders from all races and religions, and in every community – businesses, grassroots organisations and unions – on a comprehensive community engagement programme.  The Government alone cannot keep our society strong and united.  Ultimately responsibility for maintaining national security and stability in the face of global terrorism must be shared between the Government and the people.

Conclusion

             Singaporeans have every reason to be confident.   We are building a vibrant global city, a land of opportunity, an inclusive society and a cohesive nation.  We are investing heavily in our young, to prepare them to take to the future with confidence, and thrive in a new world. We must seize the opportunities that come our way, and be resilient in the face of unexpected setbacks.  Let us continue to work hard together as one united team, and secure a better future for ourselves and our children.

             I wish all Singaporeans a Happy New Year.