Getting Singapore's politics right would be "absolutely crucial" in this, he said.
"Please understand: We have succeeded, and Singapore has made exceptional economic and social gains, because our system is exceptional.
"The system does not have to fail outright for Singapore to get into trouble. Even if we just become ordinary, average, we will already be in serious trouble."
Singapore "will certainly be sunk" if the system is made dysfunctional by populism, divisions or a focus on short-term gains, he said, adding that the country's reserves "will not last very long, nor will they count for much" then.
And while the country's system will evolve with time, it must "evolve in a way that continues to serve Singapore’s interests".
This trust between people and government is needed to sustain long-term planning, another imperative that the PAP government has always maintained, said Mr Lee.
He pointed to plans like the new Tuas mega port, Changi Airport Terminal 5, Long Island, the redevelopment of Paya Lebar and the Greater Southern Waterfront, and the decarbonisation of Singapore's economy.
"I have no doubt that the next team and their successors will conceive more creative and ambitious projects, which will challenge us, inspire us and take our country to the next level," he said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lee-hsien-loong-ntuc-may-day-rally-pm-last-speech-4305181
"Please understand: We have succeeded, and Singapore has made exceptional economic and social gains, because our system is exceptional.
"The system does not have to fail outright for Singapore to get into trouble. Even if we just become ordinary, average, we will already be in serious trouble."
Singapore "will certainly be sunk" if the system is made dysfunctional by populism, divisions or a focus on short-term gains, he said, adding that the country's reserves "will not last very long, nor will they count for much" then.
And while the country's system will evolve with time, it must "evolve in a way that continues to serve Singapore’s interests".
This trust between people and government is needed to sustain long-term planning, another imperative that the PAP government has always maintained, said Mr Lee.
He pointed to plans like the new Tuas mega port, Changi Airport Terminal 5, Long Island, the redevelopment of Paya Lebar and the Greater Southern Waterfront, and the decarbonisation of Singapore's economy.
"I have no doubt that the next team and their successors will conceive more creative and ambitious projects, which will challenge us, inspire us and take our country to the next level," he said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lee-hsien-loong-ntuc-may-day-rally-pm-last-speech-4305181