http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=637452
December 31, 2011 21:36 PM
Lee Calls On Singaporeans To Work Together With Optimism For Brighter Future
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to be united and look forward with optimism for a brighter tomorrow in the wake of the gloomy global economy.
In his New Year Message, Lee pointed out that the republic's success as a nation was increasingly defined not just in economic terms but also by "our social capital and therefore need to strengthen "our values of tolerance, mutual respect and empathy."
Overall, Lee said the nation has every reason to be confident and optimistic.
"We pulled together as one nation to overcome the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Because we have been successful, Singa-pore's international standing is high. Many foreign visitors commend the Singapore spirit and how well we work together.
"I am confident that in a changing world, we will continue to bond as one people and walk shoulder to shoulder into a brighter tomorrow.
"Let us cherish our dreams, look forward with optimism and resolve, and work together to achieve the best we can for all our people, and for our Singapore," he said.
The prime minister described 2011 as a significant year for Singapore.
He said Singaporeans went to the polls twice, and elected a new government and President.
Having made a significant political transition, he said: "We are all now adjusting to new norms in a changed environment.
"We achieved steady growth of 4.8 per cent this year. The external environment is uncertain. Debt problems in Europe are far from solved. Next year looks like being difficult for the global economy. As a small, open country, Singapore will inevitably be affected.
"Amidst this flux, we need to be confident of our position, and clear about our priorities and plans to build a better Singapore. We are working hard to tackle our immediate challenges. The government is committed to keeping homes affordable to all Singaporeans."
Touching on population, the prime minister said this was a particularly complex and critical challenge.
"Like most other developed societies, Singaporeans are having too few babies, and our population is ageing.
"We must find workable solutions to keep our society vibrant and forward-looking, maintain our economic vitality and strengthen our Singapore core," he added.
-- BERNAMA
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