Kaix
05-31-2006, 10:01 AM
Yesterday Night, I was invited to Istana swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet
All the Office Holder was there.....try to take Photo but the Security was very tight..:sad_smile:
Where Singapore fits into the world depends on its actions in the next five years, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
He was speaking on Tuesday at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet following the recent General Election.
Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to stay united to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
He promised to help the disadvantaged and reminded Singaporeans that growing the economy is the best way to improve standards of living.
PM Lee is leading his second Cabinet of Ministers after winning the recent General Election with a strong mandate.
He described the election as a milestone for Singapore with many from its post-independence generation entering politics.
The new 84-seat Parliament will also see new faces making up nearly one third of its members.
Mr Lee noted that many young Singaporeans voted for the first time in this election.
He said they represent Singapore's future, and encouraged them to step forward, engage in issues facing the country and take more responsibility for moving Singa*pore forward.
This point was also stressed by President Nathan who said: "A younger generation of post-independence Singaporeans have grown up amidst peace and prosperity.
"They have more choices to explore and high expectations of what they want to achieve in life. They are passionate about pursuing ambitions, see the world as their oyster.
"This government must continue to engage and bond with this new generation, and stay in touch with their aspirations and ideals.
"By galvanising the aspirations of the young, we will generate a sense of common endeavour and purpose among all, to shape the future of our country together."
PM Lee said the focus for his government now is to pursue the right strategies to continue to grow the economy, prepare its workforce and improve living standards.
He said: "We want Singaporeans to scale a mountain range where each can climb his own peak. In our pursuit, we will remember those who cannot keep pace with the fittest and the strongest.
"We will help elderly citizens and lower income households, and address concerns over healthcare costs and the cost of living. But we cannot solve these problems by focusing narrowly on them alone.
"The world may not always be what we wish it to be, and problems cannot be easily corrected with a 'reset' button like in a computer game. For example, global oil prices have tripled over the last three years.
"But if we grow our economy, then incomes can go up, households can afford their utilities bills, and we will have resources to help those in most need."
Mr Lee noted that Singapore's small open economy with its high dependence on external trade makes it vulnerable to developments beyond its borders.
So it is critical to anticipate and respond to these changes while remaining united.
He also stressed the importance of having a good and strong leadership to make Singapore succeed.
PM Lee said: "We must maintain unity and trust between the leadership and the people, between those who support the Government and its policies and those who prefer something different.
"Many of those who voted for the opposition in fact want a PAP government, but I respect their choice. Moving ahead, my team and I will strive to deliver on our promises, and work to win the confidence and support of all Singaporeans.
"We must also not allow ourselves to be divided between haves and have-nots, or winners and losers. We have built a society where every Singa*porean has access to good housing, education, healthcare, and much more.
"This is the result of the deliberate policy of the PAP government, and the efforts of our MPs, grassroots leaders and other volunteers on the ground. If we let the politics of envy drives a wedge between us, our society will be destroyed, and all will suffer. That must never happen."
All the Office Holder was there.....try to take Photo but the Security was very tight..:sad_smile:
Where Singapore fits into the world depends on its actions in the next five years, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
He was speaking on Tuesday at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet following the recent General Election.
Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to stay united to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
He promised to help the disadvantaged and reminded Singaporeans that growing the economy is the best way to improve standards of living.
PM Lee is leading his second Cabinet of Ministers after winning the recent General Election with a strong mandate.
He described the election as a milestone for Singapore with many from its post-independence generation entering politics.
The new 84-seat Parliament will also see new faces making up nearly one third of its members.
Mr Lee noted that many young Singaporeans voted for the first time in this election.
He said they represent Singapore's future, and encouraged them to step forward, engage in issues facing the country and take more responsibility for moving Singa*pore forward.
This point was also stressed by President Nathan who said: "A younger generation of post-independence Singaporeans have grown up amidst peace and prosperity.
"They have more choices to explore and high expectations of what they want to achieve in life. They are passionate about pursuing ambitions, see the world as their oyster.
"This government must continue to engage and bond with this new generation, and stay in touch with their aspirations and ideals.
"By galvanising the aspirations of the young, we will generate a sense of common endeavour and purpose among all, to shape the future of our country together."
PM Lee said the focus for his government now is to pursue the right strategies to continue to grow the economy, prepare its workforce and improve living standards.
He said: "We want Singaporeans to scale a mountain range where each can climb his own peak. In our pursuit, we will remember those who cannot keep pace with the fittest and the strongest.
"We will help elderly citizens and lower income households, and address concerns over healthcare costs and the cost of living. But we cannot solve these problems by focusing narrowly on them alone.
"The world may not always be what we wish it to be, and problems cannot be easily corrected with a 'reset' button like in a computer game. For example, global oil prices have tripled over the last three years.
"But if we grow our economy, then incomes can go up, households can afford their utilities bills, and we will have resources to help those in most need."
Mr Lee noted that Singapore's small open economy with its high dependence on external trade makes it vulnerable to developments beyond its borders.
So it is critical to anticipate and respond to these changes while remaining united.
He also stressed the importance of having a good and strong leadership to make Singapore succeed.
PM Lee said: "We must maintain unity and trust between the leadership and the people, between those who support the Government and its policies and those who prefer something different.
"Many of those who voted for the opposition in fact want a PAP government, but I respect their choice. Moving ahead, my team and I will strive to deliver on our promises, and work to win the confidence and support of all Singaporeans.
"We must also not allow ourselves to be divided between haves and have-nots, or winners and losers. We have built a society where every Singa*porean has access to good housing, education, healthcare, and much more.
"This is the result of the deliberate policy of the PAP government, and the efforts of our MPs, grassroots leaders and other volunteers on the ground. If we let the politics of envy drives a wedge between us, our society will be destroyed, and all will suffer. That must never happen."