Prataman open 11th Parliament with his Speech

Prataman said the government's immediate priority is to see Singapore through this economic crisis.

Opening the second session of the eleventh Parliament on Monday evening, he said the best strategy is still to help companies to stay viable and continue employing workers.

He said Singapore must also keep up the effort to up-skill and re-skill workers to become more employable and productive in a changing economy.

Mr Nathan added that when the financial crisis struck, Singapore was in a strong position because it had made the necessary preparations. It had strengthened its revenue base, budgeted within its means and accumulated reserves for a rainy day.

This allowed the country to take decisive measures such as implementing the SPUR scheme and the Resilience Package to help companies and workers to save jobs.

Mr Nathan said that when the economic crisis clears, the world will be changed, with a growing consensus that it is in for an extended period of slow growth.

He added that economic troubles could have social and political consequences too, as there have been strikes and large demonstrations held in Europe. While such economic woes have not led to serious tensions between countries, this could happen.

Mr Nathan said that relations among ASEAN remain good, although several ASEAN countries are preoccupied with domestic problems and priorities.

He added that Singapore will face a challenging environment in the aftermath of the economic crisis, as the redrawn global landscape will be less benign and predictable.

President Nathan added that Singapore needs to review specific strategies for growing different sectors of the economy to adapt to the changed environment. So it will have to develop new markets, adapt to changing trends and master new capabilities in manufacturing, services and other emerging industries.

Singapore must also consider new factors such as reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to achieve sustainable development and stay ahead as an Asian country with a high quality of life.

But even as Singapore promotes economic growth, it must also strengthen social cohesion.
President Nathan said for lower-skilled, less-educated workers, the government will continue to help them and their families. They will be trained, while their children will get every opportunity to reach their full potential in education.

President Nathan said that Singapore must also bring in new people with diverse skills and experiences to contribute to the economy and society, and help grow the population in the long run.

While he hoped that Singaporeans will appreciate the contributions of non-citizens and new citizens, newcomers must also make the effort to integrate into the society.

On the health front, he said that Singapore must respond to the threat of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus as rationally, vigorously and cohesively as it did to SARS.

As for Mas Selamat's recent recapture, Mr Nathan said it reminded Singapore to continue building trust and confidence between the different communities through the Community Engagement Programme.

President Nathan added that the recent AWARE saga also highlighted the need for all groups to practise tolerance, restraint and mutual respect and that Singaporeans must remain cohesive and continue to build a common Singaporean identity with each new generation.

He also said that education is key to Singapore's future. Singapore will be strengthening its higher education sector to meet growing aspirations, and train the skilled professional and creative manpower needed.

Two new institutions will be created. The first will be a new institute which will partner foreign universities that offer degree courses to open more direct routes for polytechnic graduates to obtain degrees.

The second will be a new university, which will be set up in close partnership with one leading university each from the US and China.

On the international front, President Nathan said that Singapore's diplomacy must adjust to new realities. While the US will continue to be the leading power in the world, China and India will play growing roles in Asia.

Hence, stable relations between the US and China will be vital to solving many international issues and to integrating an emerging Asia into the global community.

The President said that Singapore must also participate actively at international forums like the UN and IMF, and do its part in international efforts to further the common interests of nations.
He added that Singapore will continue to build the 3rd generation SAF to defend Singapore, and contribute to regional security.

In creating a first class home, President Nathan said that it is not enough to have a first-world infrastructure and environment. Singapore should have people who are courteous to one another and welcoming to visitors and new citizens. They should also be worthy ambassadors of Singapore overseas.

He added that standards of social behaviour must be raised to make Singapore a more pleasant place to live in.

On Singapore's political system, President Nathan said that for it to continue working well, the country must find outstanding, younger men and women to lead the nation.

He added that Singapore can continue to deliver high quality government, provided it keeps its system up-to-date and the leaders stay in touch with new trends and a new electorate.
President Nathan said that Singapore has come a long way since 1959 when it became a self-governing state. Its success has been the result of right policies, good government and a united people.

He said that the present situation is graver than any experienced before, but Singapore is well prepared for it. It has been through crises before and always emerged stronger, and this adversity is another opportunity to temper and bond the people.

He called on Singaporeans to build on "what we have achieved, coming through with flying colours once more, and making Singapore shine as a country where we work and play together, overcome challenges shoulder to shoulder, and build our future as one people". - CNA

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