How do we progress together? How do we secure our place in the world? How do we ensure good politics for Singapore?”
These were the three questions asked by Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong when he began his National Day Rally speech in English on 21 August 2016 at ITE College Central.
PROGRESSING TOGETHER
With the three questions framing his rally speech, PM Lee identified disruption as the defining
challenge of this era.
Citing opportunities in challenges, he highlighted some ways in which Singapore and Singaporeans, as a country, can continue to progress and thrive.
SECURING OUR PLACE
Addressing the pervasive threat of terrorism, PM Lee commended the courageous stand taken by Singapore’s religious and community leaders as they lead by example and guide their communities to stand together.
He also called on all Singaporeans to be united as one people.
“Each of us has to do our part by understanding our national interests, supporting Singapore in our relations with other countries, preparing ourselves to deal with terrorism, standing together before and
after an attack... Ultimately, what matters most is that we have a resolve to hold together, to
fight, and to defend our place in the world,” he said.
ENSURING GOOD POLITICS
On the future for Singapore, PM Lee stressed the importance of having leadership succession, with a review of the elected presidency.
PM Lee shared that while the system has served us well, some aspects of it have to be revised and brought up to date in line with Singapore’s progress.
The recommendations by the Constitutional Commission are still being studied, and a White Paper will be published on how the changes will be made.
FUTURE FORWARD
PM Lee also underscored the rally’s theme of unity by drawing upon the trials Singapore had overcome in the last 15 years.
“We went through ups and downs together. We discovered the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) group in our midst and yet we pulled together against terrorism. We experienced SARS. We were hit by the global financial crisis. They did not break us. We drew closer together.
“Now, we are at the threshold again, looking ahead at the next phase of our nation-building,” said PM Lee.
As Singapore continues to grow, he cited the necessity of the Singapore spirit. “We don't know how we will be tested. We do not wish for tribulations to befall us, just to test our mettle, but some troubles will surely come and I am sure we won’t be short of challenges.
“We will be tested as one people and we must not be found wanting,” said PM Lee.
“What I would like to have is that we be blessed with a 'divine discontent' – always not quite satisfied with what we have, always driven to do better. At the same time, we have the wisdom to count our blessings so that we know how precious Singapore is and we know how to enjoy it and protect it.”
- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally 2016
