Comrade President Nathan, Comrade John de Payva, Comrade Lim Swee Say, delegates and friends: Good morning!
1 We are extremely delighted that President Nathan can join us this morning as we gather to take stock of some of the issues facing workers. President Nathan began his long and illustrious career looking after the welfare of seafarers, and working for the NTUC. Although he knew what laife means for the working class, from his own personal experiences, his work with seafarers and with the NTUC gave him a broad and deep understanding.
2 We are what we are because of our experiences. And our earliest experiences form our values and shape our attitudes. We see that in President Nathan. Today he mixes comfortably with workers, though much of his duties require him to engage kings and queens and the world’s statesmen.
3 In the past 6 years, President has used his office to help the poor. He has pushed the annual President’s Challenge fundraising efforts with all his energy. He has worked so hard to raise funds for the poor and for the disadvantaged in our society because he knows their plight. Tens of thousands of Singaporeans have benefited from his efforts every year. Comrade President, we thank you for the care and concern you have shown for the poor in our midst.
4 We are very happy that you have decided to stand for re-election, even though you deserve to enjoy a rest, after such a long and distinguished career! Forgive us for being a little selfish – because we look forward to your raising more funds for the poor in the next six years!
5 Comrade President, your presence here this morning also signifies your support for what our unions are doing. We have many issues before us. Globalisation has brought keener competition to us. Technology has rendered some jobs obsolete. With the freer flow of goods and services today, our workers are competing with the hundreds of millions of workers in the developing world, so wage levels have stagnated. Job changes are more frequent. We therefore need to equip our workers with the skills to make job changes, and we need a sounder social safety net to help workers manage in-between jobs.
6 Your presence here this morning give us all great encouragement to discuss these issues, and come out with ideas of how we can act more effectively to improve the lives of our workers. One of the issues we are discussing is how to raise the effective retirement age. We believe that workers should work as long as they can. Indeed, may I point out that you set a good example. While you could well have taken a rest, at the age of 81, you are continuing to work. You have retired from a few other jobs before. Then six years ago, when most people your age were enjoying their retirement, you took on the responsibilities of the highest office of our land. And you intend to continue. Senior Singaporeans can learn from your example, and take on second, third or fourth careers, just as you are doing!
Comrade President, may I invite you now to address my colleagues!
