Gave my first speech of this Parliament this afternoon. Each first Parliament sitting is a valuable opportunity to take stock of how we have done so far, what has gotten us here, and what our immediate priorities are.
This time, our work is cut out for us – not only to deal with the immediate threat of COVID-19, but also to plan for an uncertain new future in its wake.
In this climate of economic uncertainty, it is only natural to feel anxious about our social support, and competition from foreigners. I want to reassure Singaporeans that the Government will always be on your side. This is why we are adjusting our work pass schemes, and tightening the Fair Consideration Framework. However, please remember that we must stay open to the world, to attract businesses to set up here, and in turn create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans.
During the clarifications, I explained the mindset we should have in elections. Voters are choosing the party they wish to govern Singapore; your vote matters. Vote because you truly support the party, whether PAP or opposition, and not because you want ‘the best of both worlds’.
Singaporean voters have spoken, and I respect their choice. The Government will do its part to work with the opposition to keep Parliament a constructive forum for debate.
Singapore has survived many life or death crises before. Each time we survived, and came back stronger. Like all previous crises, COVID-19 will be the occasion for us to do better, emerge stronger, and more united than before.
If you missed my speech, you can watch it on the PMO YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/moP2RGGBxVk – LHL
(PMO Video by Alex Qiu & Chiez How)
