August 23, 08:05 PM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s annual National Day Rally was held at ITE College Central, Ang Mo Kio, for the third time.
Wearing a bright red shirt this year, below are five key points PM Lee made during his NDR address in Chinese to the Chinese community:
总理在演讲中把焦点放在国外的发展，提醒大家新加坡所面对的外在威胁。这也是李光耀先生所关心的课题，因为它关系到新加坡长远的利益。国外局势随时可能影响区域的稳定，从而破坏新加坡的安定，威胁我国的安全，因此国人必须团结一致，才能捍卫国家利益，...
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1. PM Lee tackles the most pressing concern of many Singaporeans: rising cost of living.
i) The government has been working hard to meet the basic needs of Singaporeans, such as food, public transport, healthcare and housing.
ii) However, lifestyles and spending habits have changed as Singapore has developed.
Two examples - 1) Only one or two in every 10 households would have air-conditioners in the past. It has since risen to seven or eight, causing utility bills to increase. 2) Telecommunication bills - when the whole family shared one telephone in the past, the monthly bill would be just $7. Now each family member has a smartphone, so the bill for each person can be over $20.
In conclusion, PM said that it is reasonable for all Singaporeans to aspire to a better life. However, not all of the cost factors can be resolved through good policies.
2. Contribution of the Chinese community: PM Lee said that the Chinese community is an important pllar of Singapore. Many SMEs and shop owners contribute through the grassroots (eg, the Seventh month events raise funds for charities and needy residents). The Chinese media (Lianhe Zaobao, Lianhe Wanbao, Shin Min Daily News) also play an important role in nation building.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Photo courtesy of SCCCI.
3. Singapore and her neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia: PM Lee said that Singapore is interdependent with her neighbours.
On Indonesia, PM Lee said that Singapore is friendly with Indonesia President Jokowi. President Jokowi thinks well of Singapore and both his sons studied here.
On Malaysia, PM Lee said that Malysia is going through some challenging times such as money politics, ISIS and race/religion tensions.
4. General Election joke: PM Lee said that many people told him that the elections are coming. He replied that he had heard it too.
5. General Election remark: PM Lee told Singaporeans to choose wisely for themselves and their children. He hoped that Singaproeans can give his team their support, so that they can work together for Singapore's future.
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