President's Address was drafted by 4G leaders. So, what did they say about themselves?

Ownself say ownself.

Sulaiman Daud | May 08, 2018, 01:11 AM

While the President's Address is delivered to Parliament by President Halimah Yacob, the speech was actually drafted by the government of the day.

This is so as the government's priorities, policies and programmes can be set out for public scrutiny.

4G leaders drafted a speech that focused on S'pore (and themselves?)

However, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took a "hands-off" approach in this address, saying he would ask the 4G leaders to draft it:

 

In an interview with the local media in London, PM Lee said that he had given the younger ministers advice, and they were on the 20th draft of the speech on April 21.

In the speech, there was a number of references to the fourth generation leadership.

Remember, the speech was drafted by the 4G leaders.

Which means the speech could well made one assume that the 4G leaders were talking about themselves.

So with that in mind, we use the speech to try to extract some clues as to how the 4G leaders view themselves.

Can and will do better

The first time the fourth generation leadership was mentioned (a third into the President's address), it was in the context of what lies ahead in Singapore's future.

It is a question on everyone's minds as our next Prime Minister will be drawn from this talent pool.

While the 4G leaders will uphold the values and principles of the previous generations, they will not be afraid to make bold changes.

There was also a reference to how 4G leaders need to keep the spirit of the pioneers alive and constantly strive to outdo the previous generation.

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Earning the right to lead

After outlining the government's priorities, the Address touched upon how the 4G leaders will have to "earn the right" to lead.

The speech said that the 4G leaders have to inspire young Singaporeans and grow with the people they represent while forging a clear purpose and unity in actions.

It said they would do so by listening to the views and feelings of the people, "show that they have heard" by words and deeds, yet never fear to mobilise public opinion in supporting difficult policies for the long-term interest of Singapore.

In other words, it appears that the 4G leaders are hinting that they would not be afraid to push for unpopular policies if they deem them to be in Singapore's best interests.

Leadership not inherited

The speech made it clear that the right to lead Singapore "cannot be inherited".

It made it clear that the trust between the people and their leaders is not automatically passed on from one generation to the next.

In other words, the leaders appreciate that they have a challenge on their ends.

This is because they have to go through trials together and forge new bonds with an electorate that may not appreciate Singapore's history and the work by the pioneer generation.

tl;dr

  • It's a big world out there, with many dangers and changes.
  • The 4G leaders will uphold the values and principles of the previous generations.
  • But they won't be afraid to upset the apple cart and make bold moves if necessary.
  • They have already influenced certain policies.
  • They will fire up the spirit and energy of Singapore's youth.
  • They won't be afraid to push for difficult policies if they believe it's for the good of Singapore.
  • They will work with the public, go through trials with them and bond in the process.
  • The story of Third World to First is nearly over. The next chapter of the Singaporean story is beginning, and it will be written by them.

There you have it.

This is the role that the 4G leaders envision for themselves.

And many challenges lie ahead.

Related story:

Top image adapted from IPS photos

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