The voters gave the People's Action Party (PAP) a clear mandate to form the government, and the government will use the mandate to lead Singapore out of the crisis, Prime Minister Lee said in his speech at the swearing-in of the new Cabinet on July 27.

PM Lee said that his team is humbled by the heavy responsibility that Singaporeans have entrusted them to deal with the challenges ahead.

He also called for unity despite different political persuasions, never forgetting that "we are first and foremost Singaporeans".

PM Lee's team

Multiracial team

PM Lee noted that his team was a multiracial one, with seven out of 20 non-Chnese full ministers, and they were sworn in before the President and the Chief Justice, both of whom belonged to minority communities.

This, he said, demonstrated Singapore's meritocratic system and the measures taken to ensure equal opportunities regardless of race, language or religion.

Mix of generations

PM Lee also said that his team included ministers and office holders from different generations.

The more senior ones are experienced and provide guidance, while the younger leaders are increasingly taking the lead, setting the agenda and engaging Singaporeans.

PM Lee added that the new office holders bring with them a fresh perspective, and everyone will work together to meet the challenges facing Singapore.

Challenges ahead

Covid-19 outbreak

PM Lee spoke of two major challenges, Covid-19 and the economy, both linked.

PM Lee noted that in other cities which had gotten the virus other control, such as Hong Kong and Seoul, new outbreaks had taken place after safe distancing measures were eased.

"It shows just how difficult it will be for Singapore to keep ourselves free from the virus," he said.

He called on Singaporeans to do their part, staying vigilant and minimising social interaction, so as to protect their health and their loved ones.

Getting the economy going again

PM Lee called the challenge of restarting the economy an "enormous task".

He noted that while the four budgets passed by Parliament had staved off the worst of the damage by keeping companies afloat and minimising retrenchments, economic conditions will continue to be difficult.

He added that many more jobs were expected to be lost.

To mitigate this, the government will help workers to find new jobs and protect existing ones, through the National Jobs Council.

He elaborated on the construction sector, whose migrant workers have been hit hardest by the pandemic. PM Lee said that the "maximum effort" was being made to establish safe living and working conditions, so they can get back to work. However, this will take a "few more weeks" to complete.

To help their employers, whom PM Lee said bore a "disproportionate share of the burden" of keeping everyone safe from Covid-19, the government will ease up on levies and fees.

PM Lee also acknowledged that sectors like tourism and aviation have also been hit hard, and needed support.

Some industries will not return to pre-Covid times

However, he also said that other industries must be prepared for a permanent change.

He added, "We cannot afford to prop up failing industries indefinitely, or trap workers in jobs that are no longer viable. The better, long-term solution is to invest our resources to develop new capabilities, grow new industries and create new jobs."

PM Lee said the government would help reskill workers and companies to adapt.

The future

But while Singapore grapples with the Covid-19 crisis, the government must also look towards the future.

PM Lee said their aim was not just to "survive the storm" but transform the economy and upgrade skills for the future.

He also said that the government had to look beyond economic matters, and fulfil the "broader ambitions" that Singaporeans have.

PM Lee said that Singapore aspires to be a fair and just society, and also fashion an inclusive community where people look out for each other. He added:

"We want to make this a home where Singaporeans always believe that their children will have better lives than themselves, and the human spirit can flourish."

Political diversity

PM Lee also mentioned the recent general election results, with 10 opposition MPs and 2 opposition Non-Constituency MPs in the next Parliament.

He said the election has shown that Singaporeans want the PAP to form the government, but also want a more robust debate of policies, and said Singaporeans have a "strong desire" for greater diversity of views in politics.

"This trend is here to stay," said PM Lee, adding that the political system has to evolve to accommodate this while also maintaining cohesion and a sense of national purpose.

He also referred to his formal designation of the Workers' Party's Pritam Singh as the Leader of the Opposition.

PM Lee said that he hope "our colleagues across the aisle" would step up their role as a responsible and loyal opposition, not only "raise criticisms" and ask questions of the government, but also to put forward their own serious policy alternatives.

This way, voters can better understand the issues, choices and trade-offs and better outcomes can be delivered.

PM Lee concluded by asking Singaporeans to support the younger ministers like they had with him, and added:

"My aim is to see through this crisis, and hand over Singapore, intact and in working order, into good hands who can take the country further forward."

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Top image from CNA's YouTube channel.