Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

In his National Day Message on Sunday (Aug. 8), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the impact of Covid-19 on lower-wage workers, Singaporeans' anxieties regarding foreign work pass holders, and racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

Impact of Covid-19

Speaking from the Botanic Gardens' Symphony Lake, PM Lee spoke about the tremendous impact that Covid-19 has had on people's lives and livelihoods, and the way that it has hit Singapore in waves.

"In Singapore, each time we think we are getting it under control, it has surprised us."

He added that while the recent tightening of measures in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) may have been disappointing for many, as it felt like a "setback after all the progress we had made", the government's goal was to protect lives and livelihoods.

"We have tried to strike this difficult balance through a combination of public health measures, social discipline, and financial support for families, workers and businesses."

He also recognised the "heroic efforts" of healthcare workers and their support systems.

PM Lee also acknowledged:

"There are certainly areas where we could have done better. But ultimately, we have kept everyone in Singapore, including migrant workers, safe. Thankfully, very few lives have been lost to Covid-19."

He said that with more than two-thirds of Singapore's residents fully-vaccinated and a daily vaccination rate of 1 per cent of the population, Singapore is in a more resilient position, and can move into the "new normal" through a careful step-by-step economic re-opening.

He also called on people to look out for one another, given the toll that Covid-19 has taken on everyone.

"We should have the courage to ask for help ourselves if we need it. Singaporeans have worked together, looked out for others, and relied on one another throughout this crisis."

Supporting lower-wage workers

PM Lee also spoke about "fault lines" in Singaporean society that have been strained by Covid-19, and brought up "difficult issues" that Singapore must deal with.

One of these difficult issues is the need for further support for lower-wage workers, who have "felt the impact of Covid-19 most acutely" due to having less savings and buffer, he said.

He said that in the longer-term, lower-wage workers will need more sustained support, as Singapore sees an increasingly skills-based economy.

Thus, a tripartite workgroup has been developing proposals to improve the lives and prospects of lower-wage workers, PM Lee announced.

"These will build on Workfare and the Progressive Wage Model to boost their incomes and create new opportunities for upskilling and job progression."

"Real progress for lower wage workers is an essential part of inclusive growth," PM Lee said.

"In Singapore, no matter where you start in life, we want to make sure you and your children will have every chance to improve yourselves and move ahead."

Anxieties about foreign work pass holders

Another issue that must be addressed, PM Lee stated, is Singaporeans' anxieties over foreign work pass holders.

He spoke about the "virtuous cycle" of hiring foreigners:

"Work pass holders help expand our economy and create more opportunities for us. When we complement our own workforce with skills from around the world, more companies will invest here, and this then creates more jobs for Singaporeans."

He said that while Singaporeans understand the need to welcome the talent and expertise that the country's economy needs, the uncertainties caused by Covid-19 have worsened worries amongst Singaporeans about job competition.

"Work pass holders reinforce the team, but may also compete directly with their local colleagues," PM Lee acknowledged.

He spoke about locals sometimes feeling unfairly treated, such as when they miss out on being hired for a job or promoted.

In addition, there can sometimes be "social frictions" outside of work because "some work pass holders and their families have not fully adapted to our social norms, nor fully integrated into our society".

"I understand these anxieties and problems. The government is addressing them," PM Lee said.

He added that Singapore needs to to adjust its policies to manage the quality, numbers, and concentrations of foreigners in Singapore.

"If we do this well, we can continue to welcome foreign workers and new immigrants, as we must.

Turning inwards is against our fundamental interests. It would damage Singapore’s standing as a global and regional hub. It would cost us jobs and opportunities."

"Most importantly, it goes against our values of openness, and of being accepting of others who are different from us," PM Lee stated. "We uphold these values, because they have anchored us, and helped us progress over the years as a nation."

Refreshing, reaffirming, and reinforcing racial harmony

Finally, PM Lee addressed the issue of racial harmony:

"Recently, several racist incidents have gained wide publicity, amplified by social media. Such incidents are worrying, but they are not the norm."

Earlier this month, an NDP poster featuring a Singaporean-Indian family was the subject of a number of racist and xenophobic comments.

PM Lee added that "many more happy inter-racial interactions happen every day, but these seldom go viral", and stated that the negative incidents "do not mean that our approach is failing".

Instead, he said, the incidents illustrate how issues pertaining to race and religion "will always be highly emotive, and can easily divide us". Therefore, these issues will always need close attention, he stated.

"It is helpful to air and acknowledge these sensitive issues. We need to do this candidly and respectfully.

It took several generations of sustained effort to bring our races and religions together, and grow the common space that we now share."

PM Lee said that Singapore's racial and religious harmony is not a result of "every group stridently insisting on its identity and rights", but rather the "fruit of mutual understanding and compromise by all parties — the majority as well as the minorities".

"Our social norms evolve with each successive generation, shaped by different life experiences and aspirations. These norms are also influenced by external trends, because we are so open and connected to the rest of the world."

He added that with every new generation, Singapore's racial harmony needs to be "refreshed, reaffirmed, and reinforced".

"We must not lightly give up this hard-won and delicate balance. As our society evolves, we have to continually adjust this balance to maintain our social harmony.

It is the government’s duty to manage these issues on behalf of all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. To do this, we will need your cooperation, support and trust."

Top photo via MCI.

Follow and listen to our podcast here