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President Halimah Yacob spoke at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament on Apr. 10, with the speech serving as a broad summary of the government's focus for the remainder of the current term of office.,
The speech, known as the President's Address, was drafted by the government of the day, and covered topics such as equal opportunities and the need for Singapore to chart its own course.
MPs: Uniting Singaporeans despite differing opinions is important
Following her speech, several Members of Parliament (MPs) whom Mothership at Parliament House following the speech spoke to noted that a key takeaway was the need to unite Singaporeans amidst an increasingly challenging environment.
People's Action Party (PAP) MP Vikram Nair said it was "interesting" that Halimah had started by speaking about the international backdrop, and added that while there are challenges such as the rivalry between U.S. and China, Singapore thrives where there is harmony, with people helping each other to prosper.
He further noted that in Singapore, while it is easy to divide people, it takes effort to find common ground.
"I think it's important to communicate to people the importance of finding that common ground as well," he said.
Create spaces for people to express themselves responsibly
Nair was echoed by PAP MP Tin Pei Ling, who highlighted that Singapore was operating in an increasingly complex environment both internationally and domestically, with Singapore's population becoming more sophisticated as well.
Tin added that while a Singapore with more diverse opinions and interests is a healthy development, it is also important to create a space for everyone to express themselves in a responsible manner.
While people can disagree with one another, their opinions and conclusions must be based on facts, she added.
A similar note was struck by Workers' Party (WP) MP Jamus Lim who said the party "absolutely" agreed with the President on the importance of placing national interest first.
While the WP is part of the opposition, the party believes it is "crucially important" to roll in the same direction as the country.
"Ultimately, just because we have slightly different takes on the direction that policy should adopt, we put that on the table. And we believe that Singaporeans are mature enough as a society to decide on that," he said.
Singaporeans at the bottom must also feel that they have a stake in the country's future
Another major takeaway several MPs pointed out was the need to ensure that those at the bottom of Singapore's social ladder are able to keep up with the rest of society.
PAP's Xie Yao Quan pointed that as Singapore progresses, the successful will continue to run ahead and run faster.
Hence, Singapore must work "doubly" hard to to make sure that those at the bottom, who have trouble keeping up, are able to remain socially mobile, he said.
Another PAP MP, Yeo Wan Ling, said she was particularly touched by Halimah's mention of lower-wage Singaporeans.
"I think it's very important that we look at ways in which we can uplift their lives and also right to provide them with means to a very dignified living," Yeo added.
Everyone must have opportunities
Nair also noted that it was important for Singapore to focus on equitable growth.
There has been emphasis, he said, on making sure Singapore remains a place where everyone has opportunities, regardless of their age.
A similar refrain was given by Tin who said while Singapore remains steadfast to the value of meritocracy, it is also important to recognise that people may also pass their advantage to the next generation as they move up.
"How do we also ensure for those who have made it, that they too, will continue to look out for other Singaporeans and help them to move along together as well?" Tin questioned.
She struck the following note of caution:
"Because in the end, if the one who is leading, and the one who is at the back, if there's too big a gap, then it's very hard to bring the whole mass to move together, we will be stretched very thin.
What we want is the whole mass together as one whole mass to move along together, then that will be a powerful development for Singapore."
@mothershipsg MacPherson SMC MP Tin Pei Ling spoke about values that unite S’poreans and a rethink of meritocracy. #tiktoksg #sgnews ♬ original sound - Mothership.sg
Read about President Halimah's address
Top photo by MCI via Heng Swee Keat Facebook