S'pore needs strong, competent govt & to stay united to survive & thrive: SM Lee

A small country like Singapore will need a "strong and competent" government and its residents to "stay united as one people" to continue to survive and thrive in the "troubled world", said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (SM Lee) on Feb. 8, 2025.

Speaking at the Teck Ghee Chinese New Year Dinner, SM Lee highlighted current geopolitical tensions such as U.S.-China relations and conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine.

He also said that Singapore should also adapt to the international environment while maintaining relations with its neighbours.

Singapore must adapt to "less orderly" international environment

SM Lee, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ang Mo Kio GRC, noted that "much uncertainty" awaits Singapore in the new year.

He noted various international geopolitical tensions such as U.S.-China relations, "with fundamental differences unresolved".

He also highlighted prolonged wars in other parts of the world, such as Ukraine and also the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"But the fundamental Palestinian issues remain unresolved – and probably worsened," SM Lee added.

Despite these tensions, he said that he was thankful that Southeast Asia "continues to be at peace".

New US administration

SM Lee also noted potential flashpoints in the South China Sea and Taiwan, and also the "transactional" nature of the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

He highlighted how the U.S. has withdrawn from WHO and the Paris Accords on climate change.

"The U.S. is no longer prepared to underwrite the global order. This makes the international environment far less

orderly and predictable," SM Lee added.

On these challenges, he said that Singapore must continue working hard on "our relations with our neighbours" and adapt while maintaining strong ties and friendship with the U.S.

Singapore needs strong government and to stay united

SM Lee also said that Singapore should stick to "two fundamental factors" to continue to survive and thrive in the current international environment.

This could be done by first having a strong and competent government that anticipates challenges, earns the public's trust, and makes good decisions to secure their future while the people stays united and works closely with the government.

He added that the government understands the challenges ahead and has worked out plans to take Singapore forward amidst the uncertainty.

"We continue to support you on immediate cost of living concerns, especially families who need help the most," he said, highlighting that households have received CDC vouchers, GST vouchers and other forms of support.

SM Lee said that the government is ramping up the supply of BTO housing, investing in infrastructure and also in its social fabric through Forward SG.

"We are building a Singapore where every citizen belongs, where everyone will have every opportunity to succeed, no matter your starting point in life, where we all share a sense of participation and purpose, and where we take ownership of our nation’s future together," he added.

SM Lee concluded: "None of these good things will happen by themselves. It requires a capable, caring government with the foresight to look ahead, and the courage to do the right things. And a people who will stay united, and be willing to work with the government over the long term."

Top photo via Lee Hsien Loong/Facebook