Nation-building both an individual & collective effort: Workers' Party National Day Message

Workers’ Party Secretary-General and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh published his party’s National Day Message on Aug. 8, paying tribute to Singaporeans young and old, saying that the party believes Singapore's best years are “ahead of us”.

Not old, but not young

Singh began by observing that at 60, Singapore is “perhaps not very old”, but the country is “certainly not very young either".

Through the challenges of independence, economic downturns, and pandemics, Singapore has become a nation united by “Singaporeans with big hearts, a sense of righteousness, and a deep appreciation for mutual respect among all, regardless of race, language, or religion”.

Singh paid tribute to Singapore’s story, which he characterised as one of resilience, both of Singaporeans past and present.

“This resilience will continue to be essential for the very different world to come.”

Written by every Singaporean

Singapore’s story, he said, is still being written by “every Singaporean”, from seniors to gig workers to public sector employees, and through the dreams of young students.

That story will become “even more layered and complex”, with new citizens from around the world joining “our Singapore family”.

“All your contributions - seen or unseen - keep our nation thriving.”

Singapore's 60th National Day was a moment for Singaporeans to “pause and reflect”; Singapore has come a long way, but there is still work to be done.

Singh laid out his hopes for Singapore’s future, one where opportunity will be more equitable, no one will be forgotten, and where “every Singaporean has the space to grow, speak, and dream”.

Individual and collective effort

Calling Singaporeans to action, he said that every Singaporean had the power to “shape Singapore’s future”, calling it a “civic duty”.

“Nation-building has never been the work of one party or one generation; it is both an individual and collective effort.”

Singapore, Singh said, should look ahead with hope and compassion, in the understanding that “we are stronger not in spite of our differences, but because of them,” and that Singapore’s best years are ahead of it.

Top image via Pritam Singh/Facebook