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THE LAST TEN YEARS
Let us plan the next stage of our economic climb even as we
deal with the current slowdown.
I had earlier given the media a booklet on the progress we
made in the 1990s. A copy has also been given to you.
17 This record of our achievements sets the current downturn
in perspective. The last few years have been volatile - good
growth in 1997, sharp downturn in 1998, recovery in 1999,
10% growth in 2000, and now another downturn. But taking a
longer view over the last decade, we have made considerable
progress.
This should give us the confidence that we can climb higher.
We have strong fundamentals. We have a tested team of experienced
Ministers, MPs, grassroots and union leaders, and civil servants.
We have capable people in the private sector and a united
population. And we have the resources to invest in new ventures
and capabilities.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Our economy grew faster in the 90s than in the 80s, despite
the 1997 Asian financial crisis (7.7% per annum, as against
7.3%). I was also quietly satisfied that we realised our vision
of reaching the 1984 Swiss standard of living last year. In
1984, we had set this as a target to be achieved by 1999,
but we missed it by one year because of the crisis.
The Government distributed back to Singaporeans a good part
of the wealth generated from this strong economic growth.
We shared close to $14 billion through asset-enhancement programmes
and endowment funds. We invested in better healthcare, housing
and education. Singaporeans' standard of living went up considerably.
We also livened up the arts, cultural and leisure scene. Two
years ago, Time magazine described our city life as "funky".
More recently, Australia's Canberra Times said that Singapore
was "hip" and "cool".
Ahh! Now, we even have foam parties! I thought foam parties
were for children, but I saw pictures of adults enjoying themselves
too. That is all right, so long as the merry-makers prance
around with the lights and their clothes on.
Fortunately, we also have high-browed stuff like plays, ballets
and musicals. Tonight's Rally is held here instead of the
usual Kallang Theatre because I gave way to "Miss Saigon".
BUT THERE ARE GAPS
However, there were also areas where we could have done better.
I will mention only two, just to remind Singaporeans not to
be complacent.
Our service standards can be improved. Our newspapers carry
many complaints of poor service in our shops and restaurants,
by taxi-drivers, and even in our hospitals and banks.
We can also be more gracious and considerate, at home and
in other countries.
For example, some Johoreans have described Chinese Singaporeans
as "hao lian" or "show-offs". They claim
that Singaporeans love to speed and beat traffic lights when
in Malaysia; behave as if they are "ABC" or "American-born
Chinese"; and love to shout "very cheap, very cheap!"
while shopping.
I would add that we are too 'kiasu'. For example, at buffets,
we pile oysters on our plates as high as Mount Everest.
I think our less than gracious behaviour is because we have
become affluent too quickly. Our social graces have not kept
pace with our material progress. Let us be humble, courteous,
and gracious in our behaviour and attitude. Let us make friends
with our neighbours, especially Johoreans.
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