National Day Rally

ENGLISH TEXT OF NATIONAL DAY RALLY SPEECH 2007 IN MANDARIN
SUNDAY, 19 AUGUST 2007
AT THE UNIVERSITY CULTURAL CENTRE, NUS

Widening Income Gap

11. While Singapore’s prospects are good, we still face some challenges.
a. One of them is the widening income gap.
b. The Government has often raised this, and also done a lot to help the poor.
c. But we seldom bring together all that we are doing to give a full explanation to the people.

1. One major strategy is home ownership

• Nearly every citizen owns his own home, including lower-income Singaporeans
• A three-room flat is worth $160,000, or more
• For the lower-income, it is a significant asset which can be drawn on to support their old age

      2. Another major strategy is good education to maximise the potential of our young, and equip them with the skills to make a living
      3. In addition, we have also undertaken many concrete measures in the last few years to help the poor

• E.g. ComCare, the Additional CPF Housing Grant and Workfare

      4. We will continue to explore new and effective policies.  I will elaborate more in my English speech

1. This includes people like Tan Kah Kee, Lee Kong Chian, Tan Tock Seng etc.
2. They contributed generously and left behind lasting legacies.

c. I hope that the new generation of Singaporeans, especially those who have been successful, will continue to uphold this philanthropic spirit.

1. Many are already doing so
2. Two examples are the Khoo Teck Puat family and Sim Wong Hoo
3. They have recently donated generously to public causes

d. The meaning of charity does not lie in the amount of your contributions. Everyone should contribute in accordance with his means.

1. In the community, seventh month organisers have always been supportive of charity.
2. They organise charity auctions every year, and donate the money to charitable organisations or community welfare funds.
3. Their efforts have contributed to the warmth and care in our community

13. Why can’t we leave the responsibility of looking after the poor to the Government?
a. Because in any place the selfless acts of philanthropists can move people, and set an example for others to follow.
b. No government official can have such influence.

1. I remember the late Mr Ee Peng Liang – he was Chairman of the Community Chest for many years, devoted his life to charity, and even called himself a professional beggar.
2. He told me once how he once had to admonish somebody who came to him for help, because he felt that the man was not making the effort to help himself.
3. Mr Ee had the moral authority to scold this man. No bureaucrat (not even an MP or minister) could have done the same as effectively. 

c. Our society must have philanthropists, and uphold the public and civic spirit

Challenges of Ageing Population

14. One factor in the widening income gap is our ageing population.
a. Over the next 20 years, our society will age and we will have many more older people.
b. We must help them to prepare for old age early. Otherwise, it will be too late, and many will face difficulties.
c. This is why I have appointed Lim Boon Heng to be fully in charge of ageing issues.

15. First, we must attend to the daily living needs of the elderly.
a. We are leveraging on technology to make life easier for the elderly.
b. The Japanese are very good at this.  They have many useful gadgets to make living more comfortable for old folks.
c. One invention is a kettle that can send SMS.  Whenever the elderly uses the kettle, his family members receive an SMS.  If the usage pattern goes down, or if it is not used for 1-2 days, the family will know that there is a problem.
d. Another invention is a handphone (called “Raku-Raku” or “easy-easy”) that slows down the caller’s voice to make it easier for the elderly to hear what is being said.
e. We should learn from the Japanese, and introduce these innovations to help the elderly

16. Old folks also need social activities.
a. Community and grassroots organisations can do more; the Government will facilitate.

1. All over Singapore, senior citizens’ groups are very popular.  They do activities like taiqi quan, qigong, and karaoke.
2. Experts say that mahjong can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
3. All these activities are good for your health.

b.   I hope that our old folks will lead fulfilling and happy lives

1. No matter how old you are, you can still pursue your own interests.
2. If you have no health problems, then continue to work.
3. It will help with your finances, and will also be good for your health, both mentally and physically.

17. Finances are important for enjoying your golden years
a. We are living longer. So we should retire later
b. In addition, the Government will improve the CPF scheme.  I will explain later in English

1. The Tang poet Du Fu wrote “Since ancient times it is rare for anyone to reach 70”
2. But that was 1300 years ago
3. Today in China, there is a common saying – “70 is a little brother, many are 80, and 90 is no longer rare”
4. To be 70 years old today, is like being 60 or even 50 in the past.

19. Besides working longer, we also need to consider the family aspects of ageing.
a. Nowadays, once young people have found their match, they will apply for a HDB flat first. Then when they are about to collect the keys to the flat, they will register with the ROM. After that, they will conduct their customary wedding ceremony, and move out to their new home. They no longer live with their parents
b. Perhaps they feel “Good to meet, hard to live together”.
c. Sometimes it is good for parents and their children to live apart.
d. However, MPs often see families who refuse to stay together even when facing financial difficulties.  Every family has its own set of problems.

1. But old folks will face more inconveniences as they get older. It is not ideal for them to stay on their own.
2. On my home visits, I see more and more elderly Singaporeans living on their own, either an old couple together, or sometimes just one person alone after the spouse has passed away.
3. I worry for them

Conclusion
21. In any country there are bound to be difficult issues
a. In Singapore, the Government has always explained thorny issues, and looked for solutions, and worked to persuade people to adapt
b. Over the last forty years, we have pressed forward as a people with determination
c. Through our decisive reforms, we have a strong foundation for our nation’s development

22. Today, Singapore is in a very strong position. Asia is changing at an unprecedented pace, and bringing boundless opportunities
a. We must seize the moment to accelerate our growth and pace of reforms.
b. In the next 10 years, Singapore will be completely transformed and become more vibrant.
c. Let us work together to create a brighter future for all.

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