SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore has a future if it can achieve in the next 43 years what it has done so far.

Speaking to reporters after the National Day Parade, he said he is confident about the next five to 10 years "because the conditions are favourable.

"There's a team in charge that will see it through. Beyond that, this present team has got to replace itself with another good team."

Turning to the Beijing Olympics, Mr Lee spoke about his experience as Singapore's representative.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi accompanied both Minister Mentor Lee and former US President George Bush Senior to the opening ceremony.

Mr Lee, who watched the opening ceremony on Friday night, described it as spectacular.

He said: "Even a biased foreigner will know that these are very determined people with the capability and the potential. It must mean they will end up on the top table." - CNA/vm