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SINGAPORE : Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said Singapore's policies are not set in stone.
He said the ability to improve on what has been done and basic values like meritocracy have led to Singapore's success.
Addressing his constituents at the Tanjong Pagar National Day dinner on Sunday evening, Mr Lee also spoke of the crucial need for succession.
Mr Lee said the spectacular 45th anniversary National Day Parade encapsulates the experience the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has gained in 45 years.
He said: "Every year, the SAF improves on what it has done. It is like the rest of Singapore. It is the reason for our progress. Soldiers are better trained and officers are of the quality to improve on last year's performance. And a new team of officers takes over, studies the past and improves on it. This way, Singapore has ensured succession.
"We defied the odds and got to where we are. However, we must never forget our hard and harsh beginnings. If our national solidarity is splintered by communal hostility, and our social cohesion is weakened, we will regress. Then we will have a weak economy that cannot afford a strong SAF. That will again make us vulnerable."
Mr Lee said the resources the SAF needs to mount such a superb performance require a strong and vibrant economy.
And to build such a Singapore, the nation needs an exceptionally strong government with the ablest, the toughest and the most dedicated leaders.
Mr Lee said: "We headhunt for them, test them out in heavy responsibilities. Only such leaders can keep the economy growing and create good jobs and generate the revenue to pay for the equipment and training of our 3-G SAF.
"This 3-G SAF provides the security and confidence of our people and of foreign investors, assured that we can more than defend ourselves. If there is insecurity, there will be fewer investments. That means a poorer people and instability."
Mr Lee added that Singapore's basic values - of ensuring leaders of high integrity; meritocracy; a level playing field for all citizens; and English as the working language - have laid the foundation of Singapore's success.
He said: "People get to where they are on merit - not nepotism, not corruption. Hence, all are capable and competent. No policy is skewed as a result of personal benefit or profits. We have been rated as the cleanest government in Asia, and amongst the first three cleanest in the world.
"Third, we have a level playing field for all citizens. No one is disadvantaged by our national policies whatever their race, language or religion.
"Fourth, English is our working language. We did not choose Chinese, the language of the majority. English gives everyone an equal chance to master the language. It is a language of the world of trade and individuals, the Internet and new knowledge. It has made us the hub we now are for businesses, industries, banking and financial services, and communications."
Minister Mentor Lee also pointed out that Singapore's policies are not set in stone and the country is always re-examining old policies and positions and changing them with changing world circumstances, like deciding to allow the F1 race which has been a sparkling success.
Similarly, Singapore was also against casinos for decades. But having seen the industry develop in Las Vegas, the Republic allowed two integrated resorts, which Mr Lee said are doing well.
The facilities at the two hotels have drawn in hordes of tourists and Singaporeans, with the country's tourist industry having grown by 30 per cent already.
But Mr Lee pointed out that Singapore has done poorly in one sector - Singaporeans are not replacing themselves. And with a fertility rate of 1.22, Singapore will nearly halve its population in one generation.
Mr Lee said: "So we have no choice - since we cannot encourage our people with bonuses and incentives to have more children - (but) to get immigrants from Malaysia, who are the easiest to assimilate, from China, from India and from the region.
"They will take time to adjust to our culture and ways of life, but they will adapt if they want to succeed, and learn English to be part of Singapore."
Mr Lee called on Singaporeans to help integrate the children of immigrants into society so that these new citizens will make for a more varied and dynamic society.
Minister Mentor Lee also spoke in Mandarin.
He told his audience that Singapore's economic growth, expected to be at least 12 or 13 per cent for this year, was not bad.
Mr Lee said that such growth would allow for improvements such as schools and buildings.
He said: "I am not saying all the HDB flats can be as nice as Pinnacle (Pinnacle@Duxton), but so long as there is one main area that is just as pretty, just as luxurious."
However, for Singapore to develop and prosper, and for its people to live peacefully, the country must be united and citizens must feel they are benefiting, he said.
Over 95 per cent of flat owners have taken possession of their flats at Pinnacle@Duxton, while 70 to 80 per cent have moved in. - CNA/ms
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