The need to build unity and consensus continues in Singapore: DPM Teo
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean speaking at the 5th China-Singapore Forum on Leadership in Jinggangshan. Photo: CNA/Jeremy Koh
JINGGANGSHAN (CHINA) — The issues of race, language and religion are real and deep-seated and can be exploited by opportunists, said Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
Mr Teo made the remarks in his opening address today (April 10) at the 5th China-Singapore Forum on Leadership in Jinggangshan. To guard against the above threat, the need to build consensus and unity is an ongoing process in Singapore – which is reflected in the theme for this year’s forum, Forging Consensus with our People, Building National Unity.
Mr Teo recalled how founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his multi-racial Cabinet worked hard to bring together a diverse population to build a cohesive and harmonious society.
“After independence, Mr Lee and our founding fathers worked hard to break down social divides, achieve economic and social progress and build a Singapore that belongs to all Singaporeans,” he said.
Mr Teo added that while Singapore has reached a new stage of development as it nears its 50th anniversary of its independence, the need to build unity and consensus continues. “Today, the outcomes we try to achieve are not as easily quantified as GDP growth, per-capita income or home ownership rates,” he said. “We also want to build a sense of participation and ownership, give people more choice and have more space for diversity.”
Mr Teo also spoke about the Singapore Government’s new engagement approaches. He said that in the early years, communication was predominantly Government-to-people. But over time, they have placed a greater emphasis on people-to-Government and even people-to-people engagement.
And one recent example was the Our Singapore Conversation in 2012. “Such people-to-people conversations help different groups understand and appreciate one another’s views and build consensus,” said Mr Teo. “They also help people to understand that Government often has to make decisions which are in the interest of the majority, even if individual groups do not get all that they want.”
The importance of listening to the people was echoed by China’s Communist Party organisation department chief Zhao Leji.
“History and reality has told us that if the people are not aligned with the party, then it will affect the party’s survival,” said Mr Zhao, Minister of the Organisation Department, Communist Party of China Central Committee. “The core of the party lies with the people, and the lifeline and strength is also with the people. It was this way during the revolution, and it remains this way now.”
The mountainous region of Jinggangshan is considered the cradle of the Chinese Communist Revolution.
Mr Teo is the most senior Singapore politician to visit the area so far. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
