Debate on President’s Address: Murali Pillai on trust and unity to achieve long-term ‘imaginative’ targets

The debate on the President's Address began on Monday (Apr 17), a week after the speech was delivered by President Halimah Yacob at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament of Singapore. MP Murali Pillai, who moved a motion of thanks, noted the priorities, policies and programmes of the Government for the remainder of the current term of office outlined by President Halimah. He said these plans, along with the 21 addenda issued following her speech, show they go well beyond the remainder of the current term of this Government’s office. He said a good number of these plans are “not just incremental” in nature but are “imaginative” targets. These include transforming Singapore’s defence capabilities, implementing the country’s net-zero ambition, as well as developing sustainable aviation and maritime hubs and transport systems. He added that all of Singapore’s present-day advantages are not considered “a pinnacle of achievement, but as a base from which to scale new heights”. He hopes that members who will be speaking during the debate will state where they stand on the Government’s ambitious plans to build an enduring and thriving Singapore. This way, they can explore building consensus on these plans, including agreement on funding these projects, as well as avoiding the polarising effect of these long-term plans becoming “political footballs”. He noted that President Halimah had highlighted trust and unity as essential for the future of Singapore. He stressed the need to continue to nurture the trust between the political leadership and the people, anchored on mutual respect and the shared goal of advancing the larger public interest. He also stressed the need to build common ground and draw strength from diverse perspectives. Mr Murali also stressed the need to recognise that the nature of the electorate is changing and to continue to close ranks. Singapore must also stay united in the context of a global economic slowdown and strengthen its social compact, he said. “Our people today would naturally have different responses to Government policies than those of the past … we cannot be an analogue Government in a digital world if we are to keep faith with our fellow Singaporeans,” he said. “We are a different people today and require a new style and substance in our policies,” he added. He noted that the President spoke of the need to ensure that Singapore endures for many years to come. “We must therefore trust each other, trust our leaders and trust our shared identity so as to build a brighter future together,” he said.