Lee Hsien Loong on reviewing public finances to help Singaporeans

Taking a long-term view of the reserves and striking the right balance between present and future needs - these are the vital responsibilities of any Singapore Government, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 7), he said that ultimately, in a democracy like Singapore, it is the people who will decide on big issues like the reserves. Mr Lee said the People’s Action Party (PAP) is convinced that this is the right approach. “As long as the PAP Government is in power, this is what we will do,” he said. “If any other political party thinks that this is not the right approach, if they truly believe that we should dip into our reserves more, then bring it to the ballot box, put it upfront, say you want to touch, you want to spend, you want to shift the rules. Do not pretend that you are just being as prudent, only more kind-hearted,” he said. “Campaign in the next General Election on this issue. Ask voters for a mandate to form the Government, change the Constitution, dismantle the second lock and key. Put this squarely to the people and let them decide,” said Mr Lee. He said the PAP will convince Singaporeans that its way is a right way for Singapore. He believes that Singaporeans have high confidence in the PAP Government's management of the reserves and is confident that it will win the argument, as well as get Singaporeans to do the right thing. “Now I am preparing to hand over to my successor in good order a Singapore which is more prosperous, more secure. I ask everyone to help them maintain the prudent policies that have served us well to keep Singapore on the right track so that we can all continue to benefit from the nation’s success for many years to come,” said Mr Lee.