Defence Minister to continue engaging younger S’poreans after polls

SINGAPORE — Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said he is heartened to see younger Singaporeans in their 30s and 40s concerned about the direction the country is taking, and promised to continue engaging them after the elections, including those involved with the Opposition parties.

“I may not agree with all their views … but we have to engage them because those in the 30s and 40s are the ones that will take us to SG100,” said Dr Ng in his rally speech at Toa Payoh Stadium last night.

Among the other plans to address the needs of Singaporeans in this age group, Dr Ng said, the government will ensure that it is the Singaporean core of professionals, managers, engineers and technicians (PMETs) that keeps the economy going.

He said the issue is not about “asking for handouts or special privileges, (because) Singaporeans don’t need it”.

“But companies, when they hire, must ensure that they have a Singaporean core of management,” he said, adding that Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say and his ministry are looking out for companies not aligned with this philosophy.

As for young families with children, much has already been done to give them priority to live near parents, noted Dr Ng. But he is aware that more needs to be done to make childcare more affordable and accessible and the government will be ramping up more facilities.

Even if it is a lifestyle choice, Dr Ng said, singles should be treated fairly and while the Government has started providing housing options for them, more should be done. LAURA PHILOMIN