When tested, S’poreans ‘must not be found wanting’
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally on Aug 21. Photo: Wee Teck Hian
SINGAPORE — Recalling the ups and downs that have brought Singaporeans together over the past 15 years, among them pivotal events such as the discovery of a Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror plot and the global financial crisis, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that the Republic once again stands on the cusp of change, and Singaporeans “must not be found wanting” when they are tested.
In 2001, the world was reeling from the Sept 11 attacks, which was followed by a recession and a General Election here — and Singaporeans went on to do many things together, said Mr Lee in his National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 21). A JI group was discovered, Singaporeans experienced the Sars outbreak, and global financial crisis gripped the economy, but “this did not break us”, he said.
Today, terror is a more serious threat than ever, Singaporeans are fresh from another General Election, the economy is again at a turning point, and a full agenda lies ahead, he noted.
Mr Lee outlined the developments in store for the next generation to look forward to by 2030, such as the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed-rail project, and the expanded MRT network, which will see eight in 10 homes within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station.
“There is much to look forward to, and we must aim high, but the intangibles are even more important,” Mr Lee said. “Will we be stronger as one people? Will the Singapore spirit grow? Will we feel more pride and togetherness as Singaporeans?”
SG50, he said, had “strengthened our sense of nationhood and togetherness”, when Singaporeans grieved together at the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, cheered together at the SEA Games and Asean Para Games, and celebrated the Golden Jubilee.
But this year Singaporeans have shown themselves and shown the rest of the world “what Singapore can be beyond SG50”. Citing swim star Joseph Schooling’s historic gold medal at the Rio Olympics, Mr Lee said Singapore is a nation where a young Singapore boy can achieve his dream.
Paying tribute to the unwavering belief of his parents and coaches, who were present in the audience, and Schooling’s dedication, Mr Lee said: “Joseph will inspire many more, younger and older, to chase their dreams, to make the impossible come true.”
Singapore will also be a nation where every Singaporean has a place, regardless of race and religion, whether able-bodied or with special needs.
“With this spirit, Singapore will advance in our nation-building journey,” said Mr Lee. “We don’t know how we will be tested. We don’t wish for tribulations to befall us, just to test our mettle. But some troubles will surely come ... We will be tested as one people, and we must not be found wanting.”
Mr Lee recounted during recent dialogue, he was asked by a member of the audience member what were three things he would want for Singapore if God appeared before him.
“What I would like to have is that we be blessed with a divine discontent,” said Mr Lee. “Always not quite satisfied with what we have, always driven to do more. At the same time we have wisdom to count our blessings, so that we know how precious Singapore is, and we know how to enjoy it and how to protect it.
He added: “And if we have just these two wishes fulfilled, I think that’s enough. Then we can keep on keeping Singapore special and building something special in Singapore for many more years.”
