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Synopsis :

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr Goh Keng Swee, begins his speech at the Establishment dinner pointing out 'this may well be the last occasion he makes a policy address in public'. He adds he will 'go back in the past and look forward to the future of Singapore', essentially tracing the 'genesis of the People's Action Party' (PAP).

The issues he touches on include:

1. formation of PAP in 1954 by 'a group of returned students' who believe they have 'a mission to change the system';
2. their 'entry into politics reckless' as they are unaware 'the mass base' are controlled by the underground Singapore Town Committee of the Malayan Communist Party;
3. PAP's 'nine year struggle' with the Communists will be told in Dennis Bloodworth's forthcoming book;
4. effects of the political struggle of the first decade on 'the contestants' and their political institutions, the way they govern Singapore;
5. they learn that 'in a desperate situation ... safety can by won only by daring' and 'experience is a harsh task master';
6. outcome of 'desperate struggle' with Town Committee, implements  'two practical measures to secure our future':
a) amend PAP Constitution to introduce 'Cadre Members';
b) establish 'extensive network of grassroots organisations', which today are 'a normal part of Singapore's social landscape';
7. old guards' 'style of work' has 3 main features:
a) 'long-term benefits take precedence over short-term costs';
b) meet 'a nasty problem, head on, as 'difficulties cannot be wished away', example is issue of 'unmarried women graduates';
c) work as a 'close-knit team' and 'lucky to have as skipper a man of outstanding qualities';
8. process of 'handing the torch to the new guards' and reaction of some of old guards;
9. some basic differences between situations for new guards and old guards, as old guards have 'established their authority to govern', new guards need 'to win their spurs';
10. new guards - two ways open to them:
a) against background of 'tranquility' in Singapore, they will win people's respect and confidence in way they run the government, explain policies and deal with 'constituency affairs';
b) 'real test of their mettle' comes when Singapore 'runs into a major crisis' to show how they handle 'crisis situations';
11. nature of the electorate is changing, with a 'new generation making up some 70% of electorate five years down the road;
12. 'style of government', including 'substance of policy' must change for two purposes:
a) achieve prosperity for Singapore and her people;
b) ensure Singapore's survival as independent sovereign state'
13. Singaporeans more inclined to 'take our existence as independent state for granted';
14. for Singapore's survival need to 'go beyond the foreseeable future into the indefinite future';
15. National Service is never an 'election issue':
a) not even raised by the Opposition;
b) average Singaporean 'knows the dangers that he faces are real' and the 'need to defend ourselves';
16. implications for the Establishment which must never lower its guard:
a) keeping a strong SAF at 'as high a level of efficiency as 6% of GNP will allow'';
b) attitude of civilian population, especially members of the establishment;
17. arming Singapore 'to keep the peace', but not 'get paranoid' about it;
18. Singapore in 'good shape and the people in good heart' as it celebrates 25th anniversary of nation-building - 'auspicious moment' for 'leadership self-renewal';
19. Singapore has a 'unique political situation' - planning its leadership succession, which is not practised in other democratic countries nor those run by military juntas;
20. next general election will see 'largest replacement exercise of MPs and Ministers;
21. thanking old guards stepping down for their contribution;
22. welcoming new guards joining 'a Holy Order' in which 'total commitment' is expected from them, and they will regard Singapore present position 'not as a pinnacle of achievement but as a base from which to scale new heights'.