Mr President,

Colleagues,

Fellow Singa­poreans,

1.             This General Election has been another milestone in Singa­pore’s history as a nation.  We have elected a new Parliament with many new MPs from the post independence generation. And my team and I have received a clear mandate to set the direction for the next phase of Singapore’s development.  We will work with all Singa­poreans to achieve the best for our country.

2.             The previous general election was held in the shadow of 9/11. The five years since then have been eventful and unforgettable. We have come through major challenges, and been strengthened by the experience. Now we stand with renewed confidence to face a new era.

3.             The world is changing faster than ever.  China and India are growing and transforming rapidly.  New markets are opening up, such as in the Gulf states and Russia.  A rising Asia is creating huge opportunities for those willing and able to seize them.  The major players around the world are assessing the new strategic landscape and repositioning themselves for the emerging opportunities.  Singa­pore must do the same.  By the next general election, we will face a very different world.

4.             Where Singa­pore fits into this world depends on our actions in the next five years.  We can build a future full of promise, and continue to grow and improve our living standards, provided we pursue the right strategies. At the same time, we must prepare for uncertainties and surprises along the way – a disruption of oil supplies in the Middle East that triggers a global recession, a bird flu pandemic that afflicts millions worldwide, terrorism or tensions in our neighbourhood that affect investor confidence in Southeast Asia.  And we must root our people in Singa­pore, so that each citizen takes ownership of this country, and knows that we are all Singa­poreans together.  We will need all our wits and ingenuity to stay united, remain relevant and keep our compass in a rapidly changing world.

5.             Singa­poreans have endorsed our vision for Singa­pore:

a.             To be a land of opportunity, where good jobs are constantly being created, where our children will enjoy a first-class education and the best possible start in life;

b.             To be an inclusive society, where Singa­poreans of all races and religions, young and old, at home and overseas play a part in shaping our nation’s future; and

c.              To be the best home for all of us, where every person has a place, where each citizen is proud of his country, and all will fight for Singapore because of what it means to us, our families and our fellow citizens.

6.             These are ambitious goals, but they are within our reach.  We will grow our economy, develop new industries and upgrade existing ones. We will impart new skills to our workers and prepare our students for the global marketplace.  We will play our part as a responsible member of the international community, helping our neighbours when they are in distress, like after the recent earthquake near Jogjakarta. We will keep Singa­pore safe with a strong SAF and Home Team, involve citizens in major decisions affecting us all, and strengthen our national values.  Then we will have the best chance to live in peace and prosperity, and realise our dreams in a home which all of us have helped to build.

7.             We want Singaporeans to scale a mountain range where each can climb his own peak.  In our pursuit, we will remember those who cannot keep pace with the fittest and the strongest.  We will help elderly citizens and lower income households, and address concerns over healthcare costs and the cost of living.  But we cannot solve these problems by focussing narrowly on them alone.  The world may not always be what we wish it to be, and problems cannot be easily corrected with a ‘reset’ button like in a computer game.  For example, global oil prices have tripled over the last three years.  But if we grow our economy then incomes can go up, households can afford their utilities bills, and we will have resources to help those in most need.

8.             That is why it is vital for us to understand how the world is changing, and how Singaporeans can adapt ourselves to thrive in it. That is why in every field we need able and dedicated Singa­poreans, leaders who will bring out the best in every one of us, and get everyone to work together and succeed together. This is especially so in government, whether in the Cabinet, in Parliament, or at the grassroots.

9.             In this election, 24 new PAP MPs have been elected, and there will be one new NCMP.  This is nearly one-third of the MPs in Parliament.  New or re-elected, the MPs represent Singa­poreans of all races, many back­grounds, and all age groups.  My team of PAP MPs and I will serve you to the best of our ability, with commitment and integrity, with sincerity and humility.  We will address our residents’ needs, and reflect the hopes and concerns of our constituents in Parliament.  At the same time we will use our own experience and knowledge to work with you, to solve problems and take Singa­pore forward. 

10.        Many young Singaporeans voted for the first time in this election.  You represent the future of Singapore.  I encourage you to step forward, to engage in the issues facing our country, and to take more responsibility for moving Singa­pore forward.  The more you do this, the more assured Singa­pore’s future will be. 

11.        My Government will use our mandate to serve all Singapo­reans.  In doing so, we are fulfilling our duty to Singapore, not exercising a right or a privilege.  We govern Singa­pore in trust, on behalf of all Singa­poreans, as well as of future generations.

12.        We must maintain unity and trust between the leadership and the people, between those who support the Government and its policies and those who prefer something different.  Many of those who voted for the opposition in fact want a PAP government, but I respect their choice.  Moving ahead, my team and I will strive to deliver on our promises, and work to win the confidence and support of all Singaporeans.

13.        We must also not allow ourselves to be divided between haves and have-nots, or winners and losers. We have built a society where every Singa­porean has access to good housing, education, healthcare, and much more. This is the result of the deliberate policy of the PAP government, and the efforts of our MPs, grassroots leaders and other volunteers on the ground. If we let the politics of envy drive a wedge between us, our society will be destroyed, and all will suffer. That must never happen.

14.        We are a small open economy.  Our external trade is three and a half times the size of our GDP.  More than any other country, our future and our livelihoods will be decided by major developments in the world beyond Singapore. Also critical will be how well we anticipate or respond to these changes, and how enterprising we are in creating and seizing opportunities for ourselves. Let us stay together and move ahead. Let us take pride in our shared achievements and build a better life for all.  Together, the future is in our hands.

.   .   .   .   .

纳丹总统

各位来宾、各位同胞

1．      这次大选是新加坡历史的另一个里程碑。我们共同确定了新加坡未来十到十五年的大方向。我们选出新的国会。国会议员来自不同的族群、背景和年龄层，包括不少独立后出生的新生代国会议员。

2          我和我的团队得到人民明确的委托，将为新加坡规划下一个阶段的发展蓝图。我们将确保经济持续增长，为学生日后进入全球市场作好充分的准备，同时让国人也能积极参与重要决策。新加坡将成为负责任的国际社会成员。以精锐的新加坡武装部队和民防组织作为后盾，我们将继续加强国民的向心力和维护国家安全。

3          我们理想中的社会是行行出状元。我们将协助大家攀上不同行业的高峰。与此同时，我们将脚踏实地解决各种民生问题。我们制定了帮助老年人和低收入家庭的各项计划，也将减轻大家对生活费和医药费的忧虑。

4          但是，我们解决的途径不能只局限在缩短收入差距的眼前问题，同时也必须了解世界变迁的大局。我们是一个小型的开放经济体，就好比在大海上航行的一只小船。我们的未来取决于新加坡之外的世界脉动，以及我们如何有效地预测与应对改变、把握良机。我们必须团结起来，才能创造更多共享的资源和财富，以解决各种问题和改善生活。

5          我们社会中各行各业的人士，成就高低不一。我们不应该让这个现象造成社会分化，也绝对不可让玩弄妒忌心理的政治手段在本地生根。不然，我们的问题将变得更严重，我们的生活素质也就无法提升。我所领导的政府将维护全体人民的利益，和大家共同努力推动国家向前迈进。就让我们大家肩并肩、向前进，共创光明的未来和美好的生活。

 

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Tuan Presiden

Rakan-rakan Sejawat

Saudara Saudari Senegara

 

1.            Pilihan raya umum kali ini merupakan satu peristiwa penting / dalam sejarah Singapura.  Rakyat Singapura telah menyokong wawasan dan rancangan-rancangan kita bagi masa depan Singapura.  Mereka telah memilih sepasukan pemimpin yang baru, yang mewakili semua bangsa dan latar belakang, termasuk ramai Anggota Parlimen baru daripada generasi selepas merdeka.  Mereka telah memberi saya dan pasukan saya mandat yang jelas untuk memimpin negara kita ke hadapan.

2.            Singapura menghadapi banyak cabaran baru dan keadaan yang tidak menentu.  Persaingan akan menjadi lebih sengit.  Ancaman pengganasan, flu burung, harga minyak yang melambung naik / atau krisis serantau, semuanya mungkin menimbulkan keadaan tidak menentu. Tetapi kita telah bersedia untuk menghadapinya.  Kita mempunyai strategi untuk mara ke depan dan mencapai banyak puncak kejayaan yang baru.  Kita mempunyai program untuk menangani isu-isu segera, seperti masalah yang dihadapi oleh keluarga berpendapatan rendah dan warga tua.  Dengan berusaha secara bersama, kita akan terus maju dan membina masa depan yang cerah untuk diri kita.

3.            Saya dan pasukan saya akan berkhidmat untuk semua rakyat Singapura, dan bekerja dengan anda untuk mencapai yang terbaik untuk negara kita.  Kami mengundang lebih ramai rakyat Singapura untuk tampil ke muka, dan menyertai kami demi menjadikan wawasan kita untuk Singapura itu / satu kenyataan.

4.     Sebagai sebuah negara kecil, masa depan kita ditentukan oleh perkembangan besar dunia luar, dan bagaimana caranya kita menangani peristiwa luar tersebut.  Ini tentunya memerlukan kepemimpinan yang baik dan rakyat yang bersatu padu.  Marilah kita bersatupadu, bergerak maju dan membina kehidupan yang lebih baik untuk semua rakyat Singapura.