Govt will always put S'poreans at the centre of all it does, says PM Wong

Straits Times

23-05-2025

PM Lawrence Wong said the newly-formed Government will also look beyond immediate concerns to prepare Singapore for the future. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Govt will always put S'poreans at the centre of all it does, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE - The newly-formed Government will press on with realising its roadmap for a fairer and more just society, and will work closely with Singaporeans in shaping these plans, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 23.
Besides moves to strengthen Singapore's social compact, it will also look beyond immediate concerns to prepare Singapore for the future, he said in a speech at the Istana following the swearing-in of his refreshed Cabinet.
'Together, as a team, we pledge to serve Singaporeans to the best of our abilities , with commitment and integrity, with sincerity and humility,' he said.
He added: 'Our mission is clear: to always put Singaporeans at the centre of all we do, to listen to your concerns, and to respond decisively.'
PM Wong said Forward Singapore - a blueprint for the next phase of Singapore's growth drawn up through consultations with over 200,000 citizens - is especially critical today, as a society torn by inequalities cannot be resilient in the face of a more turbulent world.
That is why the Government will enhance the country's social support system to provide greater assurance to Singaporeans across all life stages, from early childhood to retirement.
This means keeping essential services like education, healthcare and housing accessible and affordable, and strengthening support for seniors so they can live with dignity, purpose and fulfilment, he said.
More diverse and flexible pathways will be created for Singaporeans to seek happiness, prosperity and progress, whether they are a student exploring career options, a mid-career worker seeking to upskill, or a senior who wishes to continue contributing, said PM Wong.
'Our aim is for every Singaporean to thrive and flourish on their own terms,' he said.
The mutual understanding and respect between people of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds will also be deepened to strengthen the bonds that unite Singaporeans, he added.
He noted that Singaporeans did not allow issues of race and religion that surfaced during the general election to divide them. This showed how far society has come, but was also a reminder for the country not to take its harmony for granted.
'We will continue to guard these fault lines carefully, and redouble our efforts to build a society where everyone feels respected and valued, and knows they truly belong,' he said.
Speaking in Malay, PM Wong said he had strengthened his team with the promotion and appointment of several new office-holders who are from the Malay community, and that the Government will continue to strengthen its relationship with the Malay/Muslim community.
Looking further ahead, the Government will also accelerate Singapore's transition to cleaner energy, and adapt to the realities of climate change.
Infrastructure will be transformed to create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans, and PM Wong assured that the city will be dynamic and vibrant, yet distinctly Singaporean - 'a great place to live, and one we are all proud to call home'.
Above all, the Government will work shoulder to shoulder with all Singaporeans to write this next chapter of the nation's story, he said.
This means continuing to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life to hear their hopes and concerns, and actively involving the people such that their voices are reflected in government policies, said PM Wong.
PM Wong said in his Mandarin remarks that him and his team will henceforth ramp up their engagements with Singaporeans, with the aim of together achieving a common vision and goals.
'This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singaporeans,' he said. 'Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future.'
A more open and engaged society will strengthen, not weaken, Singapore, he stressed.
'We are not afraid of differing views – we welcome constructive debates,' he said. 'They push us to think harder, plan better, and serve Singaporeans more effectively.'
But there must always be respect for one another, and that despite any differences Singaporeans have more in common with each other, he added.
Remembering this will make Singapore a stronger, more resilient and more united nation, said PM Wong.
While history has not been kind to small nations like Singapore, and the Republic has always been vulnerable, caught between the interests of greater powers, he noted that Singapore has defied the odds for 60 years.
It has done so not just because of good luck, but because of Singaporeans' courage, conviction, and collective will as one people, he added.
As long as the people continue to believe in themselves, have faith in one another, and work together, Singapore will endure, he added.
'So be it SG100, or even beyond, there will still be Singaporeans – standing strong and free,' he said. 'And not only will we survive – we will prevail.'
The prime minister called on Singaporeans to once again muster the courage, imagination and new resolve to build a country that is open, inclusive and full of opportunities.
'Let us secure a brighter future for ourselves, our families and for generations to come,' he said.
Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.
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