More than Political Succession

1                    On 12 August, Singapore will witness its second change of premiership since Independence.  Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will hand over the reins of government to Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. 

2                    This evening, I thought it would be good to remind ourselves that this leadership renewal is not just an exercise in political succession, or about a change of Prime Minister and who will form the next Cabinet.  It is about responding to the “generational” change in our society - the rise of the post-Independence generation of Singaporeans.  These younger Singaporeans, born after Independence, now form the majority of our population.  The political leadership must, therefore, rejuvenate itself with the infusion of younger men and women who are able to connect and empathise with them. 

Generational Change

3                    Those of us in our 50s, 60s and older belong to the Independence generation.  This is the generation that experienced instability in many forms, from the struggle for independence from the British, the communist riots and the communal clashes in the 1950s and 1960s, the tumultuous years when Singapore was part of Malaysia, to the confrontation with Indonesia and the high unemployment of the 1960s.  These older Singaporeans, therefore, have an instinctive and deep-seated understanding of the fragility and vulnerability of our society.

4                    In those early years, Singapore’s very survival was called into question time and again.  What was needed to steer us through the storms was authoritative leadership.  And this was provided by Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who as Singapore’s first Prime Minister, laid the foundations for Singapore to rise from third world to first.   

5                    When PM Goh took over as Prime Minister in 1990, Singaporeans had already enjoyed many years of strong economic growth.  They had become more affluent, more sophisticated, and wanted a greater say in the nation’s affairs.  PM Goh introduced a more participatory and consultative style of government.  

6                    Today, about 55% of our population is made up of younger Singaporeans, those born after Independence.  They are very different from their parents.  DPM Lee and his team will, therefore, face very different challenges from their predecessors as they lead these younger Singaporeans into the future.

Worlds Apart

7                    Let me sketch out the ways in which I believe younger Singaporeans are different.  Firstly, being born after Independence, they have had no experience of those unsettling years in the 1950s and 1960s.  They have enjoyed political stability all their lives.  As a result, they are, I believe, less sensitised to the dangers of societal disharmony, such as racial and religious strife.    

8                    Secondly, they are much more affluent than their parents’ generation.  For example, in 1974, the median gross monthly income of Singaporeans was only $250.  Last year, it was $1,800.  Indeed, our standard of living today is the envy of even some developed countries.  This is a far cry from our early years when crime, hunger and poverty were prevalent, and we were lacking in health care, public amenities and affordable housing.  Now, Singaporeans enjoy world-class medical care, and two out of three Singaporean households live in HDB 4-room and larger flats or private housing.     

9                    Thirdly, the older generation had limited access to education and hence, most jobs were low level ones, or they worked as street hawkers.  On the other hand, young Singaporeans today receive top quality education.  This has given them a wide range of options, from starting their own business to working in high-skilled, high-technology industries. 

10               Let me give you some figures that show the magnitude of this change.  In 1974, 11% of the working population in Singapore were in professional, technical and managerial jobs.  By last year, this had risen to 42%.  In 1970, only about 7% of our population aged 25 years and above had secondary and post-secondary education, while only 2% had a university degree.  In contrast, last year, 32% of Singaporeans had secondary and post-secondary education, and 22% had been to university. 

11               With these improvements in living standards and capabilities, we must expect changes in values, outlook and expectations.  The older generations of Singaporeans were more traditional and conservative.  They gave great emphasis to family and community, counting on each other for mutual support in a difficult living environment and in the absence of government support structures.  And having started their lives from a low base, they had lower expectations.  They were more stoic in the face of failures and setbacks; they have, after all, seen it all. 

12               The younger generation has not known similar hunger and deprivation.  They are well-travelled, well-informed and exposed to a globalised world through the mass media and the internet.   Consequently, many are now are more western in their outlook, and have higher expectations of life.  There is growing individualism, and a parallel weakening of the importance of family and community.

Moving Forward

13               These changes in values and expectations among Singaporeans are not negative in themselves.  They are, in some ways, necessary for the challenges we will face in the first world.  For instance, we need more independent, critical thinking and entrepreneurship in the economy.  And a more demanding electorate means, among other things, that the civil service and politicians will be kept on their toes.   

14               But the changes in values and expectations also create stresses on the fabric of the society.  There are three things we should do to remedy this.

15               Firstly, with the growing premium on individual achievements, the Government will have to make a special effort to reach out to the younger generation, to harness their energy and enthusiasm for community good.  In fact, younger Singaporeans can be a positive force for the development of Singapore. They should be actively involved in looking after the country, and ensuring that it continues to provide the best home for all of us.  We need them to be involved in community and grassroots work, and to give a helping hand to the less fortunate.  

16               More importantly, we need younger Singaporeans to join the political process, to make a positive contribution to policy making and the next phase of nation-building.  We need them to help shape Singapore into the kind of home they would want to live in.  I hope, of course, that you will join the PAP, which has done much for Singapore and for Singaporeans. Even if you hold different views from the PAP, you stand a better chance of influencing policies by being part of the PAP, than being outside the PAP.  I earnestly invite you to join us.

17               However, joining the political process is more than just standing for elections.  It is about being informed and engaged in the issues of the day.  It is about developing a mature understanding of the political realities of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. When Singaporeans involve themselves in the country in this manner, they enrich our political process.  They help to make it a positive and constructive force for the development of Singapore.  Most importantly, they strengthen the value of their citizenship.    

18               But if the young elect to stay out of politics, either seeing it as a “dirty business” or “somebody else’s business”, or one that entails too much personal sacrifice, then there will be no fresh blood in our political ranks, no vibrant discussion of national issues, no new ideas and no leadership changes to enable Singapore to keep up with the challenges of its time.  I therefore see it as crucial for capable, young Singaporeans to engage, in a constructive way, in the politics of Singapore.  They should participate in the changes confronting our country and work together with the Government to ensure our survival and prosperity.  They cannot take the attitude of leaving the job to others because if everyone thinks this way, there will be no one capable to do the job! 

19               This challenge of ensuring a core of Singaporeans who will participate in the development of the country is made difficult by the increasing mobility of Singaporeans.  Many Singaporeans now work overseas.  Many more are studying overseas.  Some may not return to Singapore.  We cannot and should not stop Singaporeans from going abroad to gain experience and to further their careers.  However, we must make sure that there will always be a core of committed Singaporeans in Singapore, working for the betterment of our society.  Without this core, we will lose our vibrancy.   We may not make it over the next hill.

20               In addition to involving the younger generation in the development of Singapore, the second area to strengthen our society is to get Singaporeans to be more resourceful and self-reliant, and less dependent on the Government.  Otherwise, in time, we will become weaker, and less hardy and self-motivated as a people.  We should break away from the expectation that the Government will always respond to our needs and wants.  I know this mentality has come about partly because of the Government’s track record in providing for the people.  But this must change.  Our first thought should not be to ask for handouts but what we can do for ourselves.  I was amused when I read in the newspapers after the June blackout, that a reader had asked the Government to provide Singaporeans a blackout kit with candle, matches, torch and battery-operated radio!  But I was heartened that some other readers called on Singaporeans themselves to be prepared for emergencies.

21               The third area to strengthen our society is to get our younger generation to balance their western education and outlook, with a set of core Asian values.  This will serve them well even if they are working and living in the West, as it provides them with cultural ballast.  Some of these core strengths are hard work, thrift, and the emphasis on family and community.  

22               That said, there is already much to be optimistic about our society.  Singapore’s cohesion stood up in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and subsequent anti-terror operations and measures.  The unity among the different races and religions held firm.  The way Singaporeans reacted to the SARS crisis was also heartening - the courage and sacrifice of our healthcare personnel and the manner in which everyone, from taxi drivers to professionals, pulled together.  And even though we were in the midst of an economic slowdown last year, Singaporeans gave more to charity than ever before.    

23               I know that many Singaporeans feel that the more pressing challenges for us are in the economy, not the society.  We face competition from the developed economies, and also from rapidly developing economies such as India and China.  However, as in the Chinese term “危机”, in danger, there is opportunity.  So the growth of China’s and India’s economies can also benefit Singapore, but only if we can work together as one committed, motivated and united people to address the challenges and tap the opportunities.     

24               In five days’ time, there will be a new Prime Minister and new Cabinet at the helm.  But there will also be continuity: SM Lee and PM Goh will remain in the Cabinet and lend the Government their invaluable experience.  So long as Singaporeans and the new leadership work closely together, I am confident that Singapore's best days are yet to come.  There is indeed a lot to look forward to as we celebrate Singapore’s 39th anniversary. 

25               I wish all of you a happy National Day.  Thank you. 

                                                * * *

内政部长兼碧山 — 大巴窑集选区国会议员

黄根成先生于碧山东国庆宴会上致词

日期：2004年8月7日

时间：晚上8.45时

地点：碧山13街第156座组屋旁草场

1.             吴作栋总理将在本月12日把总理的职务移交给李显龙副总理。

2.             这次的领导层更新，并不单是更换总理与内阁的政治接班问题，而是有关应对社会上‘两代交替’情况的问题。那些在新加坡独立之后出世的年轻国人已经成长，并且占我国人口绝大多数。因此，政治领导层必须自我更新，吸引那些能够理解这一代人并和他们沟通的年轻男女参政。

3.             事实上，李副总理和他的班子所将领导的年轻一代和上一代是大不相同的。

4.             例如，在生活经历方面，这两代人之间就相差很远。因此，他们看待事情的视角，往往也大不相同。

5.             那些五、六十岁或以上的国人经历过贫困与动荡不安的岁月。因此，他们对我国社会的脆弱性自然有深刻的体会。

6.             在国家独立后出世的年轻国人就没有这样的体会，他们一直都生活在一个政治稳定的环境里。因此，我相信他们对社会不安，如种族和宗教冲突的危险，没有那么敏感。

7.             年轻一代的生活也富裕得多，他们有好工作、高收入，受过良好的教育，并享有世界级的医疗服务。

8.             随着这些生活水准和能力的改善，人们的价值观、视野和期望也将有所改变。年长一辈的国人比较传统和保守，他们重视家庭和社会，对生活的期望比较低，在面对失败和挫折时，也比较看得开。

9.             相比之下，年轻人不了解什么是饥饿和贫困。他们经常出国，见识很广。通过传媒和互联网，他们接触了这个全球化的世界。因此，许多年轻人的观点现在也比较西化，对生活的期望也比较高。他们的个人主义意识越来越强烈，对家庭和社会重要性的意识却相应地减弱。

10.     国人在价值观和期望方面的改变并不是一件坏事。这些改变对于我们在第一世界所将面对的挑战有时是有必要的。

11.     但是，这些改变也对我们的社会凝聚力造成了压力。因此，我们必须从三方面着手：

13.     更重要的是，我们需要年轻、能干的囯人出来参政，对政策的制定作出积极的贡献，并协力把新加坡建立成一个理想的家园。可是，参政并不只是制定政策或参加竞选，而是要对时事有广泛的认识，对我国多元种族、多元宗教社会的政治实况有成熟的了解。我恳切地希望更多国人能参政。不过我希望你们会加入人民行动党，它为新加坡和新加坡人做了很多事情。

14.     第二，新加坡人应该更加自立，更有应对能力，减少对政府的依赖。否则的话，日子一久，我们的人民就会变得较软弱、较不能吃苦和缺乏自动自发的精神。

15.     第三，我们的年轻人必须以一套亚洲核心价值观来平衡他们的西式教育和观点。勤奋、节俭、重视家庭和社区是我们应该保留的一些核心优点。

16.     总的来说，我们的社会仍有很多方面是让人感到乐观的。国人对沙斯危机的反应令人感到鼓舞。虽然我们去年面对经济放缓，国人捐献给慈善机构的款项却比往年还要多。911恐怖袭击事件所引起的震荡，以及我国为防恐所采取的行动和措施，考验了我们的社会凝聚力。事实证明我们的凝聚力已通过了这项考验。

17.     我明白，对许多新加坡人来说，更让他们关心的问题似乎是经济的繁荣，而不是社会凝聚力的维护。我们所面对的竞争，不只来自发达的经济体，也来自正在迅速发展的经济体，如印度和中国。然而，正如‘危机’这个词所形容的，在危险之中，也存在着机会。因此，中国和印度的成长也能对新加坡有利。我们必须继续发挥我们献身社会、自动自发和团结的精神，才能成功地利用这些机会。

18.     再过五天，我们的新总理和新内阁将上台执政。只要国人和新领导层同心协力，我有信心，我们最美好的日子将会到来。在热烈庆祝第39届国庆之际，我相信我们的前景是光明的。

19.     我祝大家国庆日快乐。谢谢。

**********

UCAPAN DALAM BAHASA MELAYU OLEH ENCIK WONG KAN SENG, MENTERI EHWAL DALAM NEGERI DAN ANGGOTA PARLIMEN BAGI GRC BISHAN-TOA PAYOH, DI JAMUAN MALAM HARI KEBANGSAAN ANJURAN BAHAGIAN BISHAN EAST PADA 7 OGOS 2004 JAM 8.45 MALAM DI TANAH LAPANG BERSEBELAHAN BLOK 156, BISHAN ST 13

1        Pada 12 Ogos ini, Singapura akan menyaksikan pertukaran kedua dalam jawatan perdana menteri sejak Singapura merdeka.  Perdana Menteri, Encik Goh Chok Tong, akan menyerahkan teraju pemerintahan kepada Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Encik Lee Hsien Loong.

2        Pembaharuan kepimpinan bukanlah setakat soal mencari pengganti pemimpin politik.  Ia ada hubungan dengan usaha menyahut perubahan generasi dalam masyarakat – kebangkitan generasi Singapura yang dilahirkan selepas merdeka.  Rakyat muda Singapura kini membentuk sebahagian besar penduduk di sini.  Mereka berbeza sekali dengan generasi lama Singapura dari segi nilai, pandangan dan jangkaan mereka. Oleh itu, kepimpinan politik harus diteruskan dengan kemasukan golongan muda - baik lelaki atau wanita - yang boleh berhubungan dan bersimpati dengan mereka.

3        Dari beberapa segi, perubahan nilai dan jangkaan ini adalah perlu supaya kita dapat mengatasi cabaran pada hari ini.  Tetapi perubahan-perubahan ini juga memberi tekanan ke atas jalinan masyarakat kita.  Dalam hal ini, ada tiga perkara yang kita boleh lakukan.     

4        Pertama, kita perlukan generasi muda Singapura untuk menyertai secara aktif dalam pembangunan negara.  Khususnya, kita memerlukan mereka untuk menyertai proses politik untuk membantu mencorakkan bentuk  Singapura yang mereka inginkan.  Tetapi menyertai proses politik bukanlah setakat menentukan dasar-dasar negara atau bertanding dalam pilihan raya. Ia melibatkan kemampuan kita untuk mempunyai pandangan yang berdasarkan pengetahuan mengenai isu-isu semasa. Ia melibatkan juga melibatkan keperluan kita untuk mempunyai pemahaman yang matang tentang realiti politik masyarakat kita yang berbilang kaum dan agama.  Saya sangat berharap agar lebih ramai rakyat Singapura akan menyertai proses ini.  Saya juga berharap bahawa anda akan menyertai PAP yang telah banyak menyumbang kepada kemajuan negara dan rakyat Singapura.

5        Kedua, rakyat Singapura harus lebih berdikari dan bijak dalam menangani masalah, dan kurang bergantung kepada  Pemerintah.

6        Ketiga, generasi muda kita mesti mengimbangi pendidikan serta pandangan mereka yang bersifat kebaratan dengan nilai-nilai teras Asia. Di antara nilai-nilai teras ini ialah kerja keras, berjimat cermat, dan penekanan kepada keluarga dan masyarakat.

7        Dalam masa lima hari, kita akan mempunyai Perdana Menteri dan Kabinet baru untuk menerajui negara.  Selagi rakyat Singapura berganding bahu dengan kepimpinan baru, dan bersatu padu sebagai satu bangsa, saya yakin bahawa masa depan Singapura sangatlah cerah.  Banyak yang dapat kita jangkakan apabila kita merayakan ulang tahun Singapura yang ke-39.

8        Saya mengucapkan Selamat Hari Kebangsaan kepada anda semua.  Terima kasih.