President Halimah sets out priorities for the Government at opening of 14th Parliament, says jobs are a top priority while strengthening social safety nets
SINGAPORE: Singapore must be able to adjust its COVID-19 strategies as the situation continues to unfold, and be more resilient and nimble than others in responding to change, said President Halimah Yacob on Monday at the opening of the 14th Parliament.
In a speech that came after 93 newly elected Members of Parliament and two Non-constituency MPs took their oaths of allegiance, Mdm Halimah said the Government will continue to evolve Singapore’s economic and social models, as well as its policies to suit the new circumstances. “We need to be more resilient and nimble than others in responding to change. We must do things that others cannot do, and do the things that others can do, even better,” the President said.
“We are entering an era of volatility, uncertainty and disruption in people’s lives. Individuals will need greater social support than before,” she said. “We will have to consider carefully how to strengthen our safety nets, to give Singaporeans more assurance coping with life’s uncertainties.”Mdm Halimah also said that Singapore’s model of meritocracy needs to evolve, recognising that “unfettered meritocracy” can lead to excessive competition.
Singapore’s model of multiracialism is also a “work in progress”, she added, as some in each generation want to discuss sensitive issues afresh. Mdm Halimah called on Singaporeans to work hard to listen to and to understand one another as “emotive” issues such as these are debated.
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