Speech By President S R Nathan at the swearing-in of the new Cabinet 2006

Prime Minister
Cabinet Ministers
Ladies and Gentlemen

1. After the last General Election in 2001, Singapore faced several difficult years. When the twin towers collapsed from the 9-11 terrorist attack, international confidence was shaken and our economy slumped. This was compounded soon after by the devastating impact of SARS. We acted with resolve as one people as we fought to prevent its spread.

2. It is said that crises bring people closer. This was true for Singapore.  Singaporeans of all races rallied together and supported one another through the difficult times. We strengthened the social cohesion of our multi-racial and multi-religious society. Companies and workers adjusted to the realities of the new economic environment. We emerged stronger from these crises, because we tackled our difficulties collectively and decisively, as one people and one nation.  Now the worst is over, and we can see a future of hope and promise ahead.

3. Against this background, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called the elections to let Singaporeans decide on the future direction for Singapore, and endorse a new team of leaders to take Singapore forward. Mr Lee and his team have set out a vision of Singapore as a shining jewel in Asia where opportunities abound, where citizens move forward together and no one is left behind. Singaporeans have given them a clear mandate. Voters have supported their vision for Singapore, and their plans to create a better life for all.

4. We have every reason to be confident about our future. Our economy is growing, with major projects in the pipeline. Our workers are upgrading their skills and finding jobs in a wide range of industries. We are doing what is realistically possible to help those unable to take advantage of the emerging job opportunities from the changing economic and technological circumstances. Our young are receiving a quality education which is envied by other countries. Our multi-racial society is cohesive and strong, held together by trust and confidence between the communities. Many countries want to study how we solve our problems, and how things work here. In a highly competitive world, the Singapore brand commands a premium for reliability, trustworthiness and quality.

5. While we focus on upgrading ourselves and solving our problems, we must stay alert to the external environment, to trends and events which can affect us powerfully, as recent developments have shown. We must understand how they impact us, what we can do about them, and why it is crucial for us to stay together to respond and succeed. We must have a good understanding of the threat of extremist terrorism worldwide, to appreciate the seriousness of the threat to Singapore. We must track developments like the economic rise of China and India, to know the pressures they will exert on our lower skilled workers, while seizing the opportunities that are opening up. The more Singaporeans understand this, the easier we will find it to make essential changes, to adapt and reinvent ourselves to the changing world.

6. Ultimately, leadership renewal is the key to Singapore’s continued success. Every generation must produce leaders to bring Singapore to the next level. Capable and committed people must step forward to lead our country forward, not just in the government but also in the private and people sectors, at all levels. The new generation, having benefited from the fruits of hard work put in by previous generations of Singaporeans, and quality education they received, must ask themselves what is in Singapore’s best interest and what they can do for Singapore and their fellow citizens. The most able must show the way and help to build and strengthen Singapore with their energy, enthusiasm and ideas.  Then we will thrive and endure as a nation.

7. A younger generation of post-independence Singaporeans have grown up amidst peace and prosperity. They have more choices to explore and high  expectations of what they want to achieve in life. They are passionate about pursuing their ambitions and dreams, and see the world as their oyster. This government must continue to engage and bond with this new generation, and stay in touch with their aspirations and ideals. By galvanising the aspirations of the young, we will generate a sense of common endeavour and purpose among all, to shape the future of our country together.

8. We have worked hard to make Singapore what it is today – something special and unique that all of us are proud of.  We now have a new leadership team for Singapore. Let us continue to work together to realise our aspirations for a better Singapore, and a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

9. I now ask Mr Lee Hsien Loong to come forward and take his Affirmation of Allegiance, followed by the Ministers he has designated as members of his Cabinet.