maintain progress amid the uncertain economic conditions..

Govt will ensure vulnerable groups are cared for during downturn
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 November 2008 1956 hrs

SINGAPORE: The government's most pressing concern moving into 2009 is to maintain progress amid the uncertain economic conditions and to ensure that vulnerable groups are taken care of.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this point on Saturday during a dialogue session with youths aged 18 to 35.

The current downturn gripping the world's financial markets left even Prime Minister Lee a little unsettled. He said he never expected the economy to turn so drastically, so quickly.

Hence, going into an uncertain 2009, Mr Lee said the immediate concern is to keep the economy humming and ensure vulnerable groups are taken care of.

He gave the assurance that the government is looking at ways to help workers keep their jobs, equip the workforce with skills, help businesses keep costs down and also help households cope with rising energy bills.

But Mr Lee also reminded the youths that although the current crisis is a serious challenge, it will not last for the next 30 to 40 years.

So young Singaporeans need to plan for the future.

In the medium term, Mr Lee said the challenge is in growing the population and ensuring talent remains in Singapore.

In the long term, he said, the top priority for the government is in leadership renewal.

Mr Lee also pointed out that good governance does not necessarily mean a two-party system.

He said if anyone is unhappy with a certain policy, he suggested working with the government rather than starting from scratch with the opposition.

"To form one football team in Singapore to get halfway up World Cup finals is already very tough. You want to form two world-class teams, I think it is very difficult and in politics, you must get into the finals," he said.

On what differentiates the current generation of leaders from that of the Old Guard such as Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Lee gave this quip.

"If MM (Minister Mentor) had his druthers when it comes to the COEs and ERP and so on, he would say, 'forget about the ERP, just squeeze on the COEs; don't let them buy cars; no cars, they can't complain. Have the unhappiness once, done with it'.

"I say, 'they all want cars, let them own the cars and we will put the gantry up; beep, beep, beep, they get angry, never mind. But at least they get the car'."

Saturday's dialogue is part of the National Youth Forum held every two years.

It is a platform for youths to study policy formulation and debate on national issues.

For the young participants, it is not only a chance to get up close and personal with the prime minister but also to raise issues close to their hearts.

Undergraduate Hozefa Aziz said: "It's important to get the youths involved in issues right now, so they can develop their ideas."

The forum was organised by the National Youth Council.

- CNA/ir