News: The Straits Times -  1 January 2010


Singaporeans come first for Govt: PM
Sharing benefits by raising per capita income is one big aim
By Kor Kian Beng, Political Correspondent


SINGAPOREANS are top priority for the Government, which will aim to grow the economy in a way that allows all citizens to share in the benefits, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emphasised in his New Year message for 2010.

It will do this in two ways: by growing Singapore's external wing, and raising per capita income by boosting the skills level of workers.

At the same time, the Government will also 'manage and moderate' the inflow of foreign workers so that Singaporeans are not overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, he said.

The Prime Minister's message is the latest in a series of government assurances that foreign worker numbers will not be allowed to continue surging as they have done in recent years.

In his message, Mr Lee recounted how Singapore pulled through a 'volatile' 2009, which had looked 'bleak everywhere' in the initial months but is now looking 'brighter'.

He gave credit to workers, unions and employers for their part in supporting training programmes and keeping unemployment down.

'In fact, resident employment went up by 20,000 in the first three quarters of 2009, even as the number of foreign workers declined by 20,000,' he noted.

For 2010, he said, the Government expects growth of 3 per cent to 5 per cent, in line with recovery worldwide.

But even as Singapore tracks short-term economic trends closely, it is also crucial to think ahead and secure Singapore's long-term position amid a more competitive environment, he stressed.

He urged companies to find ways to do things more efficiently, and to venture into new, promising areas so as to grow the external wing.

He noted that some are already in the region building water treatment plants, townships, and telecommunications and power businesses.

'Government policies and incentives will help them to succeed,' Mr Lee said.

In his message, the Prime Minister also reiterated Singapore's commitment to fighting climate change, even though the recent Copenhagen summit failed to make significant progress towards a global agreement.

Singapore did not make its commitment lightly when it pledged last month to cut its carbon emissions growth by 16 per cent below business as usual (BAU) levels by 2020, provided that there was a global agreement, he said.

To meet this target, the Government will implement 'a combination of regulations, price signals and fiscal incentives'.

These measures 'will require all households, firms and the economy to make significant adjustments'.

Said Mr Lee: 'We will phase them in progressively, to give everyone time to adjust, and match them with appropriate offsetting measures. Wherever possible we will lighten the burden on households and businesses, and help them to adjust to a low-carbon world.'

The Republic's medal haul of 33 golds at the recent South-east Asia Games in Laos also got a mention from Mr Lee. 'I congratulate our athletes and coaches for their excellent show,' he said.

Concluding, Mr Lee expressed confidence in Singapore's prospects, noting how Singaporeans had tackled numerous past crises 'as one people'.

He said: 'If we all give of our best, and stay united to meet the challenges ahead, we can be confident of a bright future in the post-crisis world.'

- end of ST article