National Day Rally 2022 (Mandarin)

For the English translation of the Mandarin speech, please scroll down.

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总理华语群众大会演讲 2022

“守护未来”

各位同胞，大家晚上好！很高兴今天能在这里和大家见面。

这两年多，我们齐心对抗冠病，历经不少考验。现在，大家的生活渐渐恢复正常了，也正在学习如何与冠病共存。在这期间，民众互相帮助，也全力配合政府。我衷心感谢大家的付出和努力！

病毒还在变种，我希望大家保持警惕，这包括：勤洗手，戴口罩；有症状，自检测；双红线，请隔离；打疫苗，别迟疑。

年满80岁的国人，我恳请你去打第二个追加剂。其他比较年轻的乐龄人士，我也劝请你们去打第二个追加剂。我自己已经这么做了。这将给我们更好的保护，减少患上重症的风险。

地缘政治挑战

我们在应对疫情的时候，也面临其他的挑战。

外部的环境越来越不稳定， 感觉到山雨欲来风满楼。中国和美国的分歧日渐加深。台湾问题只是其中一个争端。另一个影响全球安全形势的是，俄罗斯对乌克兰的侵略。这导致俄罗斯和许多国家，尤其是和美国以及其他北约国家，产生了深刻的矛盾。

而这一切都对新加坡影响深远。我担心，这个区域里，大国之间的博弈会更加激烈，局势也会更加紧张。亚太地区会不会出现和欧洲一样的纠纷，发生冲突呢？我们不能排除这个可能性，所以，要做好心理准备，团结一致，应对任何危机。

俄乌战争爆发的时候，新加坡明确表态谴责俄罗斯。一般新加坡人明白政府的立场。但是也有一些人问政府，为什么要得罪俄罗斯？为什么要和美国站在同一阵线？新加坡何必“强出头”？

其实我们不是选边站。我们不是亲美，也不是要和俄罗斯作对。但是，我们必须采取坚定的立场，捍卫根本的原则，不能含糊。因为国家主权和领土完整，对所有国家，无论大小，都很重要。尤其对新加坡这样一个小国来说，这关系到国家的生存。

我们向来反对强权就是公理。当1983年美国入侵格林纳达的时候，新加坡在联合国大会上就投下反对票。1978年越南入侵柬埔寨的时候，我们同样坚决反对。在乌克兰问题上，如果我们不坚持立场，不明确表态，万一有一天，我国面对侵略，国际上就不会有人为我们说话。

联合国提呈谴责俄罗斯决议案时，世界各国的立场并不相同。

在亚洲国家当中，印度投了弃权票。印度的主要战略考量是与中国的关系。印度与中国之间存在相当严重的摩擦。因此，他们有充足的理由要同俄罗斯保持友好关系，他们也要继续向俄罗斯购买军备。
中国也投了弃权票。中国主要考虑到自身与美国之间的矛盾。中方认为，即使他们反对俄罗斯的侵略行为，也不会赢得美国的感激和回报。一些中国的言论甚至认为，美国对付俄罗斯之后，下一个目标就是中国。毕竟，一些美国的言论，就把乌克兰问题定义为民主国家和独裁政权之间的斗争。这使到中国更不愿意削弱同俄罗斯“上不封顶”的战略合作关系。

在亚细安，越南和老挝投了弃权票。这两个国家从苏联时代，就同俄罗斯的关系密切。其他的亚细安成员国虽然支持决议案，但都没有点名谴责俄罗斯。这是可以理解的，他们的危机感不像我们那么强烈，因为他们都不是亚细安最小的成员国。

新加坡是亚细安最小的成员国，我们的利益考量自然和这些国家不一样。这就是为什么我们不但谴责俄罗斯，还对它采取了针对性的制裁。

我刚才一一说明了各国对俄罗斯入侵乌克兰所采取的立场，主要就是要让大家可以进一步了解，不同国家有不同的利益和考量。

我们从社交媒体，例如WhatsApp、Telegram、Facebook、微信等，获得各种信息。我们可能以为这些信息都是真的，都是可信的。其实，有些信息是别有用意的，想要影响我们的立场，甚至破坏民众对政府的信任。

例如，在乌克兰的问题上，人们在手机上接收到的信息，有不少显然是要激起一种强烈的反美情绪。中文的有，英文的也有。另一些信息，目的是要抹黑俄罗斯和中国，他们也是想要影响我们的立场，要我们和西方站在一起 。

所以，当我们收到任何信息的时候，都必须要有所警惕，想一想：这些信息是哪里来的？有什么用意？我们真的要把它转发给朋友吗？

我们应该先弄清楚事实，不要“照单全收”。我们必须防范不良外国势力的干预，不论它是来自哪一方。这样我们才能够保障国家的主权和独立。

让我感到庆幸的是，大多数国人都支持政府对乌克兰战争的立场，包括常用华文社交媒体的华社人士。

文化传承

华社人士能够认清国家利益，是因为我们对国家的认同感越来越深厚，也和我们的文化自信有密切的关系。

我们的文化工作者很有本土意识，他们在创作里注入本地特色，反映了他们对这片土地的热爱。

譬如：成立了五年的新加坡华族文化中心，不但积极通过各种活动，介绍华族的传统文化，还展现了我国独特的文化面貌。最近，中心演出了一部音乐舞台剧，以嫦娥奔月的故事为灵感。这是一个古今结合的创作，融入了许多本地元素，包括新谣、本地特色的语言，和新加坡人的情感。

我们优秀的新加坡华乐团，也经常呈献很有南洋风韵的音乐。乐团成员有土生土长的新加坡人，也有在这里居住了几十年的新移民，他们早就融入了新加坡社会。疫情期间，乐团在线上演奏了一曲本地创作的华乐，叫做《融》，融合的融，表现出我们同舟共济的精神。让我们听一小段。

近年来，许多人士和团体对本地华族语言、艺术和宗乡组织进行研究，反映我们对文化成果的自豪。比如，推广华语理事会推出的新加坡华语资料库，收录了本土特色的词汇。这些词汇跟其他华人社会的用法，是不大一样的。

例如，年轻人谈恋爱，我们这里会说“拍拖。我们去旅行，是说去“吃风”。当我们觉得幸好没事，会说“好彩” 。另一个，我们的老板，叫“头家”。

所以如果你听到人家这么说，“我要跟女朋友去拍拖，出国吃风，好彩头家点头”，你马上就知道他是自己人。

在这个基础上，新加坡华族文化中心即将成立一个研究小组，对本土华族文化的发展，进行有系统的研究和介绍。这个计划获得政府的支持。

新加坡华族不再是落叶归根，而是落地生根。我们有自己的故事可以说，而且一定要把它说得精彩。

经济挑战

接下来，我要谈一谈，大家十分关注的生活费问题。最近，大家都发觉很多东西比以前贵了，钱不够用。政府知道人民的担忧，所以，我们已经采取措施，竭尽所能协助有需要的国人。

而我们的做法，是提供针对性的援助。其中一项家家户户都能受惠的计划，就是社区发展理事会 （CDC） 的邻里购物券。这个购物券可以帮助大家应付日常开销。大家用购物券，在邻里买东西、吃饭，还能帮助到邻里商家和小贩，可说是一举两得。

我很高兴，CDC购物券受到大家的欢迎。至今，有超过1万8000个邻里商家、小贩和咖啡店摊主参与了计划,。大多数的家庭已经使用了购物券，总额将近1亿8000万元。数目相当可观！这个计划说明了我们如何有效地利用资源，对症下药，减轻大家的负担。

这个财政年度，也就是4月开始，我们陆陆续续推出了许多援助配套。让我举一个具体的例子。这是一个住三房式组屋的低收入家庭，一对夫妇，两个小孩。我准备了这份特别的月历，给大家做个介绍。

他们获得的援助很多，几乎每个月都有。我刚才提到的CDC购物券，就在五月间发出去了，明年一月还有一些。这个月，他们会得到1,400元的现金补助 。十月有大约190元的U-Save水电费和杂费回扣。明年二月会有300元的保健储蓄户头填补。全部加起来，这十二个月内，这个家庭能够获得的援助总额，将高达3,700元。

所以请放心，大家都会得到援助，援助比较多，或者比较少，就要看收入和住屋类型而定。明年三月过后，政府会继续通过“定心与援助配套”，帮助国人减轻消费税上调的影响。同时，政府会继续观察情况，如果有必要的话，我们当然会提供更多援助。

你可能会问，政府既然可以给这么多援助，为什么就不能延后调高消费税，或甚至取消调高消费税？我能理解大家的心情和顾虑。不调高消费税，肯定很受大家欢迎。但是，这是不负责任的。

因为，我国人口正在快速老化。现在，每六个人当中，就有一个已经超过65岁。到了2030年，年长者比例会增加。到时，每四个人当中，就有一个是年长人士。一些老市镇老化得更快。

譬如我的选区德义，已经有四分之一的居民超过65岁。80年代，我当选为国会议员时，我是个年轻家长，许多德义区居民也是年轻夫妇。一转眼，我们都老了。真的是，岁月不留人。

我每次到选区参加活动，都会见到他们。我发现，需要拿拐杖和坐轮椅的居民越来越多了。很多年老居民还来参加活动，我很高兴。但是，我也替他们担忧，因为他们的医药需求肯定会逐年增加。

因此，我们必须做好充分的准备，以更好地照顾年长人士。比如，我们要提供更多药物津贴，减轻年长国人和他们家人的医药费负担。我们也必须建设更多医院、综合诊疗所等等，让他们获得完善的医疗服务。

所以，我国的医疗保健和社会保障开支正在飙升。人民害怕钱不够用，政府也担心钱不够用。政府担心的是我们没有足够的资源去照顾低收入的家庭，以及老年人的医药保健需求。

在疫情期间，我们能够比较从容应付，是因为我们向来谨慎处理国家财政，才累积了足够的储备金，能够帮助民众纾解生活压力。我们应该秉持这种未雨绸缪的美德，为长远做打算。

总结

这两年多来，整个世界都经历了严峻的考验，许多国家受到很大的冲击，经济低迷、出现政治对立、社会严重分化。

我们的情况好多了。虽然大家的日子过得很不容易，但是我们没有惊慌失措，没有气馁、没有退缩。相反的，我们沉着应战，我们知道，唯有上下一心、互相扶持，才能安稳地渡过难关。

我们经过了这场考验，社会已经变得更有凝聚力，更加坚强。这给了我们更大的勇气和信念，面对未来的各种危机，无论是经济的挑战、社会的矛盾，还是国家的安全。我相信，我们都能够一一克服它们。

在国庆的庆典上，我可以感受到大家同在一起的精神，看到大家的努力和付出。我非常感动。有了这种迎难而上、同甘共苦的精神，我们这个小红点就能够继续发光发亮，我们的子子孙孙也能够拥有灿烂的未来。

谢谢！

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English Outline of National Day Rally 2022 Mandarin Speech

“Securing Our Future”

Good evening, my fellow Singaporeans. I am happy to see all of you here tonight.

We have been through many up and downs as we battled COVID-19 in the past two years, but we have come through as one united people. We are getting back to our normal lives, and learning to live with the virus. Our people have helped one another, and worked closely with the Government during this period. I thank all of you for your contributions and hard work.

The virus continues to mutate, so please continue to stay vigilant by washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask; self-testing with ART kits if unwell; self-isolating if you test positive; and vaccinating now rather than later.

Those who are 80 years and above, I urge you to get your second booster jab. I also encourage other seniors to take their second booster. I have already done so. A second booster can give us greater protection and reduce risk of severe infection.

Geopolitical Challenges

Even as we deal with the pandemic, we will also need to brace ourselves for other challenges. 

Our external environment has become unstable, and a storm is gathering. The division between the US and China is deepening. The Taiwan issue is just one of the causes. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also impacted the global security landscape. It has created deep hostility between Russia and the other countries, especially with the US and other NATO countries. 

All these have profound implications for Singapore. I am worried that there will be greater geopolitical rivalry and tension among the major powers in our region. Will Asia-Pacific experience similar conflicts as what is happening in Europe? We cannot rule out this possibility. Hence, we need to be psychologically prepared, and stay united. 

When the war in Ukraine started, Singapore took a strong stand and condemned Russia. Most Singaporeans understood the Government’s position. But some have asked: Why offend Russia? Why side with the US? Why stick our necks out?

Actually, for Singapore, this is not about taking sides. We are not siding with the US, and we are not against Russia. But we have to be firm in our position and defend fundamental principles robustly. We cannot be ambiguous about where we stand. We believe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, big or small, must be respected. These principles are existential for all nations, but especially so for a small nation like Singapore.

Singapore has consistently opposed the approach of “might is right”. We voted against the US at the UN, when US invaded Grenada in 1983. We also strongly opposed the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1978. If we do not stand firm and take a clear stand on the Ukraine crisis, should Singapore be invaded one day, no one will speak up for us.

There was a range of views among various countries when the UN voted on the resolution deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Among Asian countries, India abstained. India’s main strategic consideration is its relationship with China. There are serious frictions between them. Therefore, India has sufficient reasons to maintain its friendly relations with Russia. It also buys military equipment from Russia.

China also abstained. China views the war in Ukraine primarily through the lens of its relations with US, which are very troubled. China believes that even if she opposed Russia’s actions, US will not be grateful and reciprocate. Some Chinese commentators even feel the US will re-focus its efforts on China and lock horns with it, after the US has dealt with Russia. After all, some Americans have framed the Ukraine crisis as a war between democracy and autocracy. As a result, China is even more unwilling to compromise its ‘limitless’ strategic relationship with Russia

Within ASEAN, Vietnam and Laos abstained in the vote. They have had close relations with Russia since the Soviet era. While the remaining ASEAN members voted for the resolution, they did not name Russia in their statements. This is understandable because none of them is the smallest nation in ASEAN, and do not feel as vulnerable as we do. 

Singapore is the smallest nation in ASEAN, and our interests and considerations are naturally different from the others. This is why we have not only explicitly condemned Russia’s invasion, but also went further to impose our own targeted sanctions on Russia.

I have explained how different countries have responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, so that you have a better understanding of our different interests and positions.

Nowadays on social media -- for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, WeChat -- you get all sorts of information. We may think that all the information is true and credible. However, some of these messages have an ulterior aim of persuading you to take sides, or even to erode your trust in the Government. 

For example, on the war in Ukraine, you may receive some messages on your mobile, that are clearly attempting to stir up strong anti-American sentiments. The messages are in Mandarin and English. On the other hand, other messages aim to discredit Russia and China, and seek to influence and persuade you to side with the West. 

Therefore, we must be vigilant when we read these messages. We need to ask ourselves: where do these messages come from, and what are their intentions? And are we sure we should share such messages with our friends?

So please check the facts and do not accept all the information as truths. We must actively guard against hostile foreign influence operations, regardless of where they originate. Only then, can we safeguard the sovereignty and independence of our nation. 

I am heartened that most Singaporeans support the government’s position on the war in Ukraine, including Chinese Singaporeans who are active on Chinese-language social media.

Cultural preservation 

Our Chinese community is clear about our national interests, because we have developed a deeper sense of national identity and greater confidence in our culture.  

Our cultural community has a strong sense of local identity. Our local artists have been embedding a local flavour in their creative works, which reflect their love for our country. 

For example, since its establishment 5 years ago, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has been actively promoting traditional Chinese culture through various activities, showcasing Singapore’s unique cultural landscape. Recently, SCCC presented a musical, inspired by the traditional Chinese myth of Chang’e. By blending the traditional and modern elements, this musical has incorporated many local elements such as Xinyao, our local languages and nostalgia for our past.

Our talented Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) has also come up with many performances enriched with our unique “Nanyang”style. SCO members comprise of locals, as well as new immigrants who have lived in Singapore for many decades and are well-integrated here. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SCO performed a local composition, titled “Confluence”, virtually. The performance showed our strong sense of unity and resilience in times of crises. Let us listen to an excerpt.

In recent years, research has been conducted by many individuals and groups on the local Chinese language, arts and clan associations, reflecting our pride in the achievements of our local culture. One example is the development of the Singaporean Mandarin Database by the Promote Mandarin Council, a collection of unique local Mandarin terms, many of which are not used in the same way in other Chinese societies.

For instance, when describing a young couple being in love, we say “pai tuo”; we say “chi feng” for going on a holiday overseas; “hao cai” when we feel fortunate; and “tou jia” when we refer to our boss.

If you hear someone say, I want to paktor with my girlfriend, go overseas for a holiday, luckily my boss approved." You will immediately know he is one of us.

SCCC also plans to set up a dedicated research unit this year to conduct systematic research on the evolution of Singapore Chinese culture. The Government is supportive of this move.

Chinese Singaporeans have sunk their roots here in Singapore, and have our own unique stories to tell. Let’s tell our stories well.

Economic challenges

Next, I would like to talk about the cost of living, which is top of everyone’s minds. Many are worried about the rising cost of living and if they can afford things. We understand your anxiety. Therefore, the Government has taken steps and is doing everything necessary to help Singaporeans.

We are focusing our efforts to help those who are in most need. One scheme that benefits all families, is the Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. The CDC vouchers help Singaporeans defray some of your daily expenses. As you use the vouchers to shop and eat in the neighbourhood, you are also supporting our heartland shops and hawkers. This is a win-win situation.

I am glad to see many welcome the CDC vouchers. To date, over 18,000 heartland merchants, hawkers and coffeeshop stalls have joined the CDC voucher scheme. Most households have utilised their CDC vouchers, with close to $180 million spent so far. This is quite a sizeable amount.

The CDC voucher scheme is an example of how we can utilise our resources in a focused and effective way to ease our people’s burdens.

We have been giving various forms of support to our people progressively since the start of this financial year in April. Let me cite an example: This is a low-income family living in a three-room HDB flat, a married couple with two children in the household.

In the coming months, this family will be receiving various forms of support almost every month. In May, we distributed the CDC vouchers that I just mentioned. There will be more CDC vouchers in January next year. This month, they will receive cash payouts of $1400. In October, they will receive about $190 in U-save and S&CC rebates. And in February next year, they will receive $300 of top up in their MediSave accounts. In total, they will be receiving up to $3700 worth of support over 12 months.

Rest assured, everyone will receive some support. But the amount each family receives will depend on its income level and housing type. After March next year, the Government will continue to provide Singaporeans with support through the Assurance Package, to offset the increase in GST.

Meanwhile, the Government will continue to monitor the situation. If necessary, we will definitely provide more support for Singaporeans.

Beyond these support packages, some have asked: Why not just postpone, or even scrap the GST increase? I understand these sentiments. Not raising the GST would be a politically expedient move. However, it would be irresponsible.

This is because our population is ageing rapidly. Now, 1 in 6 Singaporeans are aged 65 and above. By 2030, this number will increase to 1 in 4. Mature estates will see a greying population earlier. 

For instance, in Teck Ghee, my constituency, we already have 1 in 4 residents aged 65 years and above. In the 1980s, when I was first elected as an MP, I was a young parent, and many of my Teck Ghee residents were young married couples. In the blink of an eye, we have all become old. Indeed, the years have gone by quickly.

I meet residents during events. I have observed that there are more and more who need walking sticks and wheelchairs. While I am happy that they continue attending community activities, I am also worried for them, as their healthcare needs will definitely increase over the years.

Therefore, we must be prepared to take better care of the elderly. For example, we need to provide more medication subsidies to reduce the burden of healthcare costs for older Singaporeans and their families. We must also build more hospitals, polyclinics and other facilities so that they can access medical services.

Hence, our healthcare and social spending is increasing sharply. While the people worry about not having enough money to spend, the Government also worries about not having enough money. We are concerned about not having enough resources to take care of low-income families and the healthcare needs of our elderly.

We were able to cope better than others with the pandemic because we have always managed our finances prudently and had sufficient reserves to help ease part of our people’s burdens. We should continue to save for a rainy day, and plan for the future.

Conclusion

The pandemic has been very challenging for the world over the past two years. Many countries were greatly impacted. Their economies became sluggish, their politics polarised and their societies have become deeply divided.

Even though it has not been easy for all of us, we have fared much better. We did not panic; we were not discouraged; we did not flinch. 

In fact, we faced the challenges calmly and fought this battle in solidarity. We knew that only by working hand-in-hand could we deal with this crisis and emerge stronger from it. Our society is now even more cohesive and resilient after going through this test of our mettle.

This has given us greater courage and conviction to face future crises. Whether it be economic challenges, fault lines in our own society or national security challenges. I believe we can overcome them.

At the National Day Parade, I could feel the deep sense of solidarity amongst our people. Everyone has worked so hard, and sacrificed so much. I was deeply moved.

If we stay united in good times as well as bad, our little red dot will be able to continue to enjoy peace and prosperity, for generations to come.

Thank you.

Videos and transcripts

National Day Rally 2022 (Malay)

National Day Rally 2022

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National Day Rally 2021 (Mandarin)

National Day Rally 2019 (Mandarin)

National Day Rally 2018 (Mandarin)