Community effort will help S'pore ride out recession: PM


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Nisa

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He warns against an over-reliance on the Government for help in 'everything'. -ST

Mon, Jan 12, 2009
The Straits Times

By Li Xueying, Political Correspondent

THE coming year on the lunar calendar is that of the ox - a strong animal, which while 'not very aggressive, is completely dependable'.

Noting this yesterday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave this reassuring message to Singaporeans facing a difficult year ahead: 'So in our quiet way, we'll see through the year of the ox, and we'll come out of it all right, stronger than before and ready to grow and prosper.'

But he also warned against an over-reliance on the Government for help in 'everything', urging the community to chip in during this downturn.

source : - http://news.asiaone.com/print/News/the+Straits+Times/Story/A1Story20090112-113935.html
 

Govt will do its part during recession, but community urged to help too

SINGAPORE : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday gave Singaporeans the assurance that the government will do its part to help, as the country grapples with the current recession.

He however added that an important part of the country's response will also be how the community itself reaches out to make extra help and support available to fellow citizens when things are tough.

Giving out hong bao to needy residents in his constituency is an annual ritual for Mr Lee.

This time, at least 275 needy residents received S$100 in cash and a S$50 NTUC voucher each.

Still, things have not been easy for some residents he spoke to.

While Mr Lee was giving out hong bao to residents in his constituency on Sunday, there was also attention about a possibly bigger hong bao to be given out to all Singaporeans on Budget Day at the end of the month.

One resident said: "I was retrenched. So was my husband last month. Although we should not solely rely on the government for assistance, we still hope we can find a job through their help."

Another preferred a different approach: "Give money to people to buy things, then businesses, (and) the economy can go up."

While help will be given, Mr Lee cautioned against over-reliance on handouts.

He said: "We are in this together...not as individuals or even just as each family on its own, but as one big family which is the Singapore family. But if everything depends on government schemes and it becomes a matter of bureaucratic organisation and entitlement, I think we will make this impersonal and we will weaken ourselves as a society.

"And instead of having a sense of mutual support and warmth and comradeship, we will cultivate a sense of reliance and ultimately a society that will not be as strong as it should be."

And so, as the Year of the Ox approaches, the animal's characteristics - which Mr Lee described as strong but not aggressive and completely dependable - will be the way that Singapore hopes to get through this tough year. - CNA/ms


source: - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401676/1/.html
 

As they say, own self can't settle, how to think about others?
 

What I really want is a clear signal of leadership.

Tell me what u want me to do, I will do it.
I meant, I paid my taxes, my gst and all sort of money to the gov't, so the people whom I had elected will be able to lead me and my fellow Singaporeans everyday.

Do not tell me to help, without telling how.
 

Don't expect so much from Bureaucrats.:rolleyes:
 

What happened to staying together, moving ahead? :dunno:

It is really good to know where the government's priorities are ... :think:
 

What happened to staying together, moving ahead? :dunno:

It is really good to know where the government's priorities are ... :think:

I think priority for this year is the IR.
Hotels not ready nevermind..important thing is casino must start operation.:bsmilie:
 

No, that cannot do... :nono:

We need to give them the highest possible salaries, so that they do not corrupt. :sweat:
I believe cheaper MPs can propose the same solution..
 

What I really want is a clear signal of leadership.

Tell me what u want me to do, I will do it.
I meant, I paid my taxes, my gst and all sort of money to the gov't, so the people whom I had elected will be able to lead me and my fellow Singaporeans everyday.

Do not tell me to help, without telling how.

I think they want you to go fishing. :bsmilie:
 

What I really want is a clear signal of leadership.

Tell me what u want me to do, I will do it.
I meant, I paid my taxes, my gst and all sort of money to the gov't, so the people whom I had elected will be able to lead me and my fellow Singaporeans everyday.

Do not tell me to help, without telling how.
Wah, that is an open cheque leh.. wait they say, you can help by paying more taxes.. paying more gst.. this is whom you have elected, keep quiet and just do it.

../azul123
 

Wah, that is an open cheque leh.. wait they say, you can help by paying more taxes.. paying more gst.. this is whom you have elected, keep quiet and just do it.

../azul123
more gst then get free transportation? new ezlink card will be redundant.. :bsmilie:
 

in a really big family loosing 1 or 2 siblings is not big issue, in tough times the toughest will survive. weak 1s need a tuition teacher, extra remedial classes in school work. the brighter 1s move like they always do- fast. when its clear who the winner will be, more effort will be put into the brightest to ensure fullest potential is realised. the brightest will bring status, wealth & prestige.

when resourses are finite, its important to prove 1s worth to gain an edge.

ok, u can now all :hung: me...
 

in a really big family loosing 1 or 2 siblings is not big issue, in tough times the toughest will survive. weak 1s need a tuition teacher, extra remedial classes in school work. the brighter 1s move like they always do- fast. when its clear who the winner will be, more effort will be put into the brightest to ensure fullest potential is realised. the brightest will bring status, wealth & prestige.

when resourses are finite, its important to prove 1s worth to gain an edge.

ok, u can now all :hung: me...
Maybe you need to attend the extra remedial classes you've been skipping. :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
 

Maybe you need to attend the extra remedial classes you've been skipping. :bsmilie: :bsmilie:

shhh, dun tell everyone i go class early-early copy homework hor!! :devil:

:bsmilie:
 

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