Mr Tharman said public trust in governments has declined in many countries, but Singapore has defied this trend. This is not because it is immune to similar pressures, but because it has “cultivated a different ethos of governance and politics”.
“We have valued stewardship over expediency, enduring responsibility over transient gain,” he said.
Singapore’s ability to make hard choices and plan long-term stems from trust – both in the government and between citizens. It is this trust that has allowed the government to make hard choices when needed, and to plan for the future beyond current electoral cycles, he said.
“Let us stay firm in our resolve, yet open to change; confident in our future, yet humble about our place in the world; proud of our diversity, yet united as one people.
“This is how we will build a better Singapore – not just for ourselves, but for our children and generations to come.”
INSPIRING AND SOBERING
MPs from the ruling party told CNA that President Tharman’s focus on social mobility resonated with them, but remained cautious about the trials that lie ahead.
For first-time parliamentarian David Hoe, the president’s comments on supporting disadvantaged families and youths struck him.
“What really stuck out for me was about how he said that we want to keep social mobility alive, and this is something that’s really close to my heart,” said the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC MP.
Ensuring Singapore remains an equal society was also something that mattered to Sembawang GRC MP Vikram Nair.
This includes keeping housing affordable and making sure that good quality public services are accessible to everyone, he said.
Nee Soon GRC MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi said that President Tharman’s point on social mobility stayed with him, as well as the call to strengthen inclusive values as a society.
“I think that’s ever more important, especially in the context of a polarised world, an uncertain world, where polarity and tensions are rife, not only in the world order, but also in the context of different societies around the world,” he said.
On the whole, the MPs felt hopeful that topics the president talked about were in line with what the government cares about.
“If these things were not raised today, I think, it will be a very difficult battle,” said Mr Hoe.
Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC’s Tin Pei Ling said she felt “inspired” and imbued with “a renewed sense of mission” in her role as an MP.
“A lot of things sound very simple in words, but actually doing it is a lot of work. We have to bring different pockets of Singaporeans together and move along. That takes all of us,” she said.
Dr Syed Harun said: “To hear the president, as our head of state, be able to speak about social mobility and inclusivity as a society, actually makes me very proud as a Singaporean.”
Mr Nair said that parts of the speech were “sobering”.
“It’s not a purely feel-good speech, in that it is clearly not a pretty situation. I think that’s recognised,” he said.
But it serves as a call to action to fulfil their duties and plan for what lies ahead, he added.
Additional reporting by Fabian Koh.