ID :
178869
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 13:08
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/178869
The shortlink copeid
PAP TO STRIVE FOR FUTURE OF SINGAPOREANS AMIDST CHALLENGING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, April 29 (Bernama) -- The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will
uphold its manifesto of securing Singapore's future and strive to ensure the
city-state overcome global challenges.
After the financial crisis, and after the economic rebound, the PAP
leadership sees "dark clouds" ahead.
Several ministers, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime
Minister Teo Chee Hean, sounded the warning on Thursday as the PAP sought to
build on its election manifesto of securing Singapore's future, reported the
local television channel, Channel NewsAsia.
The message to voters -- conveyed at the party's walkabouts, election
rallies and in its political broadcast last night -- comes after weeks of
framing the 2011 General Election as the one that will usher in a
fourth-generation leadership to take Singapore to 2020.
Now, the PAP has filled in the backdrop to their message of leadership
renewal, and brought sharply into focus a string of global events happening as
the May 7 polls approach.
In the PAP's first party political broadcast, Lee cited the challenge of an
"ever-changing and uncertain" international environment.
"We can see dark clouds on the horizon -- the political upheavals in the
Middle East, the tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, serious debt problems in
Europe, and a crisis in government finances in the US.
"Our neighbouring countries also face security challenges from extremists
and terrorists. All these could impact our growth, stability and security," he
said.
But while the PAP sees this challenge lying in wait for Singapore, the party
also believes the answers can be found in its manifesto.
Lee said last night in its 12-minute broadcast that the PAP would create
better-paying jobs, ensure that low-wage workers were not left behind,
strengthen the education system for all children and help seniors stay active
and healthy.
Lee acknowledged current issues such as cost of living and how the
Government was giving out utility rebates and the Growth Dividends from the
Budget, among other offset measures.
As for public housing, he said: "We're building many more new HDB flats. We
promise that young families will get their flats sooner, and at affordable
prices."
These issues were raised at the Opposition rallies on Thursday night, as
they have been in the run-up to the GE.
For the PAP, the next phase of the campaign has begun.
Asked if the PAP would keep up its message about the uncertainties of the
future, Teo said simply:
"If you look at the next 10 years, I honestly can't predict what might turn
up. This is one of the things we worry about. We spend a lot of time thinking
about it, and it's a reality we live with every day."
SINGAPORE, April 29 (Bernama) -- The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will
uphold its manifesto of securing Singapore's future and strive to ensure the
city-state overcome global challenges.
After the financial crisis, and after the economic rebound, the PAP
leadership sees "dark clouds" ahead.
Several ministers, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime
Minister Teo Chee Hean, sounded the warning on Thursday as the PAP sought to
build on its election manifesto of securing Singapore's future, reported the
local television channel, Channel NewsAsia.
The message to voters -- conveyed at the party's walkabouts, election
rallies and in its political broadcast last night -- comes after weeks of
framing the 2011 General Election as the one that will usher in a
fourth-generation leadership to take Singapore to 2020.
Now, the PAP has filled in the backdrop to their message of leadership
renewal, and brought sharply into focus a string of global events happening as
the May 7 polls approach.
In the PAP's first party political broadcast, Lee cited the challenge of an
"ever-changing and uncertain" international environment.
"We can see dark clouds on the horizon -- the political upheavals in the
Middle East, the tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, serious debt problems in
Europe, and a crisis in government finances in the US.
"Our neighbouring countries also face security challenges from extremists
and terrorists. All these could impact our growth, stability and security," he
said.
But while the PAP sees this challenge lying in wait for Singapore, the party
also believes the answers can be found in its manifesto.
Lee said last night in its 12-minute broadcast that the PAP would create
better-paying jobs, ensure that low-wage workers were not left behind,
strengthen the education system for all children and help seniors stay active
and healthy.
Lee acknowledged current issues such as cost of living and how the
Government was giving out utility rebates and the Growth Dividends from the
Budget, among other offset measures.
As for public housing, he said: "We're building many more new HDB flats. We
promise that young families will get their flats sooner, and at affordable
prices."
These issues were raised at the Opposition rallies on Thursday night, as
they have been in the run-up to the GE.
For the PAP, the next phase of the campaign has begun.
Asked if the PAP would keep up its message about the uncertainties of the
future, Teo said simply:
"If you look at the next 10 years, I honestly can't predict what might turn
up. This is one of the things we worry about. We spend a lot of time thinking
about it, and it's a reality we live with every day."
