SINGAPORE'S LONG-TERM PROSPECTS DEPEND ON RIGHT POLICIES, SAYS PM LEE

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, May 1 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said today how well Singapore does in the long term depends on its policies and politics.

"We have to implement the right policies - to transform the economy, raise productivity and upgrade our workers.

"We also need the right politics - to produce governments that pursue sound policies, a stable environment for growth and confidence in Singapore's long-term prospects," he said in his May Day message Sunday, as quoted by local television channel, Channel NewsAsia.

Lee said Singapore had succeeded for many years because good government and good policies had led to better jobs and better lives, which in turn consolidated support for good government and good policies.

"We have to keep this virtuous cycle going," he added.

Lee said politics had looked after the interests of workers, not just in the sense of parties and elections, but in the sense of Singaporeans understanding what their future depends on, and supporting leaders who will work with them to secure their future.

Saying that unions had made a major contribution, he called on Singaporeans to remember and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of unions and workers all these years.

"Let us continue working together to grow the economy, create more good jobs and secure a brighter future together for many years to come," he said.