Government will be open to new ideas, but be prepared to make tough choices: President Halimah

SINGAPORE'S government will be open to constructive criticism and new ideas, but cannot shy away from taking tough decisions in the national interest, said President Halimah Yacob in her address at the opening of the first session of the 14th Parliament on Monday night.

In her speech, which traditionally sets out the plans for the new term of government, she spoke of the new term's focus on jobs, sharing the benefits of progress, strengthening the Singaporean identity, and the country's evolving politics.

The opening of Parliament follows the July 10 General Election, in which the ruling People's Action Party took 61.24 per cent of the valid vote, and the opposition Workers' Party won a historic 10 seats.

Noting a desire for more diverse voices, and stronger checks and balances, Madam Halimah said: "The government will continue to evolve our economic and social models, and our policies to suit the circumstances. We will encourage citizen initiatives and participation. We will listen to and examine novel ideas objectively, recognising that no solutions are right for all time."

"Sometimes, staying the course will remain the best way forward, and we must convince Singaporeans to persevere. Other problems will require fresh approaches and the courage to take a different direction."

The new term of government begins under the shadow of Covid-19, and in the face of Singapore's worst recession since independence, she said . Things have changed both abroad and at home, with Covid-19 revealing new threats and opportunities, while younger generations have new aspirations and expectations.

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Singapore must reach a broad consensus on the economic and social changes that are needed, the national identity to be forged, and the kind of politics desired, she said.

First, jobs "will remain our top priority for the next few years". This includes helping firms keep workers, and creating new opportunities for workers, with continued attention given to lower-wage and mature workers.

Job creation requires a strong and competitive economy, and Singapore must transform to remain a hub. This includes resuming air travel safely, strengthening digital connectivity and links to new markets, identifying new sources of growth such as food, healthcare, and supply chain management, and a focus on sustainability.

Second, the benefits of growth must be shared with all citizens. Temporary relief measures have been put in place during the Covid-19 crisis, but "we do expect a permanent shift to a new normal after the crisis", said Madam Halimah.

"We are entering an era of volatility, uncertainty and disruption in people's lives. Individuals will need greater social support than before." Safety nets must be strengthened, but in a way that is financially sustainable for future generations. Besides redistribution, social mobility must be strengthened, and meritocracy must be based on a broader concept of merit.

Third, more must be done to strengthen the sense of shared identity that enables Singapore to endure, while recognising that "larger forces are at play that test our solidarity", with social media amplifying disagreements.

Multiracialism is still "work in progress", and competition for jobs from foreigners is another sensitive issue. Even while keeping the interests of Singaporeans first, however, Singapore must stay open to the world.

"We should continue to welcome and integrate those who can contribute to Singapore, and improve our lives and our children's future. Our Singaporean identity has been formed and strengthened not by excluding those who arrive later, but by successive arrivals adding to the richness of our society," she said.

Finally, Singapore's politics must evolve, even as more differences in views are expected to surface.

"On some issues, we can agree to disagree. But on issues core to Singapore, and our survival and future, we must do our best to find common ground and build a broad consensus."

"The government will be open to constructive criticism and rational debate, and to new ways of doing things," she said.

"But the government, having been elected by the people, must also govern for all our people. It cannot shy away from taking difficult and tough decisions in the national interest, or shirk the duty of winning support for such decisions."

In this term of Parliament, an official Leader of the Opposition has been designated for the first time. Both the government and the opposition have roles to play in building trust in public institutions and achieving good outcomes, said Madam Halimah.

"In Parliament, besides raising questions and criticisms, the Opposition should also propose policy alternatives to be scrutinised and debated." And when required, both sides should set aside differences and work together for the national good.

She called on Singaporeans, too, to work together with their elected government for the future of the country.

For the first time, the opening of Parliament was held across two locations - Parliament House and The Arts House - in line with Covid-19 safe-distancing measures.

Monday's event began with the re-election of Tan Chuan-Jin as Speaker and the taking of oaths of allegiance by the 93 elected Members of Parliament. Parliament will sit again next week to debate the President's address.