Daily Lessons from Life 10 October 2011 - Our diversity must not divide us: President Tan

"Our diversity must not divide us: President Tan - CNA 10 October 2011

SINGAPORE: President Tony Tan Keng Yam has called on Singaporeans not to allow diversity to divide the country.

A key theme of his Opening Address to the 12th Parliament is how Singapore has to manage an increasingly diverse population, with different demands, expectations and needs, and still remain a cohesive society.

Dr Tan acknowledged that Singapore's politics is becoming more diverse and open, as more people are contending to represent different groups and interests.

"This is positive for Singapore. But in the heat of the political tussle, we must not forget that we all share the same goal, namely serving the people," he said.

"Hence all sides must take a long-term, national perspective, put society's interests above their own, and find the right way forward together despite different views and preferences. Only by getting our politics right and keeping it constructive and responsible will Singapore make progress."

"Our diversity must not divide us. Fault lines in our society have to be carefully managed. We have done well in strengthening racial and religious harmony. Now we must try hard to prevent a new fault line from forming between local-born Singaporeans and recent immigrants," he said.

"Singaporeans are active partners in our shared future, not passive bystanders as we progress. Citizens need to make the effort to think through the issues, weigh the options, and make the compromises and choices," he said.

President Tan also mentioned senior citizens and the younger generation. He said the underlying objective of the government's programmes for the people is to ensure that all citizens will always have a place in Singapore regardless of their background, religion or race.

He added: "Our success is defined not just by material progress but also by our values and ideals. We want a fair and just society that ensures the well-being of every citizen; a gracious and compassionate community whose members care for one another; and a truly special Singapore, where our children can grow to be the best that they can be."

Concluding his address to the Parliament, President Tan said that very few countries have been able to achieve what Singapore has done and he called on every Singaporean to build on the strong foundation together for a better life and a brighter tomorrow."

Finally the President has spoken and the parliament convened. What the President had said is great. If he sets the direction, then hopefully all the politicians in parliament can help to execute well and realize the vision articulated.

Lessons for me are:

1. diversity is good when the diverse participants know they own needs must be measured against the bigger good. It is not 'every Singaporean for himself or herself' but 'listening to all justification and accept the decision of authoriy if the majority gains!;

2. this will required citizens that are discerning, thinking and able to make well informed independent and intelligent decisions! Will our world class education produced such voters? I am not sure. Even the ruling government was not sure after the debacles of the last General Election! This is sure sign that our educational system is not well and truly need another re-look. One with long term objectives clearly set up, debate vigorously, and properly execute;

3. many diverse needs have to be fulfilled and satisfied. Do we have unlimited resources to do that? NO! Can we spare some to do that? YES as long as we know we are NOT depleting the national reservce without any means to replenish it. Some sacred cows may need to be re-looked at and even sacrificed! To have affordable public housing for 1st time owners, the public housing policy must be anchored on the premise that: "public housing is the basic option for owner-occupier ONLY and NOT a ticket to 'upgrade' to more expensive public or private property! Building more expensive building does not necessarily means better hospital/school/offices.

May the 1st World Nation with a 1st World Parliament supervised by a 1st World Citizenry begins the journey in earnest!!

Majulah Singapura!!