Singapore beyond 60: Lawrence Wong vows to keep country ‘exceptional’
Prime minister outlines policy plans for city state in coming decades, including fresh economic impetus and new infrastructure
Noting that the country was at a critical juncture after marking its 60th year of independence on August 9, Wong outlined long-term policy plans to “take charge of our own destiny” in an era of global uncertainty with international trust waning, nations prioritising self-interest and a United States in retreat.
“We are not going to sit back and resign ourselves to being mere bystanders in a world shaped by others,” Wong said, addressing his Cabinet colleagues and members of the establishment and grass roots in the Singapore equivalent of a state of the union address.
“We take pride in whatever we do, and strive to be the best possible versions of ourselves [ …] That’s how we’ve achieved exceptional performance. That’s how we will continue to stay exceptional – as a people and a country,” Wong added.
Independent political observer Felix Tan called Wong’s rally a “rousing” speech that sought to “make everybody feel that [ …] they all belong and they can contribute in some way or other”.