“I’d rather have passionate Singaporeans than apathetic ones” Tan Chuan-Jin, in his maiden speech to parliament

Tan Chuan-Jin, the Mnister of State of the Ministry of National Development reflects on his experienced on the ground in his maiden parliament speech yesterday.

His speech includes:

Co-Creating Our Future

• “Can we have a better life for our children and ourselves? We can. I know we can. We’ve had a remarkable run. Not perfect, but in the cold light of day, quite a significant achievement to be where we are presently.
• This Government is not perfect and there are things that we can do better and to improve and we will do our utmost to do that. But we stand for a belief that we will serve our people and our nation faithfully. To serve without fear or favour, and to have courage to do what is right.
• The inclusive growth that our President shared is really about all of us being in this together. To play a part and to fight the good fight as one nation, as one people. It is a journey that we must walk all together.
• Will there be tensions? Yes, and that is to be expected. It is important that our MPs challenge us as it keeps us on our toes and help distil better policies. In fact as Dr Lim Wee Kiak shared, I am also hard-pressed at times when we’re not watching to distinguish friends from foe, but I think that’s a good thing.
• Is it uncomfortable? Yes. But it is for the good of our country that we see this development, the debate and the challenging of ideas.
• In a recent conference on biodiversity in NUS⁷, I was struck by the passion shown by our young Singaporeans. I encouraged them to pursue their passion to care for and fight for the environment because these are a part of our heritage and history as well. I know that it will create tensions for us in MND because we need to deal with the developmental needs for our people. But I’d rather have passionate Singaporeans than apathetic ones.
• We are engaging stakeholders on issues like the future of our Rail Corridor⁸, animal welfare matters⁹, FDW issues¹⁰ very early in the policy making process. The outcomes are still not fully determined. We have broad parameters, but we want our people to co-create these policies. I believe that this makes sense and we need to see how this evolves over time.
• We need to continue to tap on the views of stakeholders out there. Singaporeans. We need to co-create our own future in Singapore. Step forward, walk with us on this journey to build something special and meaningful for all Singaporeans.”

Read it in entirety to see the other issues he covers: Speech by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister of State for National Development and Manpower at the Parliamentary Debates on President’s Speech, 19 October 2011, 5:00 PM, Parliament – link.

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