SPEECH BY MRS YU-FOO YEE SHOON, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT MCD’S NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY ON SAT, 7 AUG 99 AT 9.15 AM AT THE MCD PLAZA

Good morning,

Mr Moses Lee, Permanent Secretary of Community Development,

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Boys and Girls

This is my first National Day Observance Ceremony at MCD. I am very pleased to be here with all of you on this important occasion. Minister Abdullah is unable to be here today as he is on overseas duties. However, I am sure his heart is with us as we celebrate Singapore’s 34^th National Day.

2 I would like to welcome representatives from MCD’s neighbours namely SAGE, Singapore National Cooperative Federation and other organisations in SLF Building. It is fitting that on this occasion Singaporeans from different organisations come together to re-dedicate themselves to Singapore, and to renew their bonds with fellow Singaporeans.

3 The theme of this year’s National Day Parade is "Our People". This is a very appropriate theme as it reminds us that it is people like yourselves who make Singapore what it is today, and who will move the nation forward in the future. This is acknowledged in the Singapore 21 Vision, namely, "Every Singaporean Matters", "Active Citizens: Making the Difference to Society" and "Opportunities for All".

4 Indeed, MCD’s own mission statement mentions the development of social responsible individuals. MCD’s programmes help individuals who are in our assistance and rehabilitative programmes not only cope with the challenges of life but also to be contributing members of their families and of the community.

5 We also want individual Singaporeans to grow up with a strong sense of national identity, and with a set of good social values including family values. We want our families to be strong. This is also one of the aspirations under the Singapore 21 Vision. It is only when families are strong that our community and society will be strong and resilient.

6 Singapore is coming out of the present economic downturn. Despite the pressures during this difficult period, Singapore families have, by and large, coped well. This was not the first economic downturn in Singapore; it may not be the last. Singapore as a small economy is subject to external economic situation. So, we in MCD must constantly ensure that our programmes are effective in strengthening the family and community. We cannot completely prevent stresses from coming into our lives. But certainly if we have strong social values and family values, and if the care and love among family members are enduring, our families will be able to cope with the up’s and down’s of life. This will also ensure that our next generation will grow up better than the present one.

7 As we celebrate our National Day, let us reflect not just on the achievements of Singapore but also what we Singaporeans can do to make Singapore an even better place to raise families, to build caring communities, and to pursue our aspirations. As we do so, we must also be mindful that there are Singaporeans who are less fortunate than others in terms of their ability to cope with life because of circumstances beyond their control. They need the help of other Singaporeans to assist them through the contribution of resources and time as donors and volunteers. It is only when Singaporeans are able to care for one another that Singapore can become an even better home.

8 On this note, on behalf of the Minister, I wish you and your families a very happy and meaningful National Day.