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1) At the official opening of the Sentosa 2 telecommunications antenna, Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Rajaratnam says that this antenna will connect Singapore to satellites in the Pacific Ocean just as the first antenna connected Singapore to the Indian Ocean satellite. The area of coverage by these two satellites is two thirds of the earth's surface. The second antenna is another step forward in linking Singapore with other global cities. He notes that the more Singapore gets into the network of global cities, the more viable it will be as an independent state. Advancements in satellite communications might result in teleconferencing. This will make routine travel unecessary. It will make the world a small place and give people instant access to knowledge anywhere. 2) At a Kampong Glam Constituency National Day Dinner, Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Rajaratnam says that the Peoples' Action Party (PAP) has changed over the years because the world has changed. The PAP was formed twenty years ago. It contested the elections and formed the government fifteen years ago. Since then, Singapore became part of Malaysia and came out of it. The PAP has changed to meet the new realities. But one thing has not changed. The PAP is pro-Singapore and wants policies that are good for Singapore. The country has to fend for itself as no one else will look after its people. The PAP wants a non communist, democratic and socialist Singapore. It defeated the communists in 1965. Mr Rajaratnam notes that Singapore has not collapsed following the British troop withdrawal or the energy crisis and that Singapore should not bow down to forces that threaten a free and independent Singapore.