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Singaporeans have to work together to deal with uncertainty, says SM Lee, citing new Trump tariffs
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Kebun Baru MP Henry Kwek (second from right) with grassroot leaders, volunteers and residents at the Kebun Baru Sunday carnival on April 6.ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
SINGAPORE – The world has changed completely, and Singaporeans have to work together to deal with uncertainty, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on April 6.
“In Singapore, we have to work together as one people, closely with the Government,” said SM Lee, who was speaking at the Kebun Baru Sunday Carnival.
“United, resolute, fighting on, and not confused by strange ideas or soft solutions – ‘don’t need to do this, we can postpone the problem, we leave it to later on; somebody else can worry about it, our future, our problems’.”
In his speech, SM Lee cited the sweeping global tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on many countries, including Singapore.
He said: “This is going to affect our trade, it’s going to affect our economy, it’s going to affect our region, and it’s going to affect our future. And it’s not good news.”
SM Lee’s remarks come after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 4 said in a five-minute video uploaded to his social media accounts that the Republic must brace itself for more shocks to come.
“That’s why PM Wong made a video on Facebook to explain what this means for Singapore, how serious it is, how the world has completely changed, and what it means for us, for our security, for our safety, for our children, for our future,” SM Lee added.
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During his walkabout at the carnival, residents welcomed him with applause as he took to the stage to speak about the importance of working together to maintain Singapore’s safety and prosperity in a challenging world.
He was joined by Kebun Baru MP Henry Kwek, and also spoke about SG60 – Singapore’s diamond jubilee this year – as a time for Singaporeans to keep preparing themselves to make the country better.
This will ensure that Singapore continues to be safe and successful, and a place where Singaporeans can take pride in, SM Lee added.
“There is respect, there is pride, and there is a future for us, because people know that you come from Singapore,” he said.
“You are not just one person, it is a Singapore team,” SM Lee said. “You can trust them, you can rely on them.”
Earlier in the day, SM Lee walked around Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre and was greeted by many residents queueing up to take a photo with him.
He also greeted stall owners at the market, provision shops and hawker centre, before making his way to the carnival.
About 4,000 people had signed up for the carnival, said Mr Kwek.
Said SM Lee said: “As we enjoy ourselves this morning, just remember, this is the way the world is. We are happy, we are safe, and it is because we have worked very hard.”
He urged residents to keep working together and with the Government.
“Vote for people you can trust, who will look after you and take Singapore forward.”
Speaking to the media on April 6, Mr Kwek said that the demographic of Kebun Baru is “transforming rapidly”, with more young families in the area.
He said he will continue to have activities for families, like the carnival, artificial intelligence courses to support residents, and more help for seniors in the area to “age with dignity, grace, and health”.
“We are not done building Kebun Baru,” said Mr Kwek, adding that more will be done for the constituency in the next few years.
On opposition in the area, Mr Kwek said: “Elections are about competition, and I think what matters is not just the nine days of campaigning, but also the five years of consistent work and dedication.”
