SOCIAL cohesion, long-term planning, as well as political stability and trust are three imperatives for Singapore in the next chapter of its story, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (May 1) in his last major speech as the country’s prime minister.

While the world has changed, some “hard truths” have not, he said. “These imperatives will stay relevant in the years ahead.”

He was delivering the keynote address at the annual May Day Rally by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), a fortnight before he hands over the top role to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Wong will be sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15. He delivered his first May Day keynote address in 2023, after making his debut speech at the event in 2022.

On Wednesday, NTUC honoured PM Lee’s career with a video montage of his key moments in the labour movement, and presented him with a commemorative book authored by the union.

Addressing some 1,700 union leaders at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the prime minister attributed much of Singapore’s success to unions and workers.

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“The tripartite partnership between the labour movement, employers and the government, underpinned by the symbiotic partnership between the NTUC and the PAP (People’s Action Party), has been absolutely crucial to Singapore’s success,” he said.

Looking back at his predecessors, PM Lee noted how founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his team overcame tremendous odds to develop the country, create a government with a strong reputation and secure Singapore’s place in the world.

The next prime minister, Goh Chok Tong, brought a “different style for a different era”, he said. Singapore became more vibrant and open, and also more resilient and cohesive.

“As PM, I have sought to build on these strengths,” said PM Lee, giving an overview of his own leadership.

His team grew the economy, transforming and diversifying it through investments in promising sectors, deeper trade partnerships and attracting multinational corporations. Public housing, public transport and the healthcare system were improved.

“Besides improving everyone’s lives, we are creating brighter prospects and wider opportunities for the next generation,” he added. This is through transforming the education systems and creating more pathways.

“When I was sworn in as PM, I promised to build a more inclusive Singapore,” he said, highlighting innovations in social policies and improvements to social safety nets.

Singapore is “a society that is egalitarian and meritocratic in its ethos, where those who have done well feel a sense of duty to give back to the society that nurtured them”, he said. “This fundamental mindset permeates our whole society.”

This is what allowed Singapore to weather crises such as the 2008 global financial crisis – where unions worked with employers to cut costs and save jobs – and the recent Covid-19 pandemic, where unions also did their part.

“Our track record of keeping our own house in order has been key to building up our standing in the world,” said PM Lee.

Singapore must “zealously uphold” this reputation and build it up through “active, creative and principled diplomacy”, he added, noting recent moves such as speaking up on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas War.

Three imperatives

Singapore faces a challenging period ahead, said PM Lee. “As a small and open country, we will inevitably be caught up by powerful external forces and geopolitical currents.”

He set out three imperatives in this changing world.

The first is social cohesion, with the country’s racial and religious harmony being “a continuing work in progress”.

There are also other potential divisions that could be exploited politically, he warned: between the “haves” and “have-nots”; Singaporean-born and naturalised citizens; conservatives and liberals; and current and future generations.

The shared Singaporean identity “grows and evolves over time”, and the country’s leadership must guide this evolution as best as it can, said PM Lee.

Highlighting the “controversial and difficult issues” of allowing nurses to wear the tudung and repealing Section 377A of the penal code, he added: “I decided to tackle them, and not to let them fester, or to pass them along to my successors.”

The second imperative that he raised was long-term planning. Giving the example of Wednesday’s venue at Marina Bay, PM Lee noted that the government began thinking of land reclamation there in the 1960s, followed by considering integrated resorts in the early 2000s.

“After half a century, today we have built a Marina Bay that we can all be proud of.” But he added that the work – for both Marina Bay and Singapore – is not done.

He gave an overview of plans for the next few decades, from the new megaport at Tuas and Changi Airport Terminal 5, to reclaiming land along the east coast, to redeveloping Paya Lebar.

The third imperative, said PM Lee, is political stability and trust. “We cannot sustain long-term planning and effort if our politics is fractured.”

“Getting our politics right is absolutely crucial,” he said. “We have succeeded, and Singapore has made exceptional economic and social gains, because our system is exceptional.”

The labour movement has been part of this success, with its “symbiotic partnership” with the government, stressed PM Lee.

He noted that Lee Kuan Yew’s political journey began when he represented the postal workers’ union in a 1952 strike, winning them fair terms from the colonial government. Two years later, the postmen helped him win his first election.

Tripartism also played a vital role in Singapore’s development, with NTUC’s Modernisation Seminar in 1969 being the crucial turning point. This was when a cooperative, tripartite approach replaced an adversarial one.

Tripartite cooperation also helped Singapore through crises such as the 1985 recession, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis and Covid-19, said PM Lee.

“Through the symbiotic relationship with the PAP, the NTUC has done right by workers, and helped them and their families to enjoy a better life.”

A crucial role for unions

Unions will play an even more crucial role in the future, amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty, said PM Lee.

He praised the labour movement’s transformation to stay relevant, reaching out to wider groups of workers and advocating for issues such as gender equality.

Singapore faces challenges ahead, but also many opportunities, concluded PM Lee.

Despite deglobalisation and distrust, countries must still work together – and Singapore can be a trusted partner amid rivalries.

“When countries find it hard to maintain a steady path, and decide every few months to change directions and switch leaders, Singapore’s stability and predictability is a tremendous advantage.”

Singapore has built a strong foundation for the future, with adequate reserves, international respect, a cohesive society and a vibrant and inclusive economy, he said. The country must make the most of these advantages: “Stay united, think long term, and maintain our political stability.”

The prime minister said he has strived to govern Singapore in the way its people deserve, and to mobilise Singaporeans “to show what we can do together”.

“I have also prepared a leadership team to succeed me that deserves your confidence and support.”

Receiving a standing ovation from the audience, PM Lee added that “leading a country is never a one-man job”.

He thanked ministers and Members of Parliament, grassroots and union leaders, the public service, labour movement, and Singaporeans for their support.

“I will continue to support the new prime minister and his team, and to help Singapore succeed in every way I can,” he said.

After Wong succeeds him on May 15, the fourth-generation leadership will have their hands full dealing with issues and realising their Forward SG agenda, he added.

“I ask all Singaporeans to rally behind them, and work together to make Singapore succeed, for your sake.”