S'pore shows it can bounce back from setbacks
AUG 23, 2004S'pore shows it can bounce back from setbacks
People here adaptable in crises, says DPM Tan
THE Asian financial crisis and Sars provided Singapore with true tests, and the country has proved it can pick itself up when the chips are down.
This shows that Singapore is an adaptable and determined society, said Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan yesterday, because the true test of a society is not just how well it does, but how it recovers from setbacks.
Dr Tan, who is also Co-ordinating Minister for Security and Defence, was speaking to reporters after talking part in a brisk walk organised by the North West Community Development Council.
Over 30,000 people, including 12 other ministers and Members of Parliament, took part in the North West Big Walk, which was staged in the Woodlands area.
After the event, Dr Tan warned Singaporeans not to be complacent.
'We are doing well at present. The economy is expanding, people are happier, we have recovered from Sars.' But, he added, 'we have to be prepared for setbacks from time to time'.
If these setbacks do happen, however, he was confident that Singapore would deal with future crises.
'We are adaptable and we are determined. Not only the young people but also the whole of society, including parents, older people, hawkers and taxi drivers.'
In closing, Dr Tan reminded those present that Singapore was unique, and that it had a bright future.
He said: 'We may not be a big country in terms of size or population, but we can be a great country through our values, our achievements, through the quality of life which we can give to all our citizens.
'Singaporeans have a great future. We should just have the determination and the dare to seize it in the coming years and we will continue to progress.'
Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.
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