Singaporeans, regardless of background, have common responsibility to one another: Pritam

Singapore's character is revealed not just through policies, but by the everyday acts of its people — regardless of background — recognising their common responsibility to one another, said Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh in his National Day message. 

"All of us, including our fellow Singaporeans — regardless of race or religion — who have recently taken up citizenship, but enjoined as fellow Singaporeans with the red passport, are empowered to play a part in strengthening our nation. 

"Collectively, we are RSS Singapore," he said in the message put up on the Workers' Party's (WP) Facebook page on Saturday (Aug 8) evening.

Such acts include neighbours caring for one another, essential workers persevering through heat and rain, and volunteers strengthening their communities, Singh added.

He also called on Singaporeans to build a stronger country. 

"Singapore is strongest when all who call it home, whatever their background, recognise our common responsibility to one another."

Referring to geopolitical pressures and economic uncertainties faced by Singaporeans, Singh reiterated WP's calls for stronger safety nets, raised during a motion on Singapore's economic future debated in Parliament on Aug 5.

This, he said, should not be "temporary lifebuoys in a moment of crisis", but structural supports that give every family the confidence to weather difficult times with dignity.

He added that Singapore must be judged not by how well it rewards those already secure, but by how steadfastly it ensures that no one is left behind when the situation becomes difficult.

"Singaporeans who are retrenched should receive meaningful support both before and after retrenchment," said Singh, adding that all workers deserve wages that reflect the value of their work, and workplaces that offer fairness and dignity.

Turning to Singapore's pioneers, whom he said had laboured with little certainty but immense resolve, the WP chief said that their achievements should be honoured by caring for those who now need help.

This means supporting caregivers, ensuring low-income Singaporeans can enjoy dignity in their later years, and by enabling Singaporeans with disabilities to flourish as integral members of the community.

"Every Singaporean should know that they are valued and that no one must navigate life’s journey alone," he said.

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editor@asiaone.com