国庆群众大会 2006
各位同胞，大家晚上好。
引言
今年五月举行的大选决定了我国未来五年的发展方向。我的领导班子获得人民的委托，将尽我们的能力，为国家开拓新的发展的空间。目前的国际局势对我们有利，亚洲的大国 -- 中国和印度，经济正在腾飞，潜能不可限量。它们带动了整个亚洲的发展，使区域的其他经济体也突飞猛进。当然，有些东南亚国家面对着一些政治问题，但是区域的整体形势良好。我们应该把握机会，加强我们的竞争优势，为人民带来更好的生活。
虽然前景是光明的，但是我们也面对很大的竞争压力。要提升经济、重组工业、提高生产力，以适应新的竞争环境，对国家和国民来说，都不容易。新加坡人面对这个压力，也许会问：新加坡还可以在国际上占一席之地吗？我和我的孩子，在新加坡还有光明的前途吗？我的答案是肯定的：我们的前途是光明的！这不是一个预测，这是一个目标、一个承诺，一个我们将竭尽所能去达到的愿景。
我们是一个国家，是一个大家庭，所以政府要照顾全体人民，让人人都能分享成功的果实。然而，我们要达到全民齐步向前，并不容易。全球化造成收入差距的扩大。低收入的人，面对全世界工人的竞争；而教育和技术水平高的人，在世界每个国家都很受欢迎，企业公司都争相聘用他们，所以收入差距扩大了。这是许多国家都面对的问题，无论是发达国家如美国，或是正在崛起的国家如中国，都面对这个困难。
政府将尽我们的能力，去克服国人贫富差距扩大的问题。短期来说，每年的财政预算案都采取了不少措施，去帮助低收入的国人，这包括水电费、租金和组屋杂费回扣。今年的增长配套虽然是人人得益，但我们的用意是要帮助低收入的公民，以及年纪大、技能水平比较低的工人。这些政策已经取得了效应，但这只是治标的办法，因为我们不可能每年都有增长配套。增长配套只是在经济表现好，国家有盈余时，才有可能分发。
治本的方法是提升国人的技能水平、提升孩子的教育水平，提高我们的生产力，为国人争取更好的工作，使他们能赚取更高的收入。与此同时，我们也必须提升我国的竞争力，吸引投资，制造更多的就业机会。 这是政府正在做的事。
但是，政府在面对民生课题时，也不可以忽视更长远的问题。 今晚，我将跟大家谈谈几个重要的长远问题。我的华语演讲要谈三个课题：第一是就业机会，这是大家都很担心的；第二是医药保健；第三是人口的问题。
经济前景和就业展望
先谈谈就业机会。我对新加坡的经济前景是很乐观的。我有信心我们能制造足够的就业机会，不只足够给新加坡人，甚至会超过新加坡工人的人数。 今年，自年初以来，我们已经制造了8万1000份工作。过去两年，我们更是制造了超过20万份工作，比出生的婴孩数目还要多几倍。这个数目不只证明我们的增长率高，更证明了我们的经济政策、方针和策略已经奏效。
为什么这么说呢？因为这些工作都是高素质的投资所带来的。投资者、企业家、分析员观察我国和区域的情况，对新加坡有信心。他们信任人民、信任政府，因为他们看得出人民能够适应新环境，政府能够制定新的策略，我们能够齐心合作，使整个国家向前迈进，所以投资者在新加坡投入了大量的资金，这不是做慈善，是投资，是要赚钱的，所以除非他们相信有钱赚，否则他们不会来。
我举一个大家都熟悉的例子，那就是滨海湾的综合度假胜地。最近的招标活动非常成功，拉斯维加斯金沙集团将在新加坡投资50亿元，估计将制造3万份工作 -- 综合度假胜地制造一万多份工作，并带动我国的旅游业和零售业，在其他酒店、餐馆和商场制造另外两万份工作。当中有高技术和低技能的工作，有适合年轻人的，也有适合年长工人的。这是个相当庞大的计划，而它只是其中一个计划而已。不过，要使计划成功，关键不只是50亿元，而是我们的服务态度和水平。我们必须让到新加坡的旅客有宾至如归、百游不倦的感觉。让他们想要再来。这方面我们还需要努力。
目前，我们在举行一个收集400万张笑容的运动。有些人说，应该是430万张笑容，因为400万张可能会漏了几张愁眉苦脸的。但是，我们的出发点是非常认真和严肃的。 如果部长或官员接见客人时笑容满面、彬彬有礼，他们不会感到奇怪，但是如果德士师傅、在机场的移民官员或旅店的招待员也彬彬有礼，并且办事有效率，那客人就知道这是个“非常”的国家，每个国民都懂得如何欢迎客人，这样才能得到他们的尊敬，使更多客人到新加坡来。
除了服务业，制造业也有许多空缺等待填补。制造业是新加坡人不喜欢做的工作，工作很多但愿意做的人却很少。这可能是因为制造业的工作要轮班，还得在生产线上工作，纪律比较严，不可以聊天，所以新加坡人总是做得不久。但是，这些其实都是不错的工作，应该尝试去做。
我以晶圆（Wafer Fabs）厂为例。经济发展局花了莫大的功夫，吸引了不少晶圆厂到新加坡设厂，它们却总是找不到新加坡工人，不得不请很多的外地工人。新加坡人不做这些工作，可能是因为这些理由：第一，时间长，需要12个小时轮班；第二，要在无尘埃的工作室里工作；第三，工人必须穿上无尘埃的服装，象太空人，觉得不自在，又不能和同事交谈，更不能抽烟。但是，这些工作薪水不错，而且还是冷气的工作环境，不必在户外忍受风吹雨打、日晒雨淋。所以，新加坡人应该去尝试这些工作。
我们的电子业正在重组，低科技的电子业会慢慢被淘汰，高科技的前景却很光明。所以，如果要照顾低科技电子业工人的饭碗，最好的办法就是让他们从低科技转到高科技电子业，包括晶圆厂。
我知道这很不容易，但是我们应该尝试，而职总也应该协助工人去适应这个新的环境。其实职总正在这样做，例如意法半导体公司（ST Micro）在本地设有低科技的生产线，也有高科技的晶圆厂。我们知道长远来说，低科技厂必定被淘汰或受重组，可能迁移到越南、中国或者其他国家，所以我们不要等到最后一刻，现在就要开始鼓励工人去适应晶圆厂的环境，以便他们在真正需要的时候，能够有更高的机会顺利转移到高科技工厂工作。
职总正在同意法半导体公司合作，鼓励300名生产线工人重新接受培训，让他们转到晶圆厂工作。我问职总的一名工会领袖培训进展如何，他说刚刚开始，但只许成功，不许失败，因为如果不能这样做，以后会有很大的问题。
提供良好又负担得起的医疗服务
我也知道所有的国人都很担心医药费的问题。我们的人口一年一年地老化，大家看到家长及朋友的身体状况一年不如一年，当然会为自己的医药费问题而担心。
上个星期的《早报星期天》发表的一项调查结果，显示新加坡人都担心医药费。我看了报道之后，与卫生部长许文远的反应都是一样的，因为不需要看调查结果，我们也知道新加坡人有这方面的忧虑。我们的基层都知道这是大家在担心的问题。
实际上，不只是新加坡，全世界的国家都担心这个问题。我们有自己的一套医疗保健机制，其他国家也有。我们对本身的机制不完全满意，其他国家也是如此。不论你采取的是什么制度，都总会有人认为别人的制度看起来比较好，因为你看到了本身制度的缺点，却看不到别人的缺点。
美国人的医疗保健靠的是保险，但是保险费昂贵，很多人因为负担不起而不买；在英国，政府提供免费的医疗服务，但是医院总是排队排得很长，当地人也不满意，因为还是得不到良好的服务；中国的医疗服务以前是免费的，但是很多人却得不到照顾，现在样样收费，很多人都负担不起。因此，新加坡的制度虽然不能说是完善的，但是跟其他国家相比，应该也有自己的优点。
我们的基本政策是确保人人都负担得起医药费，而我们采取的是双管齐下的制度，一方面靠政府的津贴，另一方面靠“三M制度”，即保健储蓄、健保双全计划和保健基金。“三M制度”是个非常有效的安全网。当然，有很多人，包括一些官员，不了解“三M制度”的细节。
我跟卫生部的一位医生讨论这个问题。他告诉我：“你应该清楚向新加坡人解释这件事情。” 我说：“谈何容易，30分钟怎么说清楚，你了解（3M）吗？” 他回答说：“我了解，但我也是花了一年半才了解。” 我只有20分钟，就让我简单说一说。
这是个帮助所有国人的良好制度。我怎么知道？因为我们的议员每个星期都接见民众。如果选民在医药费上面对问题，肯定会向议员求助，但是议员碰到的因付不起医药费而前去求助的选民，其实并不多。至少这是人民行动党议员的经验。
我也向卫生部查询反对党的两个议员碰到的情况又如何。他们告诉我，反对党的情况也是如此。他们因为医疗保健的事情向卫生部写信求助的情况不是没有，但是少之又少。 由此可见，医药费对多数新加坡人来说，是不需要过于担忧的问题。
“三M”如何发挥作用呢？让我举三个例子。
一、“三M”照顾低收入家庭。因为低收入者生病入院很可能会入住B2级或C级病房。这些病房得到的政府津贴较高，因此收费比较低，一般上保健储蓄足以支付住院费。如果保健储蓄不够用，他们可以依靠保健基金的帮忙，所以低收入者在这方面，原则上应该不会有什么问题。
二、中等收入家庭可能会入住B1级或A级病房，收费会比较高。但是，我们今年已经调整了保健储蓄制度，提高了每日保健储蓄提款的顶限，协助这群人减轻他们的医药费负担。 基本上，中等收入者的保健储蓄是足够的，他们原则上是有足够的资源去应付自己的医药费。问题是，有些细节的制定还不够灵活，仍有待改善。卫生部正在研究这个的问题。
三、“三M制度”帮助的第三组人是患上糖尿病、高血压、胆固醇过高等慢性疾病的病人。我们今年改变了制度，让这些病人利用保健储蓄支付门诊费。这是一举两得的做法，不但能帮助病人支付医药费，还会鼓励病人及早求医，避免一拖再拖，导致并发症。
我们要帮助病人，但也希望病人和他们的家人可以帮助我们，让我们能把医药费减到最低点。 如果医生给你劝告，最好照做。如果你胆固醇过高，医生要你少吃油腻的食物，那你最好是少吃。不要吃那么多肥猪肉，吃清蒸鱼就好了；就算鸡饭很香，也要尽量少吃，吃鸡粥比较健康，而且比较省钱。如果你不听医生劝告，硬是要吃，病从口入，以后可能有并发症，医药费就会高涨，甚至会有生命危险。
所以，无论你已经生病还是身体健康，我们都希望你能照顾健康，小心饮食，多做运动。 基层组织最活跃的是乐龄组，它们的不少活动都是很健康的，例如太极拳、气功、排舞和快步走等等，有益身心，又能使生活更充实。政府非常鼓励这样的活动，但是人们不应该等到老年，趁年轻就该开始做。 中国前副总理李岚清编了一句顺口溜，很有意思，是这样说的：照顾好自己的健康，“自己不受罪，家庭不受累，减少医药费，有利全社会”。让我们互相勉励。
增加我国人口
我要谈的第三个重要课题，是人口不足的问题。社会要保持活力，不但要有健康的人民，也要有足够的人口，因为人口不够，国家就不可能富强。
我们现在处于一个环球化的社会，有越来越多新加坡人离乡背井，出国留学、工作和居住。我们必须接受这个全球化带来得结果，它是每个国家都面对的现象。我们应该同在海外的同胞保持联系，把他们当作我们大家庭的成员。他们可帮忙提供资讯、寻找商机、促进文化交流。当然，我希望他们最终会回到新加坡来发展，成为我们本土社会的一份子。
新加坡要繁荣昌盛，国内要有足够的人口，不然，外强中干，会发生问题。要确保国内有足够人口，必须从两方面着手：一是鼓励生育；第二是吸引新移民。
鼓励生育，我只要简单地谈一谈，昨天吴资政已经讲了一些。这不是一个新问题，但是还没解决。两年前我们提出鼓励生育的政策，至今还看不出有什么显著的成绩。我了解国人为什么不愿意多生养孩子，但是，我希望我们能够逐渐改变人民的观念。
今天，我主要是想谈谈新移民的问题。我们为什么需要新移民？让我给你一个简单的数据解释。假设国人的平均寿命是八十岁，我们要保持四百万人口，平均每年就要有五万个婴儿 -- 四百万除以八十是五万。去年，我国只有三万六千个婴儿诞生，还差一万四千个。我即使出尽法宝，都没有办法再添一万四千个婴儿，绝对不可能，所以我们必须引进新移民。
我知道有一些新加坡人不完全同意这个看法。他们担心新移民会抢走他们的工作，或者在学校里给他们的孩子带来更激烈的竞争。这不是正确的看法。我们不应该把新移民当成威胁，而必须以宏观的角度来看待这个问题。如果我国的人口萎缩，我们将面对很严重的问题。例如日本，它因为人口一年一年减少、老化，而面对严重的问题，不知道如何解决，因为日本的社会的制度和风气，使他们很难去接受新移民。我们就不同。
我们必须人口多，人才济济，我国的经济才会更加兴旺。我以香港为例子。香港人口七百万，几乎是新加坡的一倍。他们的经济比我们蓬勃，服务业、零售业、旅游业都比我们蓬勃，因为人口多，购买力强，能产生互动效用。因此，我们必须维持，甚至增加我国的人口。
即使我们把新移民拒之門外，工作也未必保得住。我最近出访纽西兰，遇到一位纽西兰企业家，他原本在新加坡经营高科技电子工厂，后来他把工厂搬回纽西兰的奥克兰。我很惊讶，问他为什么这么做。他说，他在纽西兰可以聘请到高素质的中国籍工人。因为纽西兰打开门户，引进中国移民，他们找不到高层次的工作，所以愿意在工厂内工作，而且不介意轮班。
所以，如果我们希望我国经济取得增长，就不能把移民拒在门外。吸引新移民最重要的不是政策，而是我们的态度。我们必须以宽广的胸怀来看待新移民，鼓励他们在此安家立业，帮助他们融入社会。移民在生活习惯、语言、穿着等方面跟我们有所差别，因此新加坡人觉得他们是外人，有时对他们会有抗拒的心理。我觉得我们应该接受和欢迎新移民，帮助他们融入我们的社会，使他们成为新加坡的一份子。如果你的邻居是新移民，你应该欢迎他，请他到你家里做客，跟他交往，帮助他认识邻里的情况，不要把他当成外人，希望他搬走。
当然，新移民也应该入乡随俗，在新加坡扎根。这需要时间，第一代可能比较难，但第二代肯定会变成土生土长的新加坡人。
结语
我将在英语的演讲中，进一步解释新加坡所面对的一些其他长远的问题。政府将跟人民磋商，寻找解决各种问题的对策，确保新加坡可以继续平稳地发展。我们的目标是当国家一年比一年进步，全体新加坡人可以不断向前迈进，并且分享国家成功的果实。
谢谢大家。
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ENGLISH TEXT OF NATIONAL DAY RALLY 2006 MANDARIN SPEECH
INTRODUCTION
The General Elections in May have settled the direction for Singapore. Our new team has received a strong mandate from the people. We will do our best to bring Singapore forward. We enjoy a stable and favourable international environment. Asia is the fastest growing region in the world. There is tremendous potential in China and India. Several Southeast Asian countries face difficulties but the overall outlook in Asia is good. Let us seize the opportunities, sharpen Singapore's competitiveness, and improve the lives of all Singaporeans.
While the outlook is positive, we face strong competitive pressures. You may ask: Will there be a place for Singapore in the world? Will I have a place in Singapore? The answer is yes - we have a bright future ahead. This is not a prediction, but a common goal for us all to work together to achieve.
We are part of the Singapore family, and must support one another to achieve our goals. For its part, the Government will do its best to look after every Singaporean, and ensure that everyone can share in the nation's prosperity.
As we strive to move forward together, some Singaporeans may find it hard to keep up. Because of globalisation, our income distribution is stretching out. This is a problem faced by all countries.
The Government will do its best to tackle this problem. In every Budget, we have measures to help low-income families and the elderly. This year, we gave out the Progress Package for all Singaporeans. These measures provide some relief for the poor. But to solve the problem at its root, we need to educate and train all Singaporeans, so that they can earn a better living for themselves, and take care of their families. At the same time, we must raise Singapore's competitiveness and create good jobs that pay better.
While the Government has to tackle the bread-and-butter issues, we cannot focus narrowly on them, and ignore the longer-term issues. Tonight, I would like to discuss three major issues that concern our livelihood and Singapore's long-term development. First, creating jobs; second, providing good and affordable medical care, and third, growing our population.
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS & EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
First, let me talk about creating jobs. I am confident that the economy will continue to grow and create jobs. In the last two years, we created a record high of more than 200,000 jobs. This shows that our policies are working. The business community has confidence in Singapore. Hence, they are putting major investments here and creating many high-quality jobs.
One example is the Marina Bay IR project. The IR will create over 30,000 jobs, with 10,000 in the resort, and another 20,000 in other hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. There will be a wide range of jobs available, including jobs at the top-end and jobs for ordinary workers. These jobs are suitable for both young and old Singaporeans. However, for the project to be successful, we need to raise our service standards, and nurture a service culture, so that visitors feel at home in Singapore and will visit our city over and over again.
Besides the service industry, the manufacturing sector also has many vacancies waiting to be filled. These jobs require shift work and the hours are long, hence they are unattractive to Singaporeworkers. However, the working environment is not bad and the pay is good. I hope that people will give it a try.
For example, we have major investments in semi-conductors, but cannot find enough Singaporeans to work in wafer-fabs. This is because the plants operate on 12-hour shifts and workers must put on clean room suits (making them look like astronauts), and work in clean rooms. Some people do not like it because they cannot talk to one another and find it taxing. But workers are in an air-conditioned environment and enjoy good pay. It should not be difficult to get used to these conditions.
We are restructuring our electronics industry. Low-tech activities are phasing out while high-tech industries are thriving. At the same time, we are equipping workers for high-tech areas like wafer-fabs. In this way, they can keep their jobs and earn a better pay.
NTUC is working closely with employers and employees to re-train workers and help them meet the new job requirements. For example, it is helping some 300 factory workers in ST Microelectronics to learn new skills and work in a wafer plant. We must do more of such re-training and upgrading to help workers stay employed in a changing environment.
PROVIDING GOOD AND AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
Next, I would like to touch on medical costs. Our population is ageing. We all see friends and relatives getting ill, and start worrying about ourselves.
In fact, people all over the world share these concerns. Our healthcare system is not perfect. But compared to other countries, it is quite good.
The Government is doing its best to keep healthcare affordable for every Singaporean. Our approach is to combine government subsidies with the 3Ms (Medisave, MediShield and Medifund).
Overall, this 3M framework is sound. I know it may not be so easy to understand. In fact, one senior MOH doctor told me that he took a year and a half to figure it out. But the system is working. Nowadays, PAP MPs see fewer MPS cases needing help with medical bills. This is true also of opposition MPs.
We are paying special attention to the lower income groups. Hence in the public hospitals, the Class C and B2 wards are heavily subsidised. With Medisave, you should not have problems with these hospital bills. For those who still find it difficult to cope, Medifund provides a safety net.
We will also take care of the needs of the middle- and upper-income. They prefer to stay in higher-class wards, where the hospital bills will naturally cost more. The increase in Medisave limits this year has helped them. This group generally has healthy balances in their Medisave accounts to cover their bills, but find the current rules on Medisave and MediShield too restrictive. So we should be able to improve our Medisave and MediShield schemes to meet the needs of these patients. Khaw Boon Wan is studying this.
We are also helping patients with chronic illnesses to pay their medical bills. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension will be able to use Medisave for their outpatient treatment. This is not just to help lighten your financial burden. It is also to encourage patients to get early treatment for their illnesses and avoid complications later. In seeking treatment, patients and their families should cooperate with the doctors. If the doctor says your cholesterol count is too high, please listen to him and eat less fatty food. Eat less fatty pork and have plain fish, or eat less chicken rice and have chicken porridge instead. It is not only healthier but will also help to save money. Better to do this now, than to end up with a heart bypass and pay a higher price later.
The Government hopes that everyone will take care of his own health. Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat wisely, and exercise regularly. The Government cannot do this for you. The senior citizens' groups are often the most active among the grassroots organisations.Taiji quan, brisk walking and line dance are very popular activities. Stay healthy, and you will not only save on medical costs, but also lead a happier life. As the former Vice-Premier of China, Mr Li Lanqing said, "自己不受罪，家庭不受累，减少医药费，有利全社会。" (Spare yourself the suffering and avoid becoming a burden to your family. Reduce your medical bills and the whole society will benefit).
GROWING OUR POPULATION
Finally, let me talk about a major problem we face — population shortage. To keep our society lively and vibrant, we not only need our people to be healthy, but must also maintain our population.
More and more Singaporeans are going abroad to study, work or live. This is one aspect of globalisation. We must accept this reality. We should keep in close contact with our overseas Singaporeans, and embrace them as part of our Singapore family. They can provide us with information and help us explore business opportunities and engage in cultural exchanges. At the same time, we hope that the Singaporeans who have been abroad for many years will return to Singapore eventually.
To sustain our growth and prosperity, we need to have enough people living and working in Singapore. This means that we must encourage families to have more children, and also attract more new immigrants here.
Two years ago, we introduced major policy changes to encourage couples to have more babies. So far the results have been very modest. I understand why some Singaporeans do not want to have more children. But I have not given up hope and will continue to think of ways to encourage couples to have more babies.
Let me explain why we need new immigrants. To maintain a population of 4 million, Singapore needs at least 50,000 babies a year. Last year, we had 36,000 babies. This means that we are short by 14,000 babies. No matter how hard we try, it would be hard to produce another 14,000 babies. Hence we need to attract more immigrants.
I know some Singaporeans worry that the new immigrants will compete with them for jobs. However, we should not see the new immigrants as a threat. If Singapore's population were to shrink like that of Japan's, then we would face a major crisis. On the other hand, if we have a growing population with talents in every field, the economy will become more vibrant and will create more jobs for all.
Look at Hong Kong. It has a population of 7 million, almost twice as many as Singapore. This makes Hong Kong a more vibrant city. Its retail and service sectors are thriving and creating many jobs for its people.
Even if we keep out immigrants, it does not mean that our jobs are safe. In my recent trip to New Zealand, I met a businessman who used to run a high-tech factory in Singapore, but subsequently moved it back to New Zealand. He did this because New Zealand had attracted several high-quality immigrants from China, who were willing to work hard in his plant, and even do shifts.
The most important factor in attracting immigrants is not the Government's policies but the attitude of Singaporeans. We must welcome immigrants warmly with a big heart, encourage them to set up families and establish careers here, and help them to integrate into our society. The new immigrants on their part must also make an effort to fit in and sink their roots in Singapore.
CONCLUSION
In my English speech, I will elaborate on some of the longer term challenges we face. The Government will consult widely to work out solutions for these problems, and secure Singapore's continued growth and development. As Singapore progresses year after year, we want all Singaporeans to move forward together and enjoy the fruits of our shared success.