PM sends Chinese New Year message to Singaporeans
Xinhua, February 18, 2015 Adjust font size:
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged Singaporeans to connect and take care of one another to build a "harmonious and cohesive national family" in his Chinese New Year message.
Lee sent his Chinese New Year message on Tuesday as he recuperated in hospital from prostate cancer surgery that he underwent on Monday. He wished Singaporeans a happy Chinese New Year.
As families gathered for their reunion dinners, PM Lee urged Singaporeans not to overlook the importance of strong families and their role as the bedrock of Singapore society.
"Our family ties must not weaken, unlike what we have seen in other societies, where the state has taken on more responsibility, " he said.
He called on Singaporeans to pause and remind themselves of what truly matters in life, of what it means to belong to a family.
The government is doing all it can to strengthen bonds in the immediate family unit as well as among the larger "national family, " but the increasing social support from the state should not " supplant the role that families play," Lee said in the message.
He also noted that the Pioneer Generation Package for seniors, the upcoming Silver Support Scheme for low-income elderly folk and the MediShield Life medical insurance for all and for life will lighten the burden on families taking care of elderly parents. Endi