Budget soundbite: S’pore must always remain an egalitarian society

Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said in his Budget roundup speech on Mar 2 that Singapore must remain an egalitarian society with a big heart. Here’s the excerpt.

“A lot has been said about the redistributive aspects of the Budget. But in fact, to deepen the trust we have in one another, we must also engage the human spirit and involve every Singaporean. We must strengthen the culture of responsibility for one another, so we all feel a renewed sense of duty towards each other, and not just a right to the benefits of citizenship.

Singapore must always remain an open and egalitarian society – one without rigid hierarchies and class distinctions, but with a big heart and a generosity of spirit. We do not begrudge those who do well. Instead, we celebrate them and we take pride in their achievements. At the same time, for those who have succeeded, there is no need to flaunt one’s wealth or be ostentatious about it. Instead, keep a modest and unassuming approach, and do your part to give back to society, so that wealth can be recycled and invested back into society to expand opportunity for others.”