The Pope has kind words for Singapore’s system
Not since Taylor Swift’s concert back in March has the country buzzed with such excitement. Pope Francis’s historical trip marks the second time we have welcomed a Papal visit to Singapore.
Pope Francis had kind words to say about our system, at an address at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
“It is important that Singapore has not only prospered economically, but has also striven to build a society in which social justice and the common good are held in high regard,” said the Pontiff.
“I think in particular of your commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens through public housing policies, high quality education and an efficient healthcare system. I hope that these efforts will continue until all Singaporeans are able to benefit from them fully.”
For some of our MPs who have met Pope Francis, they have nothing but fond memories of a lifetime.
“This is a man of great love and compassion for the people. Despite his age and status, he grasps the hand of each person he meets with a reassuring and comforting firmness, and his eyes always with an attentive and gentle gaze,” said MP Alex Yam (Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC), who had met the Pope on four different occasions.
“I fondly recall my brief conversation with Pope Francis. He had a tremendous aura of presence, but at the same time, incredibly sincere, thoughtful and kind,” shared Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong.
The Pope’s visit to Singapore comes at a time when peace between people of different religions is ever more needed around the world. Pope Francis’s commitment to kindness, hope, and unity transcends race and religion. It is a reminder that a love for humanity is universal.
Jurong Lake Gardens reopens!
Earlier this week, Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong was joined by MPs from West Coast and Jurong GRC at the opening of the rejuvenated Chinese and Japanese Gardens. After ten years, this marks the completion of Jurong Lake Gardens, the first national gardens in our heartlands.
“In 2014, I announced at the National Day Rally that the Chinese and Japanese Gardens would be combined with Jurong Lake Park. This is part of our plan to build our #CityInNature and create a better living environment,” said SM Lee.
For millennials and boomers alike, it is a joy to see the Chinese and Japanese Gardens spring back into life. After all, these twin gardens were practically our gateway to another country without hopping on a plane.
Unsurprisingly, MP Ang Wei Neng (West Coast GRC) shares the same sentiment. “These beautiful gardens bring back so many childhood memories of visits with my parents,” he said.
For this reason, the government has taken great care to preserve the place’s heritage. “The Chinese and Japanese Gardens, built in the 1970s, hold fond memories for many Singaporeans. We recognised this (and) kept familiar structures such as the pagodas, the Grand Arch and Bonsai Garden,” said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.
A new community space in Punggol
The official opening of One Punggol, an integrated community and lifestyle hub, is just one of many developments turning the former fishing village into a vibrant town.
Punggol residents can look forward to more new developments, including a Regional Sports Centre and better public transport links, said Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong, who attended the opening of One Punggol with MPs from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Punggol West SMC.
Speaking to Punggol residents, the affable PM Wong also shared some of his memories of the place. “In the 80s, I remember coming here for seafood,” he said.
PM Wong continued with an anecdote about getting hopelessly lost as he attempted to find his way around in the early 2000s. “These were the days before GPS and even the street directory had not been updated with Punggol streets!”
Punggol is now a lively and well-connected town to the rest of Singapore. And with the addition of One Punggol, there is no shortage of amenities and spaces to help the Punggol community thrive and flourish.
Progress on Terminal 5
The construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) will start in the first half of 2025, said PM Wong. It continues the PAP government’s long-term commitment to the aviation industry, which employs nearly 200,000 people and contributes 3% to our GDP.
Indeed, our airport, alongside its bedazzling number of connections, is one of our economic pillars. When operational, Singapore will be linked by air to more than 200 cities, shared Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat. That said, it’s a bonus that Singaporeans are holding on to the most powerful passport in the world.
Changi Airport is also uniquely Singaporean. More than just a transport hub, the airport holds a special place in our hearts.
“We would go to the viewing gallery to watch the planes take off. And on special occasions, we would celebrate and indulge in ice cream at Swensen’s! The Terminal 1 Swensen’s, the original one,” shared PM Wong candidly at the CAAS 40th anniversary dinner.
A special Parliament round-up
It might not seem that way, but there is more to this week’s Parliament than the Platform Workers Bill.
Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing explained why we had to revamp the GEP to benefit a larger cohort of students. In addition, Mr Chan also announced plans to improve our SPED school sector by enhancing professional development opportunities and the well-being of our tireless SPED teachers.
PAP MPs also filed a significant number of questions, doing their duty to bring the concerns of Singaporeans to Parliament.
MP Louis Ng (Nee Soon GRC) urged the ministry to increase the number of days of paid annual leave provided to full-time resident employees.
MP Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) raised concerns about whether record-breaking hawker stall rents could drive food prices up.
Following a spat of pet deaths at grooming facilities, MP Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC) has called for heavier penalties for such acts of negligence.
Finally, MP Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC), determined to improve road safety, has asked for safety features such as blind spot cameras on large vehicles to become mandatory.
Parliament is not just where the PAP government passes major bills like the Platform Workers Bill. It is also where PAP MPs ask questions on behalf of their residents and keep accountability and trust with their constituents.
That is the essence of politics – to find solutions and encourage unity when discord is never far away. And that is something PAP MPs will continue to fight for.
Photo Source: Edwin Tong/ Alex Yam/ Desmond Lee/ Lee Hsien Loong/ Patrick Tay/ Lawrence Wong/ Changi Airport via Facebook
