Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY HELD IN THE STATE ROOM, ISTANA, ON FRIDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2001, AT 5.00 PM

Mr President
Colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen

The recent General Election was held in unusual circumstances. Singapore was in the grip of a recession, caused by a sharp drop in external demand. The terrorist attacks of September 11 had shocked the world, and aggravated the global economic slowdown which had begun earlier this year. The war against terrorist targets in Afghanistan had started, and the world was braced for more terrorist attacks. There was much uncertainty and pessimism about the future.
I called the election against this gloomy background. I sought the people's mandate:

to take all practical measures to help Singaporeans get through the recession;
to restructure our economy to meet new competitive challenges and a changing global environment; and
to renew the political leadership, and have in place a new team to lead Singapore beyond 2007.

I said that I was fighting the General Election as Prime Minister for the last time.
The people gave my Party and me their resounding support. More than 75 percent of those who voted backed the PAP. They voted for leaders who were trustworthy, reliable and competent. They understood Singapore's vulnerabilities, and voted for a predictable and orderly political succession.
It was an unequivocal endorsement that will strengthen and secure Singapore's future. This strong bond between the people and the Government will help us overcome the most severe challenges. The international community and investors would have noted that in a crisis, Singaporeans rallied behind their Government, and were determined to work as one people for their future.
My colleagues and I will never break faith with the people. We are humbled by our victory.
My Party has retired 23 Members of Parliament, all good men and women who had come forth to serve when called upon. The nation is indebted to them for their dedicated service and for making way for new blood.
Twenty-five new Members of Parliament, able men and women of good character, have committed themselves to serve the country. Amongst them, I hope to find several who can make it as ministers. As time is short for the passing over of the baton, I am throwing seven of them immediately into the deep end of the pool to test their ability and political acumen. As they prove themselves, they will assume greater responsibilities and play a bigger leadership role. Later, more MPs may be appointed to ministerial office.
When I took over as Prime Minister in November 1990, I had been prepared for the job. My colleagues then had also been carefully chosen, nurtured and tested. I took over a strong and united team, a sound economy, and a cohesive and supportive people. That enabled Singapore to continue to progress without a hitch.
I want to replicate that successful political transition. I am constructing a through-train leadership for 2007.
The core members of this 2007 leadership team are in place.
They have to lead Singapore through testing times. First, we have to get through this acute recession. At the same time, we have to begin the remaking of Singapore, while upholding the values which form the bedrock of our society - integrity, meritocracy, compassion and mutual respect between Singaporeans of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds. We have also to strengthen our social compact - the bond between the Government and the people, and between the people themselves.
In two to three years' time, our economic growth should have resumed. By then, the new crew should be ready to take over the leadership baton. A smooth handover is the goal I am working towards.
Together, we have made Singapore "The Best Home" to live and raise our family. Together, we must now build the strongest team to take Singapore to greater heights beyond 2007.
Our duty is to ensure that Singapore endures.