| By Chua Mui Hoong, Senior Writer | ||
 |  | The Government's priority is helping Singaporeans cope with the economic crisis and a post-crisis world, noted President Nathan. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI |
SINGAPORE will refine some policies and come up with new strategies to help the country cope in a new world order, said President S R Nathan on Monday.
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In politics, the political system will evolve to keep pace with a changing world.
But the basic approach remains sound and has stood up well in this crisis, Mr Nathan said when addressing the new session of the 11th Parliament in a chamber packed with MPs, diplomats, and Establishment members.
As is customary, the President's opening address sets out the priorities of the Government for the legislative term.
Parliament was prorogued on April 13, meaning it went into recess, to let the Government and MPs take stock of events since the January 2006 opening of its first session.
Since then, Singapore has gone through a 'roller-coaster ride', Mr Nathan noted, with the global economic downturn and an impending flu pandemic.
Economic growth last year was 1 per cent, and is expected to decline by 6 per cent to 9 per cent this year.
The immediate priority is to tackle the crisis and help Singaporeans cope, and Mr Nathan reiterated the Government's strategy of helping companies stay viable to keep jobs.
He also gave the assurance that every worker and family will be helped: 'In this downturn, lower-income Singaporeans will not be left to fend for themselves. We must help every worker train and prepare for new jobs, and especially ensure that children from vulnerable families enjoy every opportunity to reach their full potential in education.'
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