ADDENDA TO PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SIXTH PARLIAMENT ON MONDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY, 1985 A BETTER SOCIETY

Our people have achieved their basic needs. Now we can set out to achieve higher goals.

Our people can enjoy a better quality of life by 1999. There will be no unsewered households, slums or environmental pollution. Every family will own a home for we shall help the 15-20% lower income group to do so.

Roads will be free-flowing. The MRT will be complemented by an efficient bus and taxi service. A new city will rise from the reclaimed land at Marina Bay.

Advances in technology will bring about a new future of comfort and convenience. We are about to enter a new age of instant information.

There will be ample facilities and support for music, the arts, for sports, recreation and leisure activities. Life in Singapore can be fun.

Singaporeans will participate in and actively run their own community services. They will manage their own towns. They can place the collective interests of society above self.

Singaporeans will be knowledgeable, well read and rounded. They can be gracious as well as socially disciplined and confident. They can find fulfilment in non-material pursuits. They can have the attributes of a mature people: cohesive, tolerant, charitable and compassionate. The old will not feel unwanted and the young will grow up as upright citizens.

Singapore can be a cultivated society. The pursuit of excellence, especially in our schools and universities, will be the distinctive hallmark of Singaporeans. Talents of the people will be developed to the fullest. For that we need a creative, stimulating and culturally vibrant environment.

The Government will be honest and effective. The people will be hardworking, keen to upgrade their skills and to increase their productivity and to be rewarded accordingly.

Based on our record, we can, if we work together, realize these goals of a better society.

GOH CHOK TONG First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence