NATIONAL DAY RALLY

Column: 461

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

1.

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) how is the National Day Rally on 22nd August 2004 funded; (b) is it a political party rally or a national rally; and (c) if it is a National Day rally, why are opposition Members of Parliament excluded from this Rally every year.

Mr Lee Hsien Loong: The National Day Rally on 22nd August 2004 was funded by the Government.

At the Rally, the Prime Minister explained the Government's policy directions and priorities and the challenges facing the nation. His audience comprised grassroots and community leaders, union leaders, business and professional leaders, youth leaders, as well as key members of the establishment. They were invited because their understanding and support is essential for rallying Singaporeans, and for implementing Government priorities and policies successfully.

From time to time, depending on the issues, the Government also invited relevant groups to the Rally. Thus, teachers, nurses, civil defence officers, students and other young Singaporeans were also invited to the Rally in the last two years.

Opposition Members of Parliament have never been invited to the National Day Rally as they cannot be expected to help the Government rally the ground to support the Government's policies.