National Day Rally

If you missed the National Day Rally 2009 telecast, here’s a footage via PM’s Office.

Racial and religious harmony

PM Lee said social cohesion was critical to our long term success, particularly racial and religious harmony. Singapore has made much progress in over the past 40 years in building a stronger Singapore identity and visitors are often astonished by what we take for granted.

He noted the global trend of rising religiosity and that Singapore has also been carried along by this global tide. He acknowledged that religion was a positive force in societies, but warned against the risks of aggressive proselytisation, intolerance and exclusiveness by any religious group.

He set out four basic principles for keeping Singapore peaceful and harmonious. He said all groups must exercise tolerance and restraint, religion must stay separate from politics, the government must remain secular and Singapore must preserve the common space that all Singaporeans share.

He urged Singaporeans never to forget what being a Singaporean means that is not just tolerating other groups, but opening their hearts to all.

Shaping Singapore Together

PM Lee showed the transformation Singapore underwent in the last five decades with a montage of pictures from the past and present — from housing and community centres, to opportunities available and the Singapore Armed Forces.

He said Singapore continues to renew itself by delivering a first-class education system, a convenient public transport for all, and creating green spaces and a vibrant city centre to make it the best place to live, work and play.

Taking the audience on a fly through video of the Marina Bay, he also gave Singaporeans a glimpse of what the centerpiece of the new city will look like in a few years.
PM said the way we celebrated the National Day showed what sort of nation Singapore is – our commitment to excellence, the ability to organize, mobilize and deliver results and the spirit of the people.

All this was epitomized in the Pledge moment, when all were united in one voice, saying what it truly means to be Singaporean.