SINGAPORE : Ten days to go before the government announces its decision on the casino proposal.
But whatever the outcome, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told reporters at a community event that he will explain the decision to Singaporeans about the government's move during the debate.
Mr Lee said: "I should explain whichever the decision is, why we have decide, how we think, and how we came to the conclusion. It is not just 'yes' or 'no', but also how you have decided and how you want to carry the people with you because there are quite different views on this subject among the population, the MPs and the ministers.
"Whatever the decision is, we have to close ranks and move ahead so that means the decision is the beginning of the work because there will be more work to be done."
Earlier, Mr Lee visited some 8,000 residents in the Aljunied-Kembangan district.
This is the second of a series of community visits by the Prime Minister.
He was hosted by Dr Ong Seh Hong, the MP for the area.
And the evening got off to a rousing start as some 5,000 residents gathered to eat, drink and be merry at a carnival.
Many also caught a glimpse of Mr Lee in action barbequeing satay, and playing the traditional Malay music instrument, the Gamelan.
Mr Lee later held a closed-door dialogue session with some 400 grassroots leaders. - CNA