SINGAPORE : The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Vivian Balakrishnan, has stressed that the family is the key institution underlying social policies.
This comes even as Singapore faces a changing landscape and
questions are raised about whether the family can continue to be the
main support.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew once told Dr Balakrishnan that looking
after the family is key to building a stable society. This principle has
underlined many of Singapore's policies, but times are changing.
Speaking at a seminar on Singapore's social policies at the National
University of Singapore on Monday, Dr Balakrishnan noted that although
Singaporeans still value the family, some worrying trends have
persisted.
These include low birth rates, marriages at a later age, and a rising
number of divorces.
These developments have raised questions about whether the family
institution can be relied on as the main provider of emotional and
material support.
While recognising the stress placed on families, Dr Balakrishnan said
the state cannot take over the role of providing support.
He said: "Government cannot be a surrogate family, we cannot be a
surrogate husband or a surrogate mother, or even a surrogate child.
"Even as the family as an institution confronts greater challenges in
the future, we need to make adaptations so that the family remains the
crucial, social pillar of our nation and that we all continue to invest
in it.
"And it requires people both young and old, it requires the state, it
requires employers to pay attention to this aspect of it."
"I hope we will arrive at the situation where employers take into
account the needs of families. So for instance, wherever possible, post
both spouses overseas, give them good, fulfilling jobs overseas so that
the family can stay intact. That would be so much better for our family
stability."
Dr Balakrishnan felt that in order for Singapore to thrive in the
future, the nation must stay open to newcomers and help them integrate
into society.
The minister also highlighted the importance of helping all citizens own
assets, which will ensure that they are invested in the nation's
future.
Dr Balakrishnan continued: "It's not just giving welfare, but making
sure that you've got mandatory savings - enough savings to last you a
lifetime and to look after your family.
"To translate those savings into assets, housing or other investments
which you can pursue through the CPF investment scheme so that these
assets can be productive assets and produce reasonable returns to you."
He said the government will continue to ensure that homes are
affordable, and cautioned owners against selling their flat for a quick
profit.
- CNA/al