THE Prime Minister's National Day Rally speech in English threw up many goodies that drew multiple rounds of applause from the 1,700-strong audience.
But first, he set the context of the current economic climate. PM Lee said: "This year, I think we can get 4 to 5 per cent growth. It's not bad.
"Next year, we expect slow growth and more uncertainties. I'm not predicting a crisis. We're competitive. Investors still want to come to Singapore. And we have a strong pipeline, as I explained, but we have to be vigilant and we have to be psychologically ready in case of trouble.
"We also must be on our marks, so when the global economy recovers, we can bounce right back."
The English speech was telecast last night so that Singaporeans could watch the Republic's women's table-tennis team play in the Olympics final on Sunday.
PM Lee outlined the various ways the Government has helped Singaporeans, especially the poor and the middle-income group. The Government promised $3 billion in help this year, including the Growth Dividends.
He said: "I think we've done a fair amount to help Singaporeans but inflation has turned out higher than expected."
And so, "after looking at the Budget position, we can do a little bit more", PM Lee announced.
These measures are outlined below:
HELPING WITH THE RISING COST OF LIVING
Singaporeans will receive 50 per cent more in Growth Dividends cash on Oct 1.
Those in HDB flats will also get 50 per cent more in utility rebates in November. In total, the Government is giving $256 million more in aid this year.
ENCOURAGING MORE BABIES
There will now be four months of paid maternity leave instead of three.
Childcare leave will be extended from two to six days a year.
The Government will substantially increase support for kindergartens with better-trained teachers and improved curriculum.
For couples who want but cannot have children, financial support will be given to those who seek in-vitro fertilisation treatment.
Incentives like tax reliefs, childcare subsidies and so on will be extended to those having their fifth and subsequent child.
For the singles, the government matchmakers SDU and SDS will be merged for "more critical mass, more activities, hopefully more pairing up and more weddings - and more children". Taken with existing measures,
the latest package amounts to about $1.6 billion in all, or 0.6 per cent of the GDP.
LIBERALISING POLITICAL DISCOURSE
The total ban on outdoor demonstrations will be lifted. Those who wish to do so can soon demonstrate at the Speakers' Corner. However, PM Lee said the demonstrations are "still subject to basic rules of law and order, and (should) still stay away from race, language and religion".
The management of Speakers' Corner will be taken off the police and handed over to the National Parks Board. Online registration of potential speakers and protesters will also be considered.
Political material can be put onto the Internet during the next elections, but PM Lee stressed that accountability and responsibility must still be maintained.
Political films and videos - PM Lee pointed out that some things like factual footage and documentaries are "obviously all right" - will be allowed "but with some safeguards".
