PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong underlined several challenges for the country in his National Day message on the eve of National Day.

Economic uncertainty was one of the major problems cited by PM Lee, and I believe that most of us have cause for worry.

The inflation rate is at its highest since the economic downturn of the mid-1980s.

We are still grappling with issues such as increasing costs of living, stagnant salaries - especially for low- and middle-income workers - as well as a weaker economy.

As a grassroots leader, I share the sentiments of my fellow grassroots members and residents about our economy.

Grassroots leaders and I have come across an increasing number of residents seeking help for their financial troubles.

As PM Lee will deliver his National Day Rally speech this Sunday, I wish to highlight a few issues which I hope he will address.

Firstly, we can assist young couples in building their families. Many have just started their careers. Some find it tough to juggle the multiple demands of caring for elderly parents, purchasing their own homes and planning for the children.

I hope the Government can provide the necessary reliefs for these couples to engage maids or caregivers for the benefit of their parents and children.

The cost and other requisites of purchasing a flat could also be minimised for these couples.

Paternity leave could also be extended for a few more days. Young fathers could put aside their work commitments and obligatory National Service duties for a while to take care of their wife and kids, especially for the first two years after childbirth.

Secondly, we can build and provide more rental flats and affordable three-room HDB flats for low-income folks and the elderly who face financial woes.

There are several vacant plots of land in Jurong West, Sembawang and Khatib, which the authorities can use to build such flats.

Last but not least, I hope the Government can extend rebate schemes such as U-Save and rebates on service and conservancy charges for a few more years. These rebates are much welcomed by most flat-dwellers.

I feel privileged to be able to attend the National Day Rally along with a few other grassroots leaders from my constituency.

I hope that the PM will dish out some National Day goodies that will brighten up the stormy times.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban