As we start the new year, here are my wishes for 2009, which I hope will be better than 2008:

More help for those laid off due to the recession

Assistance could be given to this group of unemployed in the areas of financial and emotional support, as well as education.

Don't use the slowdown as an excuse

Companies should not use this period as an opportunity to get rid of their long-serving, highly- paid staff.

Keeping seniors employed

Bosses continue to hire senior citizens and pay them a reasonable wage, with medical and Central Provident Fund benefits.

Meaningful ageing

More elderly and poor folk find meaning and purpose in ther golden years.

More MP visits to the sick and aged

Visits on National Day and festive occasions will bring joy and comfort to them and let them know that society has not forgotten them.

More elderly- and disabled-friendly features in public places

These will help both groups get around easier.

Treat foreign workers well

Foreign workers will be treated fairly at their workplace and given proper housing. More should also be done to integrate them into society.

Tougher laws to protect elderly

They can help prevent the elderly from becoming easy targets of crimes such as theft, burglary, fraud and assault.

More compassionate legal system

Laws can be kinder, and judges given the leeway to mete out punishments with rehabilitation and public safety in mind.

Stop drink-driving

Nip the problem in the bud with education, regular surprise checks on pubs and severe punishments for offenders.

Put an end to taxi issues

A satisfactory solution to all problems should be found, including touting.

Improve peak-hour MRT services

This should be the case especially on weekdays.

Fair public-transport fares

Ensure that there is no profiteering from fares.

Safety measures for vehicles

Implement measures for passengers travelling in the back of lorries and on buses.

Education on gambling

Let people know the bare facts about gambling so that after the opening of the integrated resort at Marina Bay, they will not succumb to the temptation of trying their luck.

If not, the moral fabric of the nation will be eroded.

More activities to promote cohesion

Citizens' consultative committees and town councils can organise more activities during festivals to promote integration and cohesion among the races.

Instil positive values in people

There can be continuing social education and awareness-raising programmes to promote graciousness and courtesy, especially among the young.

Mandatory marriage-preparation programmes

This could help stem the high divorce rate.

The various religious organisations could organise in-depth courses in line with their faiths' values vis-a-vis marriage and parenthood.

Better sex education

Parents should take the lead in educating their children about sex.

Trained school teachers should also supplement parents' efforts in this area.

Respect diversity of views

Respect should be accorded to those who oppose organ trading, euthanasia and surrogacy because of their religious beliefs.

Review abortion policy

A national adoption centre could be set up to save the lives of unwanted babies.

National Heroes' Day

Set aside a day to pay tribute to personalities who have contributed towards building the nation.

Stay vigilant

Do all that is necessary to keep terrorism at bay.

More safeguards for investors

Ensure that people are made fully aware of the risks involved when they invest in high-risk products.

A green citizenry

Singaporeans should be more environmentally conscious and adopt cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Hopefully, with good governance, Singapore will be able to endure the hardship caused by the global economic downturn and emerge from it stronger and more united as a country.

Let Singapore learn from its past mistakes and bravely face the challenges of 2009.

Happy New Year!

Mr Nelson Quah

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