By Sue-Ann Chia, Senior Political Correspondent

SINGAPORE has reason to be 'quietly confident' of overcoming the tough times because its economy has 'important strengths', said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In broad strokes, he painted a picture of the various features and efforts being made that will lead the country to better days.

However, his May Day message of cautious optimism, released yesterday, is now tinged with some uncertainty as the swine flu outbreak threatens to further worsen the global economic crisis.

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