By Goh Chin Lian, Senior Political Correspondent

SINGAPORE must manage three potential divides in society here as it deals with the current economic downturn.

While all countries are under stress in one way or another, Singapore's effective, rational and decisive response as a team helped the country to stand out, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

But the critical question is how Singapore can stay united in a downturn, he said at the annual May Day Rally.

Budget's focus on jobs paying off

THE decision to focus this year's Budget on saving jobs was the right move as its key planks have helped temper job losses and cut the cost burden on employers.

And while the Government's emphasis going ahead will remain focused on saving jobs, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday said workers and union leaders must continue to play their part.

Speaking at the annual May Day Rally, he outlined how the Government had and would continue to help on the jobs front.

Past success will help shape next 50 years and beyond: PM
By Sue-Ann Chia , SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

THE celebration of Singapore's 50th year of self-government next month should not pass unnoticed, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

He believes that the most meaningful way to celebrate the milestone event is through 'a renewed dedication to build for the next 50, and beyond'.

'Then, many years from now, we can look back with satisfaction on how, in the midst of a global recession, we in Singapore committed ourselves to building a better home for ourselves and a brighter future for our children,' he said at the May Day Rally.

S'pore Utd playing to win against the Slump
Labour chief vows to save and create jobs for S'poreans
By Kor Kian Beng

IF SINGAPORE'S fight against global recession is likened to a football game, what will the current score be?

According to labour chief Lim Swee Say, who used a football analogy at yesterday's May Day Rally, the score is currently tied at 1-1.

But he was quick to add that the Singapore team - Singapore United - is not settling for a draw.

Staying calm and cool in the tunnel of recession

WHILE some countries have got stuck in what labour chief Lim Swee Say called the hot and humid tunnel of global recession, Singapore has managed to stay cool, calm and constructive. He cited four factors that set Singapore apart from others:

'The tunnel of global recession is long and dark. With global contraction at 1.3 per cent - the first time in 60 years - this tunnel is hot and humid. In some countries, they quarrel, argue, protest and fight. They will get stuck in the tunnel for some time.

'Here in Singapore, we stay cool, calm and constructive. We accept that there's no painless solution, no short-cut and no easy way out of this global recession - except working with a clear mind, hard work and strong unity.

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