Singapore's prime minister said too many of his countrymen take their easy lifestyles for granted, warning that the city-state faces hard economic times ahead unless it meets rising competition from China.
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (
"They grew up with a silver spoon in their mouth, a maid at their beck and call, and a car to bring them around," Goh said of many Singaporeans during a speech to celebrate Singapore's independence. "They have only experienced strong economic growth, and ever-improving standards of living."
PHOTO: AFP
Goh said many people in the city-state, especially the young, are too dependent on the island's efficient government and "take their comfortable lives for granted."
"Some Singaporeans have gotten used to such extensive government assistance and expect it as a matter of course," Goh said.
He also warned about "additional competition from the new, gigantic factory, China," adding that Singapore needs to adjust its strategy to respond to new challenges. "In my view, we have about 10 years to restructure our economy in order to stay ahead of China," he said.
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