THE need for Singapore to avoid class barriers between the haves and have-nots, which typically emerge when societies mature, was stressed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Playing a key role in this effort is one of the PAP's core ideals: meritocracy.
But it has to be pursued with a fresh approach as Singapore enters a new phase, said Mr Lee.
What is crucial now is to ensure that every talented Singaporean, no matter how poor, is able to move up through many avenues.
But how far each goes depends on his ability and drive.
So, 'we're talking about equal opportunities, not equal outcomes,' he said, when he identified the four ideals that will continue to guide the PAP in its efforts to take Singapore forward.
The others are racial and religious harmony, enterprise and inclusiveness.
He laid out these all-important signposts yesterday when he mapped out the party's role in a changing world to about 1,000 PAP cadres at a conference.
Mr Lee, who is its secretary-general, noted that Singapore was at a turning point, with globalisation requiring its people to adapt continually to changes.
But the years of pursuing meritocracy have seen many people from poor backgrounds move up. Their children have done well too, said the Prime Minister.
With time, it will be harder to find the same numbers of children from humble backgrounds moving up, he added.
So, 'it makes it all the more important that we must... keep the avenues open and give a child from a poor family every opportunity to get a good education.'
For this reason, there are 'first-class' schools in all neighbourhoods, each with its special strengths and spirit. Also, the needy can get financial help to send their children to kindergarten, he said.
But these opportunities will not promise that everyone ends at the same finish line. So, he warned, 'we must not end up selfish'.
Urging the successful to give those behind a helping hand, he reminded them that the system and many 'helping hands', many of which may have gone unnoticed, helped them succeed.
'Don't trample on others to get to the top because if you do that, you will fail,' he said.
Meritocracy is also key in maintaining racial and religious harmony here. Singapore would be torn apart if, for instance, either the majority or the minority is favoured over the other, he said.
Issues of race and religion are sensitive as well in South-east Asia, where terrorism is a real threat.
This threat makes racial harmony even more important because in the event of a terror attack, ties among the races will come under strain.
To keep the economy humming, the PAP has had to focus on enterprise. In other words, get people to work for themselves.
In doing so, Mr Lee wants Singaporeans to stop expecting the Government to make things happen all the time.
'If you see something not right, put it right. You see something you want to do, do it. Move. And if you succeed, good for you.'
The last ideal, inclusiveness, centres on helping everyone feel they are moving forward together, and benefiting from Singapore's success.
The PAP is a party which represents the whole of society, stressed Mr Lee. It was a voice for all races, religions and classes, including the size-able middle class who are the 'centreground' for Singapore politics, he said.
'And we want to bring everyone together to achieve the best for Singapore, because I think that's the way we can do well for ourselves,' he said.
lynnlee@sph.com.sg
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