"COVID-19,the economy and jobs are domestic concerns but we also face external uncertainties. Major regional and global developments can affect us. US-China tensions over many issues,now including Hong Kong. The US presidential elections in November. Border clashes between China and India. Political developments here at home in south-east Asia,"he said.
"We do not know what surprises may be in store for us in the next year,but as dangers materialise we must navigate safely through them and protect Singapore’s security and national interest. This will require diplomatic skills and a deft touch."
Lee highlighted the nearly $100 billion the government has spent in propping up the trade-exposed economy in the pandemic months,pointed out domestic case numbers are falling after a second wave of infections and declared"we are now in a stable position...[but] we should be under no illusions that we have defeated COVID-19".
The 68-year-old leader even echoed former Australian prime minister John Howard during his speech:"soon you will have the chance to decide whom do I trust with the responsibility of working with you to take our country forward. I have every confidence that you will think carefully and vote wisely".
Lee and his ruling People's Action Party are,more than most governments,running on their record. The PAP has won every election since 1959,recording between 60 per cent and 86 per cent of the vote since the island nation won independence in 1965.
The prospect of one of the opposition parties actually winning power is remote,to put it politely. The PAP won 83 of 89 seats in 2015,with the Workers'Party claiming the other six. The latter and other minor parties won't seize power in a shock result like what occurred in Malaysia in 2018.