Tourists sit in a capsule on the Singapore flyer observatory wheel overlooking the skyline of the central business district in Singapore July 16, 2015.
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“On the occasion of their National Day, I convey my greetings to the people of Singapore”.
Singapore marks 50 years of independence in a series of Golden Jubilee celebrations on Sunday.
The authorities intends to showcase its success in an elaborate parade that may embrace a flypast by fighter jets and fireworks for an viewers of 200,000 in addition to tens of millions watching on tv from their dwelling rooms.
While Singapore looks back at how far the country has come, it must also look forward that while the journey ahead is uncharted, there is confidence in the future, Lee said.
During his visit on the country’s 50th National Day, Mr Hammond will underline the close friendship between the UK and Singapore, and recognise the crucial role of Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew who passed away earlier this year.
“From this base camp, we will additionally sit up for new peaks forward”.
This marked the first time Singaporeans are able to hear Mr Lee read the Proclamation.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has been in power for more than 50 years and the opposition hopes to make more inroads in elections that could be called in September.
The federal government has granted an additional day of public vacation, and handed out commemorative tote luggage full of nationwide flags together with snacks and video games from Singapore’s yesteryear.
The prime ministers of Malaysia and Thailand, along with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla are among regional leaders attending, along with officials from China, Australia and Japan. The picture, with “SG50” in white characters, is ubiquitous, adorning banners, buses, desserts and a number of products in outlets.
His party suffered its worst showing at the polls in the last parliamentary election in 2011 due to discontent over issues from a widening wealth gap, sky-rocketing property prices and an influx of foreign workers.
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“This year we are celebrating 50 years of a robust and comprehensive partnership with Singapore, a partnership that has grown tremendously with the passage of time”, he added.
