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PAP
May 3, 2011
PM says sorry over mistakes, pledges to do better
By Yen Feng
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addresses a crowd at a lunchtime election rally in Raffles place. -- PHOTO: AFP

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday apologised for the mistakes under his watch in the last five years and pledged to make adjustments to the system and do better.

He cited the escape of detained terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari and the massive Orchard Road floods as two slip-ups, and also acknowledged that the Government could have moved faster to address shortfalls in housing and public transport.

Speaking at a People's Action Party lunchtime rally at Boat Quay next to UOB Plaza, PM Lee said he was sorry and he and his team were doing their best to fix the problems. He said the Government did not predict the sharp demand for flats after the recession in mid-2009. If they had, they would have ramped up the Housing Board building programmes faster, and saved many Singaporeans angst.

They would also have moved more aggressively to expand MRT networks to deal with growing population and traffic congestion.

'When these problems vex you or disturb you or upset your lives, please bear with us. We're trying our best on your behalf. And if we didn't quite get it right, I am sorry but we will try and do better the next time," he said.

Likening Singapore to a 'precious jewel', Mr Lee said the system has worked well and urged Singaporeans to build on it for the next generation and not tinker with it.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.