Short-term populist measures will weaken Singapore, President Tony Tan Keng Yam warned in his presidential address on Friday night.

"It is crucial to maintain constructive politics that puts our nation and our people first" in order to achieve the ambitious goals the Government has set for the rest of its term.

"In many countries, the hurly-burly of politics has resulted in short-term populist measures, and sometimes gridlock and paralysis," he said.

But for Singapore, he urged politicians and citizens to continue to have vigorous debates on the challenges facing the country and to be prepared to take bold decisions for its future.

"Sometimes these debates will stir great passions, but we cannot allow our differences to pull us apart. So while we may have differing views, all sides must take a long-term perspective for the common good."

He added: "Once the debate is settled, we must come together again, to move ahead as one united people."

The President's address kicks off the second half of the 12th Parliament's term, after it was prorouged on April 15 for MPs to take stock of the progress made in the first half of the term.