The Government must ensure that the economy continues to do well and that there are jobs, as it pledges to take better care of Singaporeans in terms of providing housing, education and health care, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Saturday.

This will ensure Singapore avoids raking up debts like some countries in Europe, which are now saddled with a heavy burden, he said. He was speaking at the Toa Payoh Central Mid-Autumn Festival at Toa Payoh Town Park.

In his address, Dr Ng reassured people who have questioned how the country is going to foot the bills for policy changes announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech in August.

"I believe that the way to go is to make sure that the economy is doing well and there are jobs," said Dr Ng, who is also MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. "It may not grow as fast as before, 8 per cent, 6 per cent, but we cannot slow down so much that we chase businesses away. If we do that, jobs will be lost and there will be higher unemployment rate and it will be a problem."