Disadvantages must not be passed on to our children: DPM Tharman

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said it is important to ensure that the disadvantage from one generation, does not get passed down to the next.

He also stressed that Singapore must do its utmost to prevent a permanent underclass from being formed.

Mr Tharman was speaking at the 60th anniversary charity gala dinner of the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association on Wednesday evening.

He said: "This happens naturally in every society, and in every mature society you see it. Advantages from one generation is passed down to the next generation, and the disadvantages of one generation is very easily passed down to the children.

"We must do our utmost to work against that. Do our utmost to ensure that those who start off behind have the best chance of catching up."

Mr Tharman added that to do this, early intervention of a child is important.

Moreover, specific problems in society, such as the difficulties of the aged poor, the disabled, and single mothers have to be addressed. So it is critical to build and develop the social work profession.

During the gala dinner, Mr Tharman also launched a new ICT—based social programme to help low—income families.

—CNA/ac