ESM Goh Chok Tong, Minister Yaacob Ibrahim wish for better 2013 for world and Singapore

Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister and MP for Marine Parade GRC, Mr Goh Chok Tong says his wish for 2013 is simply that it will be a better year for the world and Singapore.

Writing in his Facebook page, he says 2012 has been an eventful year for the world and Singapore.

Among the events coming to his mind - Hurricane Sandy, President Obama's re-election, leadership changes in North East, and the civil war in Syria with innocent lives lost and life disrupted.

Mr Goh also recalls the the Indian girl who was gang raped and died, the train break-downs, the illegal strike by China bus drivers, the high profile sex scandals and the industrial accidents in Singapore.

He adds that he cannot instantly think of good events to recall, not that they were none but that they were overwhelmed by the bad news.

So as Singaporeans welcome 2013, Mr Goh wishes Singaporeans good health, success in their studies, career and business, family happiness, peace of mind and luck as well.

Also expressing his New Near 2013 wishes on Facebook was Minister for Communications and Information and Minister in Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim who hopes the New Year will be a better year for all women.

He says as the world bids 2012 good bye and welcomes 2013, there are many events that come to his mind.

But for him, Dr Yaacob says the despicable acts committed against the Indian woman who died after being brutally raped and assaulted by a gang and Ms Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot in the face, have especially shocked him with their callousness and unspeakable violence.

Dr Yaacob stressed that no one deserves what the two women had gone through.

And everyone, no matter the colour of their skin or gender deserves a shot at happiness and a better life.

So Dr Yaacob says it was against this tragic backdrop that he was heartened to see his friend's daughter doing well getting the Edusave Award.

The Minister stressed that it is society's duty to help everyone to realise their fullest potential.

So to every father, mother, teacher and those in a position to shape and influence the lives of others, Dr Yaacob urges them to treat their ward with care and respect and give them the dignity they deserve.

He's also urged them to empower girls and teach boys respect.

And finally Dr Yaacob's perennial wish is for a homeland for the Palestinians.