[CNY Dinners]
I must have taken part in more than ten Chinese New Year lo-hei's so far, with three more to go before the fifteen days are over. What strikes me this year is the spiritedness of the tossing, as if everyone is determined to show resolve in overcoming the current economic crisis. The 'huat' call is particularly vigorous. All this is a good sign. Singaporeans are not going to curl up on the floor and take the punches without a fight. This is going to be one bad storm but ours is a strong and sturdy boat with watertight hatches, powerful engines and a good crew, and we have every intention of pulling through.

The Budget Debate and the Committee of Supply now going on in Parliament are lively for precisely this reason. Lots of views are being expressed often with great passion. We need ideas, lots of good ideas. I don't think any government in the world today knows exactly what should be done because of the depth and extent of the financial implosion. We'll have to improvise as we go along, mindful of needs and adjusting to events. Above all, we need a spirit of solidarity which is happily evident at Chinese New Year dinners.

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