Singapore's 11th Parliament opens

Singapore's 11th Parliament has been sworn in and President S.R. Nathan gave a speech in the House on Thursday.

85 Members of Parliament took their oaths of allegiance in the Parliament House. They were elected in the General Election held in May this year.

Member of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi has been reelected as the Speaker and the new Parliament will sit from next week.

Lee Hsien Loong, who led his team to victory in his first election as Prime Minister in May this year, took the oath of allegiance, followed by senior cabinet members.

President Nathan delivered a speech in the House at the opening of the Parliament, laying the ground for the government's action plan for Singapore for the next five years.

The president outlined the social, political and economic challenges ahead of the city state and called on Singaporeans to stay together and move ahead to make Singapore secure and prosperous, harmonious and cohesive.

Source: Xinhua