Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is likely to draw from the past to inspire confidence in the future, and announce measures to encourage family formation and address cost concerns.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong worries about the Singapore identity in 50 years’ time.

Will people still want to be Singaporean? Will they be proud to be one? Will they believe the country has a future?

What will strengthen their sense of national identity and the character of this nation and society?

Those were questions he posed in his Ho Rih Hwa lecture at the end of June and is likely to take up again tonight as he takes to the stage at ITE College Central for his 12th National Day Rally speech.

This SG50 Rally is an apt platform to reflect on the founding principles of Singapore’s success, and to rally the nation to unite for the road ahead.

… Political science academic Bilveer Singh expects giveaways as tonight’s rally is a time for the Prime Minister and his government to “demonstrate their political appreciation to Singaporeans”.

“The country has been on a left-of-centre paradigm, giving goodies to most people to assist them. Add to that SG50.

“Now add the election factor and I will not be surprised if it will be blockbuster season as the Government wants to show ‘We are good, these are your benefits. We have led well, and this is the evidence. Now keep us at the helm and more will be on the way,” he says.