SINGAPORE may have no vote in the coming United States presidential election.
But it has its wish list for the new President, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday to chuckles from the audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Among those present were US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an adviser to presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
31 May 2008: Straits Times
SINGAPORE may have no vote in the coming United States presidential election.
But it has its wish list for the new President, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday to chuckles from the audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Among those present were US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an adviser to presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
Said PM Lee: 'We in Asia are following the campaign closely because the critical issues of war and peace, and of prosperity and scarcity, all hinge on its outcome.
'We have no votes, but Singapore has its wish list. Whoever wins in November, I hope that he, or she, will do the following,' he said.
First, uphold the US' commitment to globalisation, free trade and international rules;
Second, pursue constructive relations with China and other major powers;
Third, actively cultivate US interests in the Asia-Pacific, especially in South-east Asia;
Fourth, remain steadfast in the fight against terror; and
Fifth, take a long-term approach towards Iraq and Afghanistan.
Added PM Lee: 'America's role is especially crucial in engaging a rising Asia and integrating it into the global system.'
The US primary election, in which the two main parties select their nominees, is in its final stages.
The general election takes place in November.
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