2009- and a Vision for this country.

As we step into a new year, Singapore is on the verge of hitting a crossroad in its future. The year of 2008 has been a crushing, grating impact on Singapore, and especially on the economy.

The incidents, and actions of 2008 that has led to questions about national security, food security and financial security has been many and a jarring reminder that while others continue to insist that everything would be okay under them, many others are reminded that reality often doesn't agree with such a narrative.

But in the ashes and dust of the previous year, its often said that where's roses will start to bloom- but only if we do something different right now.

We don't basically have to continue the way we are. In a new era such as this, its imperative that we realise that in order to bring about change, we need new leaders who will have the background, and judgment to bring about change, and to put in accountability, respect, honesty and shrewd judgment that has been lacking in spades in society and government for the last few years.

And if current leaders only know how to reminisce about how effective they were many decades ago, but doesn't speak about how would they deliver for our children, and our parents in the future, then questions should be raised on whether are they ready to continue as our leaders at an age when they are probably now obsolete.

In the end, we vote in new leaders not because of what they have delivered in the past, but on the promises on which they will deliver for the future. The past only serves as a guideline; but an election is based on the future.

That's why we are now at the verge of a crossroads. Singapore can either go back and dream of the days that have long passed, or look forward to a brighter future ahead, and trust in a new group of leaders who will put their trust in the people to help deliver on the promises they have made.

In the end, we want new leaders who can be our brothers, and have a "citizen-government" view and have practiced it with conviction. And that's what I hope Singapore and Singaporeans will strive for in 2009.