Chapter 3 Flashcards
How does the government maintain internal order and external order
Internal order - Agencies such as police, prisons and civil defence forces protect citizens and whatever society believes should be protected. Social services (schools) can exists with the peace and safety the government provides.
- External security - Agencies such as the army, navy and Air Force ensure the external security in Singapore. Through collaboration between these agencies, Singapore’s defence is strengthened and potential enemies are deterred from attacking Singapore.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: MFA contributes to the formulation and implementation of Singapore’s foreign policy to advance our national interests
- Does so by forging strong partnerships at bilateral and multilateral levels and positioning Singapore as a responsible and constructive member of the internal community.(through diplomacy)
Example of external security (2)
- In Singapore’s early years, Singapore played a key role in the negotiations at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea during the 1970s and early 1980s to safeguard the country’s maritime and economic security
- In 2008, when Singapore and Malaysia has different views on who Pedra Branca belonged to, both countries agreed to resolve their differences amicably through a third party by bringing the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice.
How does the government ensure justice?
Example: 1. Judiciary interpreting and applying the laws passed by the Legislature is though providing relevant information and taking action to protect Singaporeans in an event of family violence
2. Family Justice Courts provide guidelines on what is defined as family violence, who an apply for Personal Protection Order how to apply as well as the actions that can be taken by the courts.
With justice ensured, Singaporeans are assured that the government carries out fair treatment to all, and all are judged equally in the eyes of law, thereby ensuring protection of all.
How the government provides good and services for the public
Example 1: Services like transportation is provided in Singapore
Example 2: Government has worked towards people-centred public transport system which has amongst others, more connections and better services
Providing basic needs to all citizens, regardless o d income level and race, ensures accessibility of public goods that our basic needs are met. when citizens feel that their needs are taken care of, they will want to commit their efforts for a better future for Singapore
How does the government safeguard the interests of citizens?
By ensuring they have a sense of security.
Example 1(Workright initiative):
- Helps both employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities respectively. this creates awareness of employment rights amongst low-wage workers and better ensure retirement security.
Example 2 (Central Provident Fund):
-Helps Singaporeans prepare for retirement
-Enables Singaporeans to finance their housing and healthcare needs and have a source of lifelong income in retirement
-CPE LIFE introduced in 2009 to provide SG’s with a lifelong monthly payout in retirement to give them greater peace of mind in retirement
-Because of the increased life expectancy, it would allow them to save more to last them through a longer retirement period with CPE Life.
Why should citizens contribute to the needs of society?
This results in greater sense of ownership and commitment towards these causes - Leads to long term involvement which ensures sustainable benefits to society.
Example 1: “A litter at a Time” programme was started by Ms Elisa Ng in 2013. It encourages people to pick up a piece of litter a day
Singaporeans passion help to make Singapore a better place to live in and their actions motivate others in society to contribute to this need or other needs of society.
Organised groups also can have significant effect on the area of need as they can direct collective efforts, ideas and resources towards their causes
Role of formal and informal groups
Formal groups:
1. Non-Governmental Organisations, such as Mercy Relief which responded to situations requiring relief efforts around the world, and Voluntary Welfare organisations , such as Care Corner which provides services to different groups of people such as youth, family, seniors. Formal groups work alongside the government to ensure that specific needs within our society, within the scope of the NGO’s and VWO’s in Singapore, are taken care of.
Informal groups:
They are temporarily formed and may not be registered.
Example: (SG Haze Rescue) where Mr Jeremy Chua asked people to help and donate their excess masks to distribute to citizens living in HDBs. Such informal groups help to ensure that the short-term urgent needs they see in society are met expediently.
How do individuals influence government decisions?
Citizens can share their views and ideas about Singapore.
Example: “Our Singapore Conversation” It was a conversation among government and citizens that took place over a year over a year and involved 47000 Singaporeans from all walks of life. the government was able to learn about Singaporeans aspirations and Singaporeans learnt about one another hopes for the future.
Importance of strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging
Technological advancements has introduced more platforms for citizens to voice their opinions and engage with political leaders to offer suggestions on national issues and policies. This wide availability of feedback channels allow citizens to give constructive feedback.
Example:
1. Accessible through their website or their Facebook page
2. Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry@Home(REACH)
3. Political leader PM Lee Hsien Loong set up social media accounts to stay in touch with citizens as well as receive useful suggestions and feedback
