Conflicting demands Flashcards
How the government deals with conflicting demands
Government considers different priorities, needs and interests of the different groups of people. In making decisions on what to prioritise, the tensions and trade-offs for the citizens have to be considered. Differing priorities would impact resource allocation. Its not possible to meet every groups needs of society as the needs are very diverse.
Ideas shaping governance: Having good leadership
Having capable leaders ensures that Singapore will continue to flourish. If the leaders are capable, they will be able to ensure that the best decisions are made for Singapore’s continued growth and development. For example, in determining the future of Singapore, the leaders continue to learn from other countries so that they could make plans to ensure that Singapore’s future is secure. Besides that, they sought the opinion for members of the community to understand their needs and concerns. One platform was the Singapore Conversation. The leaders then considered these feedback when charting the future of Singapore
Having capable leaders ensures that the different needs, interests and priorities are met. For example, when the government wanted to create a space for youths, they consulted a range of interest groups. These included architecture students who produced innovative designs. Youths were involved in the conceptualisation of development of the space throughout the project. The result was SCAPE, a place at Orchard Rd, for recreational, social and community activities for youths. This shows how the leaders considered the interests of youths on planning the development of Singapore and actively worked with these youths to develop a space that they would enjoy.
Anticipating change and staying relevant
The ability of the government to anticipate change and stay relevant is important in ensuring that it is able to foresee the needs of Singapore in the future and make the necessary plans in order to ensure that we are not left behind as the world progresses. One example would be the decision to build integrated resorts. The government was able to foresee that Singapore will not be able to compete with neighbouring countries in the tourism industry without making these changes. Job opportunities also has to be maximised. However, anticipating future problems that may arise, the government also took necessary precautions such as providing counselling services and setting up the National Council on Problem Gambling to conduct public education and outreach on gambling prevention so that these issues will not get out of hand. Toady it is rather clear that the IR has indeed contributed significantly to our economy.
Another example would be the decision to demolish the Pearl Centre and build the Thompson-East coast line to enhance the transportation network and benefit Singaporeans in the long run. By doing so, it would save travelling time from the north of Singapore to the east or the Central Business District. Thus, even though there were tensions in the decision to the majority of Singaporeans in the long run as it would be too late if we only start to do something about it after the transportation fails.
Providing a stake for everyone
By having strategies so that everyone feels that they have stake in the development or future in Singapore, citizens will not want to leave the country as they will have a sense of belonging to Singapore. Our Singapore conversations showed that Singaporean views were heard and considered. This would make Singaporeans feel that they have a say in the future of Singapore.
When the government wanted to build a space for the youths, they engaged them to provide suggestions on the design and were also involved in the development of the space through the project. This allowed for youths to have a sense of belonging to the space built for them as it was created to their interests. This is important because if Singaporeans do not feel a sense of belonging, they will not stay on in Singapore.
Practising meritocracy
This principle is very important as it tells Singaporeans that they will be rewarded for their merit and hard work and not because of who they are or know. This will encourage all Singaporeans to work hard and no one group will feel more privileged or marginalized. This is crucial for Singaporeans to give their best and remain untied at the same time.
The form of meritocracy has changed over time. Initially, it was simply about rewarding people based on their efforts put in rather than factors such as race, religion, or socio-economic background. In 2013, the government recognized that those families who have benefited in the past through meritocracy may now be at an advantage over others as they could offer their children a head start. Compassionate meritocracy was thus encouraged amongst citizens and our policies have changed to reflect this even though the principle of merit and hard work is still kept intact as we do not want citizens to turn complacent.
Example of how meritocracy is practiced is the students who do excel academically are awarded scholarships and bursaries to excel further. Bursaries ensure that students from less privileged backgrounds are also given help to succeed because they have demonstrated their potential. This is done in the belief and hope that it will spur Singaporeans to work hard and give their best.
Conclusion
The ideas shaping governance in Singapore should not be seen in isolation. Sometimes, these ideas overlap. For example, in this case of the building of the SCAPE and HDB, they show how capable leadership considered providing citizens with a sense of belonging towards the country so that they want to stay in the country, and possibly defend it in times of need. In order to anticipate the needs of Singapore and Singaporeans future. When anticipating changes, there can be instances where everyone is providing a stake in Singapore. In this case of the IR, public feedback was obtained to understand many citizens’ discomfort in having the IR. This gathering of feedback is acted on.
