Good governance requires collective action, leadership: Chan Chun Sing
SINGAPORE: A good government is one that can help Singaporeans better their lives and livelihoods and achieve a better future for Singapore, labour chief and Minister in the Prime Minister’s office Chan Chun Sing said.
This requires collective action, responsibility and leadership, which can only be achieved through trust, respect and humility, he added.
Mr Chan made these comments at Singapore Perspectives 2016, an annual conference organised by the Institute of Policy Studies.
Themed “We” - after the first word in the National Pledge - this year’s edition of the conference sought to gather views on rethinking what it means to be Singaporean, as the Republic strives towards SG100.
CONCERN IS WHETHER SINGAPORE, NOT PAP, WILL LAST: CHAN
Addressing an audience of around 800 people, Mr Chan discussed how Singapore could continue to practice good governance as its citizens become more socially diverse, educated and politically savvy.
He said that policies must lead to outcomes that better the lives of Singaporeans and their future generations, while processes should engage the collective wisdom, power and energies of the people for collective action.
Mr Chan also noted that policies had to adjust, and political parties had to evolve “in order to make sure the higher goal of sustaining the country is achieved”.
A good system of governance is one that continuously brings forth even better people for the future - those with the right values and abilities, and who work for the country rather than themselves, he said.
Whoever can better align to the people’s objectives, act decisively and swiftly, manage consequences and adjust resolutely is the better model of governance, the labour chief added.
“Our concern is not whether the People's Action Party will last forever; our concern is whether Singapore will last forever."
- CNA/mz