Chapter 2 Governance in Singapore 1 Governance

Chapter 2 Governance in Singapore 1

Governance in Singapore 1. 2. 3. 4. Introduction Guiding principles of governance Population growth in Singapore Ageing population in Singapore 2

Introduction The basic function of a government is to meet the needs of the nation and its people The government does this by making decisions and policies The way the government manages the resources of the country is known as governance So when a government does a good job in managing the country, we say ‘there is good governance’ 3

Guiding principles of governance We are going to study why the government makes those decisions i. e. the guiding principles of governance in Singapore because… 4

Governance is too important to be left to the politicians 5

Singapore practises representative democracy 1. An election is held every five years 6 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. During the election, the people will decide who they will vote to represent them. 7 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

National Solidarity Party (NSP) 8

The Workers’ Party (WP) 9

People’s Action Party (PAP) 10

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3. The candidates with the most number of votes will serve as Members of Parliament (MPs). 12

4. The leader of the political party with the most number of MPs in the parliament will become the Prime Minister. 13 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Singapore’s system of government The people of Singapore have the power and responsibility to choose the right leaders for Singapore The government in Singapore is made up of 3 branches 1. Legislature – Makes laws 2. Executive – Enforces the laws 3. Judiciary - Ensures laws are carried out fairly (Refer to textbook) 14 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ 2. ‘Anticipate change & stay relevant’ Guiding principles of governance 4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ 3. ‘Reward for work & work for reward’ 15

Sample Question Here are four guiding principles of governance in Singapore: 1. 2. 3. 4. ‘Leadership is key’ ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Which one do you think is the most important? Explain your answer. [12] 16 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Description: ‘Leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance. This means that Singapore looks for capable and honest people to be our leaders Our leaders need to possess moral courage and integrity to do what is right and not what is popular Besides talent and ability, leaders are also selected based on their good character 17 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ 18

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ 19

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1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Explanation: ‘Leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance because good leaders will be able to make the right decisions and ensure smooth running of the country At the same time, they are able to win the respect and confidence of the people This then leads to prosperity and progress for the country as the people are supportive of the government and its policies 21 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Thus, the polices that the government implements will be well-received by the people and everyone will work together for the growth of the country 22 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. ‘Leadership is Key’ Examples of good leaders in Singapore include Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong who served as Prime Ministers of Singapore Under their leadership, Singapore enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity In this way, ‘leadership is key’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore 23 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ Description: ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore. This means that Singapore is forwardlooking and makes decisions in anticipation of future challenges 24 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

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2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ Examples of how the government prepares for the future are NEWater and the building of the Integrated Resorts (IR) Singapore’s water agreement with Malaysia ends in 2061 In anticipation of the need to have our own supply of water, the government produced NEWater 26 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ The decision to build the IRs is another example of how Singapore anticipate changes Building the IRs enable us to have a competitive edge over the other countries in the tourism industry 27 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ Explanation: ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle because when we plan ahead, we are well-prepared to meet future challenges Then, Singapore will not be caught off-guard by unforeseen circumstances 28 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

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2. ‘Anticipate change and stay relevant’ This ensures that our economy will continuously be able to grow and prosper When that happens, Singapore’s future is guaranteed In this way, ‘anticipate change and stay relevant’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore 30 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward Description: ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore. Meritocracy is a key part of this principle Meritocracy means a system that rewards hard work and talent 31 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward It helps to give everyone in society an equal opportunity to achieve their best and be rewarded for their performance For example, the Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary Schemes reward the top 10% and 25% of students in schools 32 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward Explanation: ‘Reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance because it gives every Singaporean a fair chance to succeed Singaporeans know that their talents and abilities will be recognised and they will be rewarded They will then be encouraged to put in their best and work hard Governance is too important to be left to the politicians. 33

3. ‘Reward for work and work for reward When everyone puts in their best, Singapore as a nation will then be able to continue to grow and achieve success Also, there will be racial harmony and social stability as meritocracy rewards talents, regardless of race, religion and socio-economic background In this way, ‘reward for work and work for reward’ is an important guiding principle of governance in Singapore 34 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Description: ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore This means that Singaporeans can have a say in making decision for the country For example, many people could voice their concerns about the government’s plan of having a casino as part of an Integrated Resort This will help to develop in them a greater sense of belonging Governance is too important to be left to the politicians. 35

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Explanation: ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore because citizen will have a sense of ownership and belonging to Singapore Every community is treated fairly in Singapore so that the interests of the various communities are kept in balance Thus, an inclusive society is created 36 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. ‘A stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ Citizens will then develop a sense of loyalty and patriotism This will cause them to be rooted to Singapore When everyone feels strongly that they are a part of Singapore, they will be more eager to contribute to the country Then, they will work together for the growth and prosperity of the country In this way, ‘a stake for everyone, opportunities for all’ is an important guiding principle of governance for Singapore 37 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Implementation of the 4 Principles We will now learn how these principles help shape the polices to manage: A. Population growth in Singapore B. Ageing population in Singapore 38 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Video: Watch the following video to find out more about the issue of ageing population in Singapore http: //vimeo. com/45302314 39

(A) Population growth in Singapore’s population grew rapidly in 1950 s and 60 s A rapidly growing population posed many problems for Singapore From 1966 to 1981, three five-year plan were implemented to control population growth 40 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

(A) Population growth in Singapore By 1980, the fertility rate hit 1. 82 children per woman A population that is too small has potential problems too Refer to textbook page 45 - 46 41 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Reasons for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 1. Unattractive to MNCs 2. Ageing population 3. Defence 42

Sample Question Here are three reasons for the need to promote population growth in Singapore: 1. Unattractive to MNCs 2. Ageing population 3. Defence Which one do you think is the most significant? Explain your answer. [12] 43 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies Description: Becoming unattractive to multinational companies (MNCs) is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 44 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies With a small population, Singapore would be unable to produce enough talented people to sustain its development MNCs find it difficult and expensive to recruit Singaporeans compared to the huge labour market in countries like China 45

1. Unattractive to multinational companies And that will lead to a drop in the standard of living and quality of life of Singaporeans In this way, becoming unattractive to MNCs is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 46 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Unattractive to multinational companies Explanation: Becoming unattractive to MNCs is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore because without the investments from MNCs in Singapore, there would not be growth in Singapore’s economy Singapore’s income then will be affected This is in turn cause our economy to suffer 47 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population Description: Ageing population is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore With fewer babies born each year, there would be fewer young people in the population 48 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population The number of older people would be proportionally higher This means the country would be faced with an ageing population 49

2. Ageing population Explanation: Ageing population is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore because more resources would be used to take care of the increasing number of senior citizens Resources would be spent in the areas of healthcare, housing, transport etc 50 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population This would mean that less resources would be available for other uses in the country for example for education and defence At the same time, there will also be a reduction in the labour force as there are now less young people working in the economy 51 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Ageing population This leads to higher taxes which means less disposable income for working adults In this way, ageing population is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 52 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Defence Description: Defence is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore With a declining birth rate, there will be fewer men to recruit for National Service The size of our citizen armed force will be smaller and there will be less soldiers to defend Singapore 53 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Defence Explanation: Defence is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore because Singapore becomes an easy target for aggressors Singapore will also have a weakened defence force Singapore then becomes susceptible and vulnerable to attacks 54 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Defence When engaged in war, Singapore may be unable to win easily This leads to us potentially losing our nationhood In this way, defence is a significant reason for the need to promote population growth in Singapore 55 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. The Graduate Mothers Scheme 2. Three or more if you can afford it Ways to promote population growth 4. Attracting foreign talent 3. Pro-family measures 56

Sample Question Here are four ways to promote population growth in Singapore: 1. 2. 3. 4. The Graduate Mothers Scheme Three or more if you can afford it Pro-family measures Attracting foreign talent Which one do you think is the most effective? Explain your answer. [12] 57 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. The Graduate Mothers Scheme Description: The Graduate Mothers Scheme (GMS) is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore It was suggested by Mr Lee Kuan Yew that female graduates should have more children This is because he felt that there would be a higher chance of the new generation workforce being more educated 58 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. The Graduate Mothers Scheme Explanation: The GMS is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore because the incentives given to graduate mothers would encourage them to be willing to have more babies As more babies are born, the population of Singapore will grow In this way, the GMS is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore 59 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. The Graduate Mothers Scheme (Not part of explanation) Unfortunately, the GMS sparked off debate and unhappiness among the people The less-educated were unhappy as they felt that they would be neglected under the policy Eventually, the policy was withdrawn after one year of implementation in 1985 60 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Three or more if you can afford it Description: Three or more if you can afford it policy is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore This policy aimed at bringing Singapore’s population growth back to the replacement level of 2. 1 children per woman To help relieve the financial burden of having children, the government introduced measures such as allowing the use of Medisave to pay for the delivery charges of the first three children Governance is too important to be left to the politicians. 61

2. Three or more if you can afford it Explanation: Three or more if you can afford it policy is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore because the measures help relief the financial burden of the families Married couples would be more willing to have babies In this way, three or more if you can afford it policy is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore 62 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Three or more if you can afford it (Not part of explanation) Unfortunately, this policy achieved limited success Many married couples continued to have one or two children And many Singaporeans continued to marry at a later age or remain unmarried 63 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Pro-family measures Description: Pro-family measures is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore These measures came about as a result of public feedback During the National Day Rally speech in 2004, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a package of new marriage and parenthood measures 64 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Pro-family measures The measures include equalised medical benefits, grandparent caregiver relief, 5 -day work week for civil service and extended maternity leave 65 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Pro-family measures Explanation: Pro-family measures is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore because they lighten the burden of young parents The policies allow young parents to spend more time at home And so couples would feel that they are better able to cope with having children 66 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Pro-family measures They would then be willing to have more babies and this will in turn cause the population to grow In this way, pro-family measures is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore 67 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Pro-family measures (Not part of explanation) Unfortunately, many young couples feel that monetary aid is not sufficient Many feel that the cost of living and pace of life in Singapore is not suitable for them to have bigger families 68 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Attracting foreign talent Description: Attracting foreign talent is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore In 1989, the government relaxed the immigration policy to attract foreign talent with skills to Singapore 69 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Attracting foreign talent Easier entry into Singapore, subsidised housing and an attractive education package for children were offered to foreign talent who were willing to work in Singapore 70 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Attracting foreign talent Explanation: Attracting foreign talent is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore because many of these foreign talent would develop an attachment to Singapore They would grow used to Singapore and take up permanent residence or citizenship 71 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Attracting foreign talent That in turn causes our population size to grow In this way, attracting foreign talent is an effective way to promote population growth in Singapore 72 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Attracting foreign talent (Not part of explanation) The result of an influx of foreign talents in Singapore is that our society becomes more cosmopolitan You can find people of different nationalities living and working in the country They have also enriched Singapore’s culture 73 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

(B) Ageing population in Singapore’s population will age rapidly over the next 30 years This is due to post-war baby boomers who by 2030, will be aged 65 years and above, declining birth rates and Singaporeans are living longer due to improved health and nutrition 74 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

(B) Ageing population in Singapore An ageing population will result in social, military and economic impacts on Singapore adopts the ‘Many Helping Hands’ approach where everyone has a part to play in helping the nation prepare for an ageing population The individual, family, community and government will all have a role to play 75 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

Sample Question Here are three ways to manage ageing population in Singapore: 1. 2. 3. 4. Individual responsibility Family support Community help Government support Which one do you think is the most best? Explain your answer. [12] 76 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Individual Responsibility Description: Individual responsibility is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore To prepare for ageing, an individual is encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet and regular exercise An individual is also encouraged to plan financially for retirement 77 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Individual Responsibility Explanation: Individual responsibility is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore because a healthy lifestyle can ensure longevity and good financial planning will ensure the senior citizen has enough money to spend after retirement 78 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

1. Individual Responsibility When the individual takes on responsibility to take of himself after he grows old, this will relief the burden from the government Government’s resources can then be used for other needs of the nation This will in turn benefit the nation as a whole In this way, individual responsibility is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore 79 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Family support Description: Family support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore Family support is an important source of emotional, social and financial support Several measures for example, the Senior Citizens’ Week and Grandparents’ Day, were introduced to strengthen family bonds 80 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Family support Explanation: Family support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore because strong families bring about social stability and harmony This will in turn allow everyone to enjoy peace in the country Elderly folks will appreciate being taken care of by their own children 81 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

2. Family support The families would also be the best people to take care of the elder because they will know what he or she needs In this way, family support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore 82 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Community support Description: Community support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore The community gives social and emotional support to the senior citizens Community support refers to voluntary welfare organisations that run community-based services like Ren Ci Hospital and Home Nursing Foundation for Elders They offer free health checks and organise recreational activities for senior citizens 83 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

3. Community support Explanation: Community support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore because they help senior citizens remain physically, mentally and socially active When the senior citizens remain healthy, they will not require as much medical attention This lightens the burden on the government In this way, community support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore 84 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Government support Description: Government support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore The government made laws and introduced measures to protect the interests of the senior citizens Some examples include tribunal for the maintenance of parents, tax relief, central provident fund (CPF) and public housing schemes 85 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Government support Explanation: Government support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore because it reliefs the financial burdens of the families who have an elderly staying with them The CPF ensures that retired elderly have some money for their old age 86 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.

4. Government support The elderly can then still be able to lead a comfortable life after retirement In this way, government support is a good way to manage ageing population in Singapore 87 Governance is too important to be left to the politicians.