Chapter 2: Principle of Governance

Chapter 2

1. Good governance àBetter life a nation’s people.
The outcome of good governance à Better government decisions

a. Stability / Peace
b. Economic Growth
c. Citizens are treated fairly

d. Racial and religious harmony
e. Efficient use of resources to create a better life for citizens

Question: There are 4 principles of good governance, which do you consider to be most important for Singapore? Explain you answer.

Good leadership is the most important principle of governance?

How far do you agree? Explain.

Factor	Explanation – why is this principle of governance important for Singapore’s success?	Link
Leadership is key a. Honest and incorruptible b. Capable c. Courage to do what is right not what is popular. d. Leaders are properly selected based on talent and good character.	1. Good leadership à Leaders are honest and capable à it will ensure correct policies and decisions are made à good for Singapore’s long-term survival and prosperity. Honest Leadership 2. If the leaders are corrupt à policies created will not benefit all Singaporeans but only the government official’s family and friends or those who offer them favours. 3. Thus citizens will benefit from decisions made by an honest government as it will put the interest of the nation and its people first à it will not focus on their own interest à resources will not be wasted and put to good use for people’s benefit. Capable Leadership 4. A capable government à makes wise/intelligent decision à meet the country’s needs better à better outcomes for the country à ensuring its long-term survival. Example to give à the Singapore government made Singapore more self-sufficient in water à Singapore’s water agreements with Malaysia were ending in 2011 and 2061. Hence, Singapore built more reservoirs – we now have 17 reservoirs and also researched into water purification + increased the number of Newater plants to meet Singapore’s long-term water needs à Such an approach requires planning = capable leadership. The will to make unpopular but right decisions. 5. Good leaders à prepared to make decisions that help Singapore even-though they are unpopular àPopular decisions do not always keep the long-term interests of the people in mind à Some decisions are hard to accept at first by the people but are good for the nation’s long-term survival. Select and groom our leaders well 6. Ensures leadership succession since leaders of ability are deliberately selected à each generation will have enough capable leaders to lead Singapore in the future à Singapore is a small nation with a limited number of talented people à hence deliberate selection of leaders and grooming them is critical for Singapore’s success.	Hence this is why I say Leadership is key is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Anticipate Change and stay relevant a) Forward looking/ Future orientated	Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant à Predict what may happen in the world that can hurt Singapore à  Government can prepare different alternative solutions to possible problems that may arise à Singapore is well-prepared for all circumstances à increase Singapore’s chances of success and survival.   Example à Singapore decided to build the 2 Integrated Resorts à give Singapore an edge over it neighbours in attracting tourists à help boost Singapore’s tourism sector à The decision ensures Singapore stays ahead in regional tourism and our economy can continue to growth à Creates 10,000 jobs for Singapore + boost the businesses here + Taxation on IR’s profits helps increase government revenue needed to improve Singapore’s public facilities e.g. Hospitals , Schools , parks etc.	Hence this is why I say Anticipate Change and stay relevant is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Reward for work and work for reward a) Meritocracy	Work for reward and reward for hard work à government rewards those who do well à meritocracy à encourage people to work harder and for talented people to stay in Singapore since they are rewarded à Larger talent pool in Singapore to contribute to Singapore’s Success. For example, Students in the top 25% of the cohort and given the Edusave award. These makes pupils to work hard and thus this will help propel Singapore forward as people will contribute their ability and talent to Singapore’s development and help Singapore do well.	Hence this is why Reward for work and work for reward/Meritocracy is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
A stake for everyone and opportunities for all - Feedback from citizens is valued.	Every citizen feel that their views are valued à This makes Singaporeans feel a part of Singapore à gives them a sense of ownership and belonging to Singapore à Citizens feel that their concerns are heard à This will boost Singapore’s social cohesion à Harmony. For example à REACH public feedback system à Singaporeans are given the chance to offer their feedback to the government. à  When people realize that their views are valued, they will feel more rooted to the nation since what they say does have an impact of the government’s decisions that will affect them and Singapore’s future. Also à With feedback from the people à government decisions will be better able to meet people’s needs and will be of better quality à People’s quality of life is improved.	Hence this is why A stake for everyone and opportunities for all is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.