Chpt 2: Management of traffic flow

2. Management of resources: Management of traffic flow for the management of land-use.

Q: Which of the following approaches is the most effective way to manage traffic flow? Explain.

v  Area Licensing Scheme

v  Electronic Road Pricing

v  Park and Ride

v  Vehicle Quota Scheme

Factor	Explanation – Why each method is a good way to help ensure that Singapore’s roads do not end up congested	Link
Area licensing scheme	The Area Licensing Scheme à requires motorists to pay for a disc that must be stuck to their windscreen if they want to enter the CBD area. Deterred motorists from driving to the Central Business District(CBD) since they had to pay extra. By doing so, there were fewer cars on the road going in and out of the CBD and hence roads there would have been less congested à an effective way to control traffic in the CBD area.	Hence this is why the Area licensing scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Electronic Road Pricing	The Electronic Road Pricing scheme uses electronic gantries to charge motorists for using certain roads especially those going towards the city or coming from the city CBD area. This is an technologically advance approach to deter motorists from driving into the city area as they have to pay additional ERP charges. To avoid these charges à motorists will not drive into the CBD à road leading to CBD will be less congested.	Hence this is why the Electronic Road Pricing is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Park and Ride Scheme	The Park and Ride Scheme refers to the creation of car parking space near MRT stations just outside the CBD. The aim is to prevent people from driving into the CBD by offering them an alternative means of getting into the CDB area. Drivers can park their cars in any of the 7700 car parking lots at designated areas. Drivers can then hop onto buses that will bring them into the CBD area or take the MRT into the city. This reduces the number of cars entering the CBD and hence this reduces the congestion along the roads.	Hence this is why the Park and Ride Scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Vehicle Quota Scheme	The vehicle quota scheme(VQS) is an effective way to help improve traffic flow because: The VQS requires Singaporeans who want to own a car to have a COE (Certificate of Entitlement). The COE costs money and the person who wants to own a car must bid for it. This makes it more expensive to own a car and this deters Singaporeans from owning a car and this helps reduce the number of vehicle owners à a lower Singapore vehicle ownership à fewer cars on the road à fewer jams à better traffic flow on roads.   Also, the VQS system reduces the car population by limiting the total number of cars allowed in Singapore. There is quota on the total number of new cars allowed each month. Once this quota is reached, the Land Transport Authority(LTA) will stop issuing COEs. Without the issuing of new COEs, there will be a limit to the number of new cars being bought and added to Singapore’s roads.  Hence, this is a direct way to control the car population and keep car numbers down since there is a quota that will limit the number of new cars being bought each month. With the ability to control the number of cars, there will a lesser road congestion and thus fewer traffic jams.   Finally, the VQS allows owners to own a car for a maximum of 10 years. After this period, the car must be scrapped.  This helps control the car population since cars which reach 10 years old have to be removed from the roads. With fewer cars on the roads, there will be lesser congestion and thus fewer jams.	Hence this is why the Vehicle Quota Scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Weighing	In conclusion, the most effective way to manage traffic flow is the VQS method that can actually control the total car population. The VQS sets a limit to the total number of cars in Singapore by issuing COEs based on a quota. Thus, by being able to control the car population directly, the total number of vehicles on the road can be controlled à hence traffic flow is effectively managed. On the other hand, the other 3 methods of traffic management do not actually control the vehicle population in Singapore but only deter motorists from entering the CBD or offer them an alternative to driving into the CBD area. Hence, as a means of controlling traffic flow in areas outside of the CBD, the ALS, ERP and Park and Ride are not effective. The VQS has a nation wide impact in preventing traffic congestion by directly controlling the vehicle population but not the other approaches.

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.

CHIJ SJC Paper 2008 - ASEAN

Time yourself and do the paper. I will post the answers in 2 days' at the end of tomorrow.

 

Section A

Source – based Case Study

Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1          (a)       Study Source A.

                        What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey?

                        Explain your answer by referring to details of the cartoon.                            [6]

(b)        Study Source B.

Why do you think Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this speech?

Explain your answer.                                                                                             [6]

(c)          Study Source C.

How useful is this source as evidence that ASEAN has played a part in

Myanmar’s willingness to work towards resolving its internal problems?     [6]

(d)       Study Source D.

                        Does this source prove that ASEAN is ineffective as a regional

organisation? Explain your answer.                                                                    [7]

                       

Is the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

effective in handling challenges?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on 8 August 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Forty years have passed since the establishment of ASEAN, a period that saw a positive development of interactions among its members.

ASEAN made big strides in its 40^th year with its leaders signing its Constitution and made agreements on an economic blueprint to liberalise trade in the region. But the whole meeting could well be remembered for the Myanmar issue, as the old ASEAN rule prevailed – a member country cannot interfere with the affairs of another member country. ASEAN remained silent to the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Myanmar by the military government.

Study the following sources to find out the realities of ASEAN at forty years and if it is effective in dealing with the thorny issues it faces.

Source A: A political cartoon entitled “Skeleton in ASEAN Closet” by Paresh

                   Nath from National Herald, India, 23 November 2007.

*The New Charter aimed to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance, protection of human rights and non-aggression and to reject unconstitutional regime change.

Source B: Speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the13th ASEAN Summit held in

                  Singapore, November 2007.

At 40, ASEAN can look back with pride at the peace and stability that it has brought. We have come a long way since the Bangkok Declaration in 1967. To make ASEAN strong and relevant, we must accelerate and deepen regional integration. The ASEAN Charter is a crucial step in this process. The Charter will change the way we approach and think about ASEAN. It will make ASEAN into a more effective and cohesive organisation. The signing of the Charter today is just the beginning of a longer, continuing journey that all ASEAN members must take. ASEAN must gradually adapt to a culture of compliance and implementation. Only then can we forge ahead as a grouping. We gather here today with high hopes and aspirations. The road ahead will not be easy. But I am confident that every member shares the vision for a new ASEAN, and the commitment to make this vision a reality.

Source C: Adapted from The Washington Post, by Nick Wadhams.

UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari had rare access to senior leaders during his trip to Myanmar and was the first senior UN official to meet with detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. He said that it was a sign of a changed attitude from the military junta. “I would say that there appears to be willingness to turn a new page in the country’s relations with the international community,” Gambari said. He also acknowledged that pressure from ASEAN had helped to change the government’s stance. “Doors have been opened that were closed before and we’ll try to widen those doors and get the UN team to follow up. We have to build on what we have and continue to press for more results as failure is not an option.”

Source D: Comments by Stanley A Weiss about ASEAN and its way of handling Myanmar

                  from Asia Times Online Ltd.

ASEAN blew its chance to act on Myanmar for its human rights violation as the ASEAN Charter did not specifically touch on action against a non-compliant member. ASEAN leaders put up a brave facade to show unity and cohesion by declaring its support for Myanmar’s road to national reconciliation. ASEAN is at best a toothless talk shop where diplomats are reduced literally to song and dance routines; at worst, an apologist for oppressive regimes because its beloved “ASEAN Way” puts dialogue, consensus and non-interference above decision making, compliance and adherence to human rights. The idealistic charter, like ASEAN itself, is made a mockery by the inclusion of the military junta of Myanmar at the ASEAN Summit.

Source E: Adapted from newspaper article by Reuters, 20 November, 2007.

A Myanmar dissent, Khin Ohmar was disappointed with ASEAN’s reluctance to pressure the military junta over its crackdown on pro-democracy protests. “It’s a historical moment for them to sign the Charter, which is supposed to be the charter for the protection and promotion of human rights and now ASEAN let the Myanmar regime take over the agenda.” Khin Ohmar thinks that it’s a bad step by ASEAN and ASEAN is backtracking. “Myanmar has been a major shame for ASEAN,” Khin Ohmar said. “The social, economic and security aspects that it’s looking to resolve and promote in the region, will not happen if they don’t resolve Myanmar’s situation.” In short, Myanmar had held the other nine members of ASEAN hostage due to ASEAN’s decision not to take a stronger stance on Myanmar.

Section B

Structured - essay Questions

Answer one question.

2          Understanding Governance

(a)  To what extent is good governance in Singapore due to good leadership? Explain your answer.                                                                                                 [12]

(b)  Here are three approaches to prepare for an ageing population:

individual responsibility

family care

government support

           

                  Which of these is the most effective approach? Explain your answer.            [13]

3          Conflict and Harmony In Multi-Ethnic Societies

(a)  To what extent is the conflict in Northern Ireland due to divided loyalty?

Explain your answer.                                                                                              [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of the Sinhalese-Tamil conflict:

foreign intervention

fall in the number of tourists

Sri Lanka Tamils driven out of their homeland

                  Which of these is the most detrimental to Sri Lanka? Explain your answer.    [13]

4          Managing International Relations

(a)  To what extent was the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait due to dispute over territory? Explain your answer.                                                                            [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of terrorism:

economic impact

social impact

political impact

                

 Which of these is most detrimental to Singapore? Explain your answer.        [13]