PM Lee outlines 'new way forward' at National Day Rally speech Published on Aug 19, 2013 6:41 AM PM Lee meeting ITE students at a reception after his speech yesterday. Mr Lee, who chose to deliver his 10th National Day Rally at the ITE’s new Ang Mo Kio campus, said the ITE community had been very supportive of him holding the Rally there and thanked the institution for being an excellent host. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN By Lydia Lim, Deputy Political Editor Singapore will move decisively to shield citizens from the harsh effects of global change, an ageing society and rising inequality, with a new approach to government policy. After decades of what others have called "tough love", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced big shifts to: Extend help to middle-income households to buy Housing Board flats, and to owners of two-room flats ready to upgrade. Widen safety nets to everyone, regardless of age, to deal with health-care costs; and Ensure that every child gets the best shot at developing his potential to the maximum, while removing some of the stress in the education system. Mr Lee delivered his 10th National Day Rally (NDR) speech and chose to hold it at the Institute of Technical Education's new Ang Mo Kio campus for a serious purpose: "To underscore my longstanding commitment to investing in every person, every Singaporean to his full potential, but also to signal a change, to emphasise that this is not the usual NDR." He added: "Singapore is at a turning point." Responding to key issues raised by nearly 50,000 citizens who took part in the year-long Our Singapore Conversation, Mr Lee announced key changes in housing, health care and education. Addressing worries about home prices, he announced that a Special Housing Grant of $20,000 that is now for buyers of two- and three-room flats will be extended to middle-income buyers of four-room flats as well. Playing "HDB housing agent", he showed that existing and new grants make it possible for some to buy a three-room flat and cover monthly loan payments entirely with their Central Provident Fund contributions. A couple with a household income of $4,000 could buy a four-room flat and pay only $67 a month out of pocket. "Don't worry," he said to hesitant couples. "Go ahead, plan on it, get married, get your flat." On concerns over health-care costs, especially given the rapidly growing number of older folk, he said MediShield will be extended to everyone, including those with pre-existing health conditions. The national health insurance scheme, which now covers people up to age 90, will cover everyone for life. Citizens in the "pioneer generation" who built Singapore will get help to cover their MediShield premiums. And subsidies for outpatient care, which now kick in at age 40, will be raised and extended to everyone from poor families, regardless of age. Education has proven to be a major bugbear of parents, especially the process of getting their children into popular primary schools, the stress of the high-stakes Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), and keen competition for places in top secondary schools. There will be changes on all fronts. All primary schools will have to set aside at least 40 places in the annual Primary 1 registration exercise for children with no links. The PSLE grading will be changed, to replace the current T-score with broader grade bands, but this will take several years to implement. Mr Lee said Singapore must continue to have top secondary schools, but they should admit more than the brightest students. More will be done to let children with special traits, such as resilience and drive, enter the best schools, and bursaries will help those from poor backgrounds get in too. Mr Lee said he and his Cabinet colleagues had pondered the problems caused by global change and income inequality and taken in valuable input from the Our Singapore Conversation process. They have decided on a new way forward, which he described as a new balance between individuals, community and the Government because those who are vulnerable can no longer make it through individual effort alone. "We must shift the balance. The community and the Government will have to do more to support individuals," he said. He called on Singaporeans to organise themselves to help solve problems, and for the more privileged to give back to society. Singapore will tread carefully to ensure the changes do not undermine self-reliance, lead to over- consumption of health care or compromise academic standards and rigour, Mr Lee stressed. Over the longer term, it will have to raise its taxes or cut back on other spending so it can pay for stronger safety nets and new social programmes without saddling the next generation with debt. "We must pass on to our children a better Singapore than the one we inherited. We owe it to them to do so, just as we owe what we have today to our founding generation," he said. He illustrated how his Government intends to do so with a preview of plans to expand Changi Aiport over the next decade, and move Paya Lebar airbase to free up land larger than Ang Mo Kio for new homes, offices and factories. "In a deeper sense, these are not plans; these are acts of faith - in Singapore and in ourselves," he said. "Faith that a generation from now, Singapore will still be here, and will still be worth investing in. "Faith that we can thrive in the world, whatever the challenges, and hold our own against the competition. "Faith that we can get our politics right, that we can throw up honest, capable, trusted people to lead our country well, to make our system work for Singaporeans. "Faith that we can stay together as one united people, maintain a steady course year after year, and make our dreams come true," an energised Mr Lee said as he drew his speech to a close. He invited Singaporeans to work with him and with one another. "Together, let us forge our new way forward," he said. lydia@sph.com.sg MORE REPORTS: TOP OF THE NEWS EDITORIAL: OPINION Background story HEALTH CARE MediShield insurance for all, no age limit or exclusions More subsidies for outpatient care EDUCATION More Primary 1 spots for those without links PSLE T-score to be replaced by grades Top secondary schools to broaden admissions HOUSING Help for every working family to afford a flat Grants for middle-income to buy 4-room flat More help for two-roomers to upgrade [HR][/HR]YOU ARE NOT ALONE; WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER: PM LEE Singaporeans sense correctly that the country is at a turning point. I understand your concerns. I promise you, you will not be facing these challenges alone, because we’re all in this together. We will find a new way to thrive in this new environment...We must make now a strategic shift in our approach to nation-building.
Edusave contributions to be extended to all children who are Singapore Citizens from Published on Aug 19, 2013 10:57 AM Xinmin Primary School students doing homework in the school compound. Edusave contributions will be extended to all children who are Singapore citizens aged seven to 16, the Ministry of Education announced on Monday. -- FILE PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG By Melissa Lin Edusave contributions will be extended to all children who are Singapore citizens aged seven to 16, the Ministry of Education announced on Monday. The amount they get will be pegged to what typical students of the same age group in MOE schools receive. Those aged seven to 12 will receive the amount applicable to primary-level students, which is currently $200 per year. Those aged 13 to 16 will receive the amount applicable to secondary-level students, which is currently $240 per annum. This will benefit 20,000 more children, including those enrolled in madrasahs, privately-funded schools, as well as children who are home-schooled or residing overseas. They will be able to use their edusave funds for enrichment activities organised by their schools. MOE targets to implement this by the second half of 2014 and will provide more details at a later date.
NDR 2013: Paya Lebar Airbase to be moved to Changi, area freed up for homes and indus Published on Aug 18, 2013 9:48 PM An F-15SG fighter of 149 Squadron rolling down the runway at Paya Lebar Airbase before take-off on June 24, 2013. A new military airbase and a fourth runway will be built at Changi East, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday, Aug 18, 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM By Leonard Lim A new military airbase and a fourth runway will be built at Changi East, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday. Paya Lebar Airbase will be moved there later on. This will free up an area bigger than Bishan and Toa Payoh - around 800 ha - for new homes, offices, and factories. Relocating the airbase also removes height restrictions around Paya Lebar and frees up the authorities to develop new and exciting plans for the eastern part of Singapore. PM Lee also touched on other bold plans that are in progress. These include building a new port in Tuas which is bigger and more efficient than current facilities, to maintain the country's premier position as one of the world's leading ports. All container ports in Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani and Pasir Panjang will be moved there when leases expire from 2027. This will also free up prime land in Tanjong Pagar, where a new southern waterfront city will be built. Occupying a space of about 1,000 ha, or 2.5 times the size of Marina Bay, it will stretch from Shenton Way to Pasir Panjang. There will also be a fifth terminal at Changi Airport, to double its current capacity. PM Lee said the plans were examples of how Singapore needs to think and plan for the future. "If we can carry off these plans, we will not have to worry about running out of space or possibilities in Singapore," he said.
NDR 2013: MediShield revamped, will cover all for life Published on Aug 18, 2013 8:47 PM A hospital ward at the Changi General Hospital. MediShield coverage will no longer stop at 90 and will be expanded to include even those with pre-existing illnesses, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday, Aug 18, 2013, as he announced a major revamp of Government insurance scheme. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA Tham Yuen-C MediShield coverage will no longer stop at 90 and will be expanded to include even those with pre-existing illnesses, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday as he announced a major revamp of Government insurance scheme. In addition to the increased coverage, benefits will be increased so patients will pay less out-of-pocket. However, there will no choice to opt-out under the scheme to be named MediShield Life and premiums will likely be higher. But PM Lee said that those who cannot afford to pay for the higher premiums do not have to worry as the Government will step in to help. He specifically singled out a group he called Singapore's pioneer generation, whom he said had worked hard to build today's Singapore. For them, the Government will create a Pioneer Generation Package to help pay for their MediShield Life premiums. These people, in their late 60s and above, and now mostly retired, said Mr Lee, had " paved the way for us to live better lives than themselves", and "lived with fewer safety nets". "We must take care of our pioneer generation in their golden years," he said. The Ministry of Health will be conducting a public consultation exercise before deciding on the details of the scheme. With affordable outpatient care a key health care concern here, said Mr Lee, the Government will also be tweaking its Community Health Assist Scheme to open it up to younger Singaporeans. The scheme, which subsidises lower to middle-income patients for treatment at private general practitioners and dentists, currently has an age-floor of 40 years old. The Government will also increase subsidies for those with more serious conditions who need to visit Specialist Outpatient Clinics. Means-testing will be used to determine who can qualify.
Changi Airport could partner CapitaMalls Asia to build new Jewel complex Published on Aug 19, 2013 8:55 AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130819/Project Jewel_Photo 1e.jpg Project Jewel is an iconic mixed-use complex being planned at Changi Airport. It is envisaged to be a world-class lifestyle destination that will strongly boost Changi’s attractiveness as an air hub. -- PHOTO: CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130819/Project Jewel_Photo 2e.jpg Project Jewel is envisaged to be a must-visit Singapore attraction for tourists and a wonderful weekend destination for local residents. -- PHOTO: CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130819/Project Jewel_Photo 3e.jpg A key feature of Project Jewel will be a large-scale, lush indoor garden with a breathtaking central waterfall. Photo 4: Seamlessly connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Project Jewel will offer aviation and travel facilities, unique attractions and exciting retail offerings all under one roof – just a few steps away from Changi Airport’s departure gates. -- PHOTO: CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP By Karamjit Kaur Changi Airport's new icon, codenamed Jewel, may be jointly developed and operated by CapitaMalls Asia. The potential partnership was announced by both parties early Monday. Jewel which will be built at the existing open-air carpark in front of Terminal 1 will be a world-class, signature lifestyle destination that will enable Changi Airport to capture tourism, and strongly boost Singapore's appeal as a stopover point for global travellers, Changi Airport Group said. To be ready by 2018, the complex will offer aviation and travel-related facilities, retail offerings and leisure attractions.
NDR 2013: More housing grants for middle-income Published on Aug 18, 2013 8:30 PM Middle-income families looking to buy a four-room flat for the first time will be eligible for a housing grant that was previously eligible only for buying two-room or three-room flats, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday. -- ST FILE PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG Tham Yuen-C Middle-income families looking to buy a four-room flat for the first time will be eligible for a housing grant that was previously eligible only for buying two-room or three-room flats, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday. Announcing the extension of the Special Housing Grant (SHG), Mr Lee reiterated in his National Day Rally that the Government was committed to making HDB flats more affordable, especially for the less well-off. The SHG started out in 2011 as a special subsidy for households earning $2,250 or less, and buyers were limited to two-room or three-room flats. With the extension, and the income ceiling raised, these first-time buyers can now opt for a four-room flat, and still qualify for up to $20,000 more in subsidies. "I will make sure every Singaporean family who is working can afford their home," said Mr Lee. But he outlined competing concerns that emerged from the Our Singapore Conversation. Though many wanted to make sure their children had affordable housing, they wanted the own properties to appreciate in value as well. To this end, PM Lee said the Government would keep built-to-order (BTO) flat prices stable, while increasing support for lower- and middle-income families, he added. Mr Lee also acknowledged that maintaining equity had become harder as Singapore's income gap widens, and said the Government had to intervene more to keep "ours a fair and just society". In the past two years, the Housing Board had built record number of flats to clear first-timer backlog, de-linked new flat prices from the resale flat prices to stabilise built-to-order flat prices, and raised income ceilings to relieve the "sandwich class" among other measures. He promised that the Government would continue to monitor housing affordability closely, saying that housing "has been and will continue to be an important way to share the fruits of our progress with all Singaporeans, and level up poorer households". But Mr Lee asked that Singaporeans treat their HDB flats as a "home where we sink roots, raise families and build emotional bonds with fellow Singaporeans", and not see it as just a roof over their heads or a valuable nest egg.
A first look at Changi Airport’s new ‘Jewel’ TODAY Changi Airport Group releases concept plans for iconic mixed-use complex ‘Project Jewel’ to link Terminals 1, 2, 3 19 August SINGAPORE — The Changi Airport Group (CAG) today (Aug 19) released its concept plans for “Project Jewel”, a mixed-use complex linking Terminals 1, 2 and 3 with the architect behind the Marina Bay Sands leading the team of design consultants. To be built on a 3.5-hectare plot of land, in place of the open-air car park in front of Terminal 1, Project Jewel will be seamlessly connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Project Jewel is being drawn up by a consortium of design consultants led by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who designed the Marina Bay Sands, and comprising Benoy and local architects RSP. Project Jewel is being designed to be architecturally iconic, with a stunning glass and steel façade that presents an impressive view of the complex — from both Airport Boulevard and from above. A key feature of the complex is a large-scale, lush indoor garden with a breathtaking waterfall. CAG said that it is working with CapitaMalls Asia — one of the largest listed shopping mall developers, owners and managers in Asia — on the concept and plans of Project Jewel. The two parties are also exploring a joint venture partnership to develop and manage Project Jewel when it is completed. This process is expected to be concluded by the end of the year. In a release, CAG said that it envisages Project Jewel to be a world-class, signature lifestyle destination that will capture the imagination of tourists and promises to be a destination for Singaporeans as well. The complex, which will sit on a new multi-storey basement car park, will offer aviation and travel-related facilities, a wide range of retail offerings and unique leisure attractions. “We are very excited about this opportunity to create at Changi Airport an iconic global attraction that will capture the hearts of both tourists and Singaporeans,” said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CAG’s Chief Executive Officer. “For tourists, we envisage Project Jewel to be a must-visit Singapore attraction, located strategically at the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest air hubs, and an extension of the Changi brand promise that many travellers worldwide have come to know us for. “For Singaporeans, it will be an exciting world-class destination right here at home, where they can relax and enjoy with their loved ones, again and again.” As part of the redevelopment, T1 will also be expanded to allow more space for the arrival hall, baggage claim areas and taxi bays to increase the terminal’s passenger handling capacity to 24 million passengers per year. When completed, Project Jewel, together with Terminal 4, will boost Changi Airport’s handling capacity to 85 million passenger movements a year. CAG plans to increase its staff strength by about 180 over the next four years, with around 80 new employees to be recruited during the course of this year alone, to staff the teams working on these two developments as well as other upcoming infrastructure projects. Project Jewel was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in yesterday’s National Day Rally. Mr Lee also said that Changi Airport will be getting a fifth terminal by the mid-2020s. The Future of Changi Airport: http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130820/ST_20130820_CHANGI20_3800265.pdf
At the threshold of a new Singapore Archive: Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay. ECP Expressway, Singapore skyline..Photo: Ernest Chua. August 2011. National Day Rally at ITE Headquarters and College Central on 18 Aug 2013. Photo by Don Wong. By Eugene K B Tan 19 August In what is probably his most important National Day Rally speech yet, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined a vision for Singapore that epitomises opportunity, hope, fairness and social solidarity. It marks a new direction in governance, and will form the basis of a strategic reconceptualisation of Singapore’s future and how we will get there. In particular, Singapore’s search for the right balance in terms of role of the state, community and individual at a turning point in our history is crucial. Mr Lee stressed that the community and Government must do more to support individuals; he pledged that the Government will do more to give every citizen, especially the low-income, a fair share in the nation’s success. Social safety nets will be strengthened, and more will be done to leaven our hard-nosed meritocracy. While economic vibrancy remains essential to our well-being, the Prime Minister recognised Singaporeans’ growing desire for a home with heart and hope — that Singapore must engender within Singaporeans a deep sense of identity, belonging and rootedness to this place we call home. NOT CHANGE FOR CHANGE’S SAKE The slew of policy shifts entailed a radical rethink of fundamentals that have served us well, and the changes have been more than two years in the making. It has been slightly over two years since the bruising May 2011 General Election and a year since the commencement of Our Singapore Conversation (OSC). Mr Lee’s speech is seen as an indication of how well the Government has consulted Singaporeans, primarily through the OSC platform — and more importantly, how it has sought to respond to their concerns, fears and aspirations. A week earlier, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke of Singapore as being at an inflexion point, where changes are needed to avoid a “mid-life crisis”. Indeed, Singaporeans desire a fundamental re-think of how Singapore has been governed — a re-calibration of state-people relations, as well as getting the balance right on (economic) value vis-a-vis values that define Singapore. There will certainly be the view that the changes could be much bolder and quicker. But in ringing the changes, it is also crucial that there is no alienating effect. Even a fundamental relook of policies that have served us well should not prompt us to throw the baby out with the bathwater. It should not be change for change’s sake; indeed, it will take a while to imagine and become accustomed to a good life that is based on rather different values to those of the past. GROWTH FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE Singapore Inc’s hedonistic treadmill, with its emphasis on economic value, affluence and consumption, must now compete for mind-share with the growing importance of transcendental pursuits, values and quality of life. In many respects, Singapore faces its first significant post-material challenge since independence: The existential introspection of “what does it mean to be Singaporean?” and “what does Singapore stand for?”. It is how we deal with and answer these aspirational concerns that will determine Singapore’s future. The subtext of Mr Lee’s speech is that in defining our society, our shared values must discipline and enhance our shared purpose. GDP growth is a means to an end — but it must also serve social justice. Even as we await further details of the policy changes, it is clear that the Government’s tight-fisted approach has made way for more government expenditures on what are increasingly being seen as social rights in a 21st century Singapore: Assurance of affordable quality health care and public housing. They will go a long way in reducing the anxieties of Singaporeans. Yet beyond the announcements on the individual issues that are of deep concern to Singaporeans, Mr Lee’s articulation of how the social compact will be right-sized is very crucial. How do we manage the competing, and even conflicting, interests in the quest for a fair and just society? A CRITICAL RECALIBRATION Mr Lee’s refreshed approach to nation-building requires a recalibration of the roles of the individual, the community, and the State — whether it is about strengthening social safety nets, or re-defining success beyond academic achievements, or the successful helping the less successful. This endorsement of co-creation, a combination of togetherness, self-reliance and resourcefulness, is timely. For a more caring and humane Singapore, individualism will need to co-exist with the communitarian spirit. Will these policy shifts revitalise society, or will they sow the seeds of eventual decline? This has to be considered against a global context of many other nations — be it the United States, China or the Scandinavian states — also now doing their own recalibrations of the rights and responsibilities of the State, society and individual. The traditional governing principles of free market individualism, socialism and welfare statism have been challenged by ageing populations, widening income gaps, globalisation, unemployment, economic turmoil, a more mobilised citizenry and other 21st century trends. Like every other country, Singapore will have to find its own unique equilibrium. We are well-placed to shift towards a heavier responsibility on the part of the State and the collective. But Mr Lee’s caution on healthcare costs reminds us how even well-intentioned public policies to enervate society can result in trade-offs and costs. This requires that we look, with eyes wide open, for a new and sustainable balance between self-reliance and social support. Mr Lee’s speech, in short, is a clarion call for a fundamental re-booting of the social compact. There can be no turning back. Will Singaporeans rally behind him, his Government and fellow citizens as the country moves into uncharted waters? Where will this new course take us in 10, 20 years? The Prime Minister seeks to reignite the passion and imagination of Singaporeans, as then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew did at another make-or-break juncture in nationhood — when independence was thrust upon Singapore 48 years ago. Protecting our precious inheritance will require us all to act in faith and as one. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Eugene K B Tan is an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University School of Law, and a Nominated Member of Parliament
A heartening National Day Rally FromDaniel Koh Kah Soon 5 hours 34 min ago There was something refreshingly different about this year’s National Day Rally. The choice of ITE (Institute of Technical Education) College Central as the venue speaks volumes about Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong identifying with people who may not have the ability or inclination to take the education route through well-known schools and junior colleges. The message conveyed was that the Government has, at heart, the interests of those who are less academically gifted. Mr Lee’s speech touched on subjects troubling ordinary Singaporeans: Healthcare costs, housing affordability and the anxiety of finding a place in school for one’s child. While he has promised to tackle the pressing social issues, how the policy changes work out and how successfully they ease tensions will depend on the details to be finalised. I hope we will find real changes benefiting current and future generations, making Singapore a pleasant home. Mr Lee also offered a glimpse of an exciting Singapore with some major projects, like the Jewel at Changi, the new Tuas Harbour and the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base to Changi. These look like massive, attractive projects Singaporeans can be proud, especially if the land freed up by the current air base and Tanjong Pagar port will not be disproportionately developed in favour of top-range expensive housing but more for ordinary citizens. Much-needed housing and community projects would encourage neighbourliness and foster the common good.
National Day Rally 2013: As it happened Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Photo: Don Wong PM Lee Hsien Loong outlines key policy changes in housing, education and healthcare in his National Day Rally speec TODAY 18 August SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his National Day Rally 2013 speech today (Aug 18) at ITE Headquarters and College Central, outlining key policy changes. From 6.45pm to 7.30pm, Mr Lee delivered the Malay and Mandarin portions of his speech. Following an intermission, he delivered his English speech from 8pm to 10pm. 6.47pm: “At the An Nur Mosque during Ramadan, I saw the “gotong royong” spirit. I would like to see this grow over time.” Full story at: http://tdy.sg/19r3TlE 6.49pm: Mr Lee said in the Malay portion of the National Day Rally: “In next few years, 3 new mosques will be built in Woodlands, Jurong West and Punggol. By 2013, 18,000 more prayer spaces will be added. This is good news for Muslims.” 6.50pm: “All should have opportunities to do well. You should not worry about healthcare, old age and housing. The state has to strengthen our social safety nets, foster fairer opportunities and rewards for all Singaporeans.” 6.52pm: On helping low income households, Mr Lee said: “Every child should have a good start in life, regardless of background. We will extend Edusave accounts, contributions to all students, whether in madrasahs, abroad or homeschooled.” 7.07pm: In the Mandarin portion of his National Day Rally, Mr Lee said: “For this generation’s children, education levels, economic well-being, life expectancy have all gone up. 7.08pm: “I believe European economies will recover, and prospects for China are good.” 7.09pm: “Singapore has a stable economy, high employment. But there will be downsides as we transform our economy. We need to control foreign worker numbers, or it will lead to serious consequences.” 7.10pm: On the foreign worker issue, Mr Lee said: “The Government understands difficulties that businesses have, and we will try our best to help.” 7.16pm: “Schemes to help the needy represent a fundamental shift in strategy. It is a new approach and a different mindset for the Government. We hope to better understand peoples’ concerns, move with changing social needs, and support all Singaporeans.” 7.17pm: “We need to strike a new balance between the roles of the Government, community and the individual. The Government and community will share a larger part of individuals’ burdens. We need to help those with less to strengthen social cohesion and ensure there is no division between the rich and poor. 7.22pm: On major investments in pre-school education, Mr Lee said: “Over the next five years, we will add 20,000 childcare spaces.” 7.24pm: “To show the pioneer generation our appreciation, the Government will strengthen social safety nets and reduce their worries. We must take special care of those in difficult circumstances, especially the low income and elderly” 7.25pm: “There will be more support to help SMEs meet the challenges of economic restructuring.” More details at: http://tdy.sg/16yJNY1 8.00pm: Beginning the English portion of the National Day Rally, Mr Lee said: “The National Day Rally is held at ITE to underscore my commitment to nurture all to full potential and signal a turning point for Singapore." 8.06pm: “47,000 Our Singapore Conversation participants wanted to see opportunities, purpose, assurance, community spirit and trust in Singapore. Their biggest takeaway from OSC is the spirit of openness and the realization that others had different, convlicting views.” 8.08pm: “We are facing competition from technology, artificial intelligence and emerging economies. 8.10pm: “Society is becoming more stratified and less mobile as children of successful Singaporeans are more likely to do well. Singaporeans sense, correctly, that the country is at a turning point. I understand your concerns.” 8.14pm: We must make a strategic shift in our approach to nation-building. The community and Government will have to do more to support individuals, The Government will continue to provide core public services – housing, education, healthcare – but make 3 shifts. We have to give all a fair share in Singapore’s success, strengthen social safety nets and keep paths upwards open to all. Read the full story at: http://tdy.sg/13JutSx 8.18pm: Singapore has succeeded because everyone shared in fruits of our progress. We have achieved growth with equity. On average, even the poorest one-fifth of households have S$200,000 of net wealth in their HDB flat. HOUSING 8.20pm: “We built record number of new flats, delinked new flat prices from resale market and allowed singles to buy BTO. We want to help Singaporeans own their own homes, raise loving families and build strong communities. I will make sure every Singaporean family who is working can afford a HDB flat. We can do that.” 8.24pm: “A family earning $1,000 can afford a 2-room flat. Those who earn $2,000 can buy 3-room flat. And those who earn S$4,000 can afford a 4-room flat if they use their CPF to pay off 25-year loan. We will give families who can afford 2-room flats Step-Up Housing Grants to help them upgrade to 3-room flats. We will also extend grants so that a middle-income household will get up to S$20,000 more if they buy a 4-room flat.” Full story at: http://tdy.sg/14r1W4i 8.26pm: “We will monitor housing affordability closely and make sure that an HDB flat is always within reach.” HEALTHCARE 8.35pm: “We will improve healthcare financing to give all Singaporeans more peace of mind. We will remove the age floor to include younger Singaporeans in Community Health Assist Scheme. We will also increase subsidies (now 50 per cent) for lower and middle-income patients visiting Specialist Outpatient Clinics.” Read the full story at: http://tdy.sg/13JxL8r 8.37pm: PM Lee on requests for Medisave to be used for more outpatient treatments: “We will study carefully how to do this.” 8.39pm: We will revamp MediShield, to become MediShield Life because it will cover for life, not stop at 90. MediShield Life will give better protection for very large bills so patients will pay less out-of-pocket. Premiums will be higher but the Government will subsidise those who can’t afford the premiums. Full story at: http://tdy.sg/14TzhuM 8.42pm: We must take care of our pioneer generation. They are special and have worked hard to build today's Singapore. The Government has launched the Pioneer Generation Package to help them pay for their MediShield-Life premiums. More details at: http://tdy.sg/14TzyOj 8.45pm: The Government will provide more healthcare subsidies, and therefore Medisave contribution rates must go up. EDUCATION 8.49pm: “Through keeping paths upwards wide open to all, we have enhanced our human potential and created hope for all. The Government will contribute to the Edusave accounts of every child aged 7-16, including home-schoolers, madrasah and those studying overseas.” 8.52pm: Parents and students have preferences for certain schools. I believe we can make every school a good school. 8.57pm: I think it is good that we have some schools which are known as outstanding, so long as we keep system open. Outstanding students should always be able to make it to top. We cannot have a closed, self-perpetuating elite. We must create an education landscape with a high base and many peaks of excellence. 8.59pm: The focus of education is now more on examination performance than on actual learning. We must recalibrate to keep system open, focus our efforts on things which matter more than grades in the long run. 9.00pm: From next year, every primary school will set aside at least 40 places for children with no prior connection. We will give every child a chance to enter the primary school of his choice and we will continue to upgrade the quality of schools. Full story at: http://tdy.sg/14TzXQW 9.05pm: Parents think PSLE determines a student’s future, hence there is tremendous stress as the whole family takes the PSLE. Today, parents ask one another – what is your child’s T-score? I don't think this is healthy at age of 12. 9.08pm: PM Lee on T-Scores: We shouldn't decide on secondary school postings based on such fine distinctions. We will use wider bands for PSLE grades like the O and A levels to give space to educate students more holistically. More details at: http://tdy.sg/14TzIFA 9.10pm: We want to create flexibility in secondary schools so students can tailor education to their abilities and interests. 9.16pm: Top schools should take not just those with top grades, but also those with other special qualities. We will broaden the Direct School Admissions categories to admit those with qualities like character, drive and leadership. 9.21pm: “We must recognise people for effort, not backgrounds. Society cannot be based on guanxi (connections). If you succeed under our meritocratic system, you should feel the duty to contribute back to society.” Mr Lee cites Dr Yeo Sze Ling of A*Star: “She proves you can do well if you work hard.” FUTURE PLANS 9.29pm: New policies are significant shifts, but our ultimate destination and core purpose have not changed. We are not taking these steps because our system is bad. On the contrary, we are starting from a good position. The new strategic direction will take us down a different road from the one that has brought us this far. But this new direction is not without risk. We have to tread carefully and beware pitfalls. 9.33pm: PM: We have to be prepared to pay for measures, whether by raising taxes or cutting back on other spending. 9.35pm: We have to be prepared to pay for measures, whether by raising taxes or cutting back on other spending. It is my responsibility to help young Singaporeans build the Singapore of their dreams. To realise these dreams, we need to do the tangible things: Build our city, improve our living environment. 9.44pm: We will build the new Terminal 4 at Changi Airport, plus replace the open-air carpark at Terminal 1 with something codenamed “Project Jewel”. We are also already planning Terminal 5 to double Changi Airport's capacity, which will be completed by the mid-2020s. Full story at: http://tdy.sg/14XXa1z 9.45pm: Paya Lebar Airbase will be moved to Changi and we will build a new RSAF airbase and a fourth runway at Changi East. Relocating Paya Lebar Airbase removes height restrictions, frees up 800 hectares to develop new and exciting plans. More details at: http://tdy.sg/14r2yXI 9.47pm: We are building a new port in Tuas. All container ports will be moved there from 2027 onwards. The Tuas port plans will free up prime land in Tanjong Pagar, where we will build the brand new Southern Waterfront City. 9.49pm: Very few countries or cities can think or plan over such a long term. But Singapore has been able to do it. In a deeper sense, these are not merely plans; these are acts of faith – in Singapore and in ourselves. 9.50pm: “We may have made major shifts in our policies, but our core purpose has not changed. To create opportunities for Singaporeans to do their best; to invest in every Singaporean, and develop their innate talent; to keep Singapore a place where the human spirit thrives. “We are not done building Singapore; we never will be done. Work with me, and with one another . Together, let us forge our new way forward. Together, let us create a better future for all Singaporeans.”
3 Singaporean students reach finals of Google Science Fair Published on Aug 19, 2013 8:03 AM Raffles Girls' School students (from left) Samantha Kwok, 16, Tricia Lim, 15, and Kang Yi Xi, 16, will present their proposal on a treatment for liver inflammation to panellists, including Nobel laureates. -- ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG By Walter Sim Three Singaporean teenagers will pack their bags next month for Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California. Their goal - to do Singapore proud in the third Google Science Fair, where their proposal on a treatment for liver inflammation is one of 15 to have made the cut as a finalist from thousands of submissions from 120 countries. Raffles Girls' School students Kang Yi Xi, 16, Samantha Kwok, 16, and Tricia Lim, 15, will present their work to panellists, including Nobel laureates. They are on the cusp of a small but significant discovery, said Professor Hanry Yu of National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, who mentored them.
S'porean Harvard student takes runner-up spot in international pageant The New Paper August 18, 2013 - 11:28pm By: Charlene Chua PHOTO: COURTESY OF LIYANN SEET At 1.58m, Miss Liyann Seet was the shortest among the 25 finalists at the Miss Petite World 2013 international pageant. The competition, held on Aug 3 in Connecticut, in the US, features participants who are below 1.67m and Miss Seet is the pageant's first Singapore contestant. The Harvard University student said the other contestants were "gorgeous" and were much taller in their high heels. "I knew I couldn't beat them in terms of stature...so I decided to try to win the only way I knew how. I used my brains, and for that I have my father to thank because he did everything he could to make sure that I received the best education possible," she said. One question posted to her was: "What do you think of the *** trade in Singapore?" Her answer impressed the judges enough to land her the first runner-up spot in the competition and win her the Miss Asia Pacific Petite World 2013 title. (Unfortnately, I also don't know her answer. )
Hi Folks, I'll be away for a holiday from 21 August till month-end. I'm making my first visit to Eastern Europe, but will not have a chance to see our badminton stars especially from Germany (Berlin) and Poland (Krakow). But I'll try to appreciate the beauty of their sceneries, history and culture. Vienna should be melodious with her "Sound of Music". Hope to meet up again in this forum on my return. Meanwhile do keep yourself fit and trim with badminton.
PM makes changes to Cabinet Singapore Varied range of talent, abilities needed as governance becomes ‘more complicated and intense’ TODAY ByTan Weizhen 29 August SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday announced changes to the Cabinet and other political appointments, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce his team for national tasks which have become “more complicated and more intense”. With effect from next month, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing will become a full minister — about two years and four months after he was elected as a Member of Parliament. Mr Chan will also be Second Minister for Defence. Ministers of State Josephine Teo and Amy Khor will be promoted to Senior Ministers of State (SMS), while Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman and Ms Sim Ann, who are currently Senior Parliamentary Secretaries, will move up the ranks as Ministers of State. All four will remain at their respective ministries. The changes that caught the eye of political analysts were the promotion of two backbenchers: Jurong GRC MP Desmond Lee will be appointed Minister of State (Ministry of National Development) and Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Low Yen Ling will become Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Social and Family Development). Ms Low’s appointment will take effect from Oct 1. Cabinet changes have become an annual affair in recent years. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his official visit to China, the Prime Minister said: “Every year I look at my team and see what changes I need to make, to update it, to reinforce it, to promote people who have done well and contributed.” He noted that he had been making structural changes to his administration, including the restructuring of two ministries last year and the creation of the National Population and Talent Division. He added that to complement these changes, not only political leadership is required but also, “people who can do the political work” such as engaging Singaporeans, as well as “getting our views across and making sure we know how people are feeling”. Which is why “we need a team which has a varied range of talent and abilities and it’s a team which you build up gradually over time”, he said. Currently, Mr Chan, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin and Mr Lawrence Wong — all of whom entered politics in 2011 — are Acting Ministers. Mr Lee noted that Mr Tan and Mr Wong have been Acting Ministers for “just one year so I will consider their situation again perhaps next year or the year after”. He said: “It doesn’t mean that if you weren’t promoted, there is something wrong with your performance ... On the whole, I’m satisfied with the performance of all my ministers.” Mr Lee, 61, had said in 2010 that the Republic “should not have a Prime Minister who is 70 years old or more than 70 years old”. He reiterated yesterday that “it is not for me to determine my successor”. “It’s for the young people, the younger ministers in the team to work out amongst themselves whom they will support as their leader. I think the people who are in the Cabinet now will be an important part of the next generation of leaders,” he said. Institute of Policy Studies Senior Research Fellow Gillian Koh described the latest Cabinet changes as “small steps to succession planning”. Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan, who is also a Nominated Member of Parliament (MP), said he expects to see more changes in the next 12 to 18 months, as the clock is ticking away to get the next generations of core leaders ready. The Prime Minister said Mr Desmond Lee and Ms Low, who are both first-term MPs, have been “good backbenchers”. On the fast-tracked promotion of the former, he said: “It’s my assessment of what the person is able to contribute and where he fits in.” He added that the appointment will allow Mr Tan, who will relinquish his other portfolio as Senior Minister of State in the MND, to “focus on his responsibilities” in the Manpower Ministry. “(Mr Tan) is not only Acting Minister for Manpower but also SMS for National Development. But I think that’s too heavy of a responsibility for him to bear,” Mr Lee said. On making Ms Low an office-holder in the Ministry of Social and Family Development, he noted that Mr Chan “needs an assistant” and Ms Low, whom he described as personable, was interested in the area.
Sailing: Singapore take top two places in Optimist Asian Championship team race The Straits Times Published on Aug 27, 2013 6:12 PM By Wang Meng Meng It was a one-two finish for Singapore sailors at the Optimist Asian Championship in Hayama, Japan, on Tuesday, as both the Republic's teams took the top two positions in the team race. The Singapore 2 quintet of Koh Yi Kun, Ryan Teo, Bertha Han, Ryan Kwok and Issac Tang edged their Singapore 1 counterparts Loh Jia Yi, Edward Tan, Samuel Neo, Firdaus Fathin Rasyiqin and Raynn Kwok in the final sail off. Singapore 2 had eliminated the Indonesia, Japan 1, Thailand 1, Chinese Taipei and South Korea teams to reach the final.
Changi T5 to land by mid 2020s, capacity to handle 50m passenger movements a year Published on Aug 30, 2013 5:21 PM The arrival porch at Changi Airport's Terminal 3. A new, mega Terminal 5 will be ready by the middle of next decade at Changi East and have the capacity to handle 50 million passenger movements a year - larger than T2 and T3 combined. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN By Royston Sim A new, mega Terminal 5 will be ready by the middle of next decade at Changi East and have the capacity to handle 50 million passenger movements a year - larger than T2 and T3 combined. Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo unveiled plans for Changi Airport at a briefing on Friday afternoon. The future T5 will be linked to other airport terminals via underground tunnels so the expanded Changi Airport can be operated as a single, integrated airport with easy transfers between terminals, maximum convenience for passengers and efficient airfield operations. Changi currently has three terminals, two runways and can handle 66 million passenger movements a year. By around 2020, it will have four terminals, three runways and be able to handle 85 million passenger movements annually. T5 will up Changi's handling capacity to 135 million passenger movements. Space will also be set aside for future satellite terminals if additional capacity is required. The road infrastructure around Changi will be improved to ensure convenient access to T5, which will also be connected to the MRT network. The adequacy of bus services to the airport will also be reviewed.
Lau Pa Sat closes for $4m facelift, reopens in November Published on Sep 01, 2013 7:46 AM The iconic Lau Pa Sat closes from Sunday for a $4 million facelift. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN By Melissa Lin The iconic Lau Pa Sat closes from Sunday for a $4 million facelift. When it reopens in November, it will feature more alfresco dining options, a Japanese bakery and better ventilation. The facelift is meant to help the ageing food centre keep up with its increasingly modern neighbours, said Mr Alden Tan, managing director of Kopitiam, which owns the building. A popular lunch spot for office workers, Lau Pa Sat - which means old market in Hokkien - was completed in 1894 at its present Raffles Quay site and is a gazetted national monument. This is its first major renovation in the 17 years since Kopitiam took over.
Singaporeans unfazed by Bidadari's cemetery past for planned HDB estate Most feel that planned HDB estate, which was formerly a cemetery, should retain its name Published on Sep 01, 2013 7:49 AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20130901/ST_20130901_1BIDADARI01_3818334e.jpg THEN: Bidadari ' meaning 'angel' or 'fairy' in Malay ' had sections for Muslims, Hindus, Singhalese and Christians but burials ended there in 1972. -- ST FILE PHOTO http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s.../20130901/ST_20130901_BIDADARI01_3818325e.jpg THE FUTURE: An artist's impression of the new Bidadari estate. It will have a park one-tenth of its size and a cycling path to serve 11,000 new flats. -- PHOTO: HDB http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102769e.jpg The tranquil and serene surroundings of Bidadari Cemetery is a favourite with joggers. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSO CHAN http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102768e.jpg Bidadari Christian Cemetery stirs to life in the evening when joggers turn the place into a park of sorts, and maids from nearby houses bring their wards for an after-dinner walk. -- ST FILE PHOTO: GEORGE GASCON http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102765e.jpg Statues that adorn almost every tombstone at the Bidadari Christian Cemetery. Some of these are brought in from Italy and cost between $2,000 and $7,000. -- NP FILE PHOTO: DOMINIC YING http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102491e.jpg Bidadari cemetery will have to make way for new HDB flats. -- ST FILE PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102490e.jpg More than a graveyard, Bidadari is also rich in history, and is a place of beauty and a symbol of religious and racial harmony. -- ST FILE PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29102486e.jpg An artist's impression of Bidadari estate, one of HDB's three upcoming heartlands of the future. -- FILE PHOTO: HDB http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130901/29091149e.jpg An artist's impression of Bidadari/Linear Park along Bidadari park drive. -- FILE PHOTO: HDB By Rachel Tan Would you be comfortable living on top of someone's final resting place? Once the largest grave site in Singapore, the 18ha Bidadari Cemetery is making way for a new Housing Board town and private estates. However, many young Singaporeans are not aware of its history. From a group of around 20 people in their 20s and 30s that The Sunday Times spoke to, only half knew it was a burial ground.
21,000 Mt Vernon niches to make way for Bidadari estate Smaller complex will replace current one; niches will be relocated to 3 places Published on Sep 02, 2013 7:39 AM Part of the existing Mount Vernon columbarium complex site has been set aside for a new and modern Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour. Bidadari is set to offer 10,000 new public homes and 1,000 private units. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN By Poon Chian Hui A cloud of uncertainty is hanging over affected funeral agencies following news that the Mount Vernon columbarium complex will have to make way for the new Bidadari estate. The move affects some 21,000 niches there and may force two private operators out. A smaller complex will be built to replace the current one, but it is unclear whether private operators will still be allowed to run funeral services there. Bidadari is set to offer 10,000 new public homes and 1,000 private units, with the first few Housing Board flats to be ready in 2015.
3 shifts in S’pore’s political future Central Business District skyline. Photo: Ernest Chua The Prime Minister's choice of venue for the National Day Rally, his emotive language and the emphasis that the Government is listening to concerns as a predicate for policy action might signal a shift in communication style. TODAY file photo By Devadas Krishnadas 8 hours 26 min ago This year’s National Day Rally (NDR) has been celebrated by the official media as a watershed and a mark of how much the Government has changed and, importantly, changed because it has listened to the people. The Prime Minister has said that Singapore is in a new phase. The key question, though, was left unasked and thus unanswered — a phase towards what? If we are to make better sense of the “shifts” announced by the Prime Minister, we need to put them into the context of a larger direction. That direction continues to be ambiguous and the revealed approach seemingly a sum of tactical adjustments. On close inspection, the adjustments to housing and healthcare appear to be incremental changes, albeit non-trivial increments. But do they suggest a departure from past policies at the level of principle? This is not clear. Perhaps announcements in the remaining years leading to the next General Election will add more clarity. MORE, BUT NOT DIFFERENT The Government will make more public housing available through increasing supply. This is nothing new and merely a reflection of the catch-up it needed to do because of its own deficit in past planning. It will make public housing more affordable through the provision of more subsidies and make these available to more Singaporeans. Subsidies are nothing new either and expanding this intervention does not fundamentally tackle the question of why housing is so difficult for even the middle class to afford. The basic question of why housing has become a problem is a combination of the action of three drivers — stimulation of demand, failure to ensure adequate supply and lagging incomes relative to prices. Attacking only the supply question while using a subsidy “band-aid” on the income issue is insufficient to adequately deal with the problem. Indeed, the “band-aid” comes with a high sticker price — some S$440 million annually. Who is to pay for this? “The Government”, we are told. On healthcare, the innovation of MediShield Life is a step to match the changing life-span parameters. It is not in itself a departure from policy as the Government has previously made adjustments with the same motive. The premiums for this new scheme will be more costly. The formula for cost-bearing is to be consistent with the long established co-pay principle — part of the added costs is to be borne by households, while the remainder will be borne by “the Government”. On education, the details are to be worked out over a period of years, but the proposals to lower teacher-to-student ratio and additional investments in neighbourhood schools so they are all “good schools” is arguably only a continuation of an existing policy trajectory. Who will pay for this? “The Government”. More interesting will be the changes to the scoring and educational pathways model. Singaporean children should theoretically benefit from more choices, less harsh selection and greater flexibility in education routes. However, the Government remains committed to maintaining its distinction between “top” and “good”; one assumes this is now the preferred language in place of “neighbourhood” schools, elite streams and all others. The adjustments, such as they are, will come with a price tag. In sum, will these changes in the education system improve social mobility? Will they ease the pressure on Singaporean families? Will this enable Singaporean children to have an education and enjoy their childhoods? The answers remain to be seen. A BIGGER STATE Despite this ambiguity, there are three shifts which we can discern about our political future. First, while the recent announcements may be substantial, though still incremental, adjustments, they may represent a “wedge” that is suggestive of future progressive deviations from past policy trajectories. If we take this view, then certainly, in hindsight from several years down the road, NDR 2013 will have lived up to the hype of being a watershed speech. Hence, the first shift may be not so much about what was said, but what was implied that remains to be said. And this is that Government policy will continue to shift to the left in successive steps and, consequently, the role of the State will expand dramatically over the course of the foreseeable future. A MORE EXPENSIVE STATE What is also clear is that the added costs of this expansion will not be trivial and it will have a very long tail. This is the second shift — the days of surplus budgeting may soon, if not already, be behind us. We are entering a new phase in public finance characterised by barely budget-balancing and then only with recourse to boosting revenues. It is critical for the public to understand that when the Government says it will pay for something, it means that the public will be paying for it through higher taxation. To the Prime Minister’s credit, he did not sugar-coat this reality but dealt with it head on. There are ways to avoid or reduce the pressure to raise taxation. These include diverting resources from other expenditure priorities to these new ones. But this would result in trade-offs which may not be trivial — for instance, if the defence budget was reduced, are we prepared to make our sovereignty more vulnerable? It could be possible to increase the non-household or individual taxation — principally corporate taxation — but this would reduce our attractiveness to businesses. It could be possible to adjust the Net Investment Returns Contribution framework to increase the contributions from our sovereign wealth funds. But would this ultimately be starving the geese which are laying golden eggs for the longer term? This second directional “shift” is a point that the public needs to understand well now, before the bills pile up — this is that good things cost money, their money in one form or another. Further, there must be the recognition that each option or any combination of options for added fiscal supply come with trade-offs and risks. There is no free ride, nor is there a risk-free path to fulfilling our needs and wants. Everyone has a responsibility in exercising good judgment on how to distinguish between needs and wants if we are to have any hope of moderating the expenditure curve, which is arching more steeply each year. Going forward, our politics will be a function of the tension between needs and wants and the inevitable collar — how to pay for it all. A MORE NOISY STATE The third directional “shift” revealed itself in the Prime Minister’s style of delivery. The choice of venue, the emotive language, the emphasis that the Government has and is listening to concerns as a predicate for policy action, were presumably all intended to demonstrate empathy between a democratically elected leader and the electorate. This is a novel departure from not only the Prime Minister’s earlier style but the style of his predecessors, which characterised as top-down the communication between a paramount leader and the led. Of particular significance was the emphasis in his conclusion on the need for faith. The People’s Action Party (PAP) has long prided itself on forming governments of technocrats who preferred evidence-based action and cut-and-dried pronouncements. However, this speech may herald a “shift” to a more American style of politics, where form is as important as substance and where style is as critical as details. If this is so, Singaporeans will find the political road to the next election punctuated with not just more heartwarming verbiage but more verbiage, period, as every Member of Parliament strives to up their “communication quotient”. In other words, it is going to get noisier. This may be welcomed by younger Singaporeans enamoured by the attractiveness of American political theatre that they have experienced only vicariously through television, the Internet and even Hollywood. So our politics may well shift from boring to become more fanciful. However, we must be conscious of the power of incentives — emotive channels have a way of bypassing the head in their appeal to the heart. Today, the Government decides on policies but then makes a more deliberate effort to emphasise its effectiveness of communication. If, in future years, this emotive channel becomes disproportionately influential, then politicians may invert the process by deciding on the communication first, then formulating policies to fit the messaging intent — which, in a democracy, tends to have only one vector: Getting votes. ONE CAR, MANY DRIVERS The dichotomy between our political past and our political future may be the difference between the Government doing all the driving and steering in the past, and these functions being more shared between Government and electorate in the future. If the State were a car, one may be prompted to ask whose hands will prove stronger on the gear knob and steering wheel — the Government or the electorate? Will we find the right balance of tension between these forces? Can the Opposition play a constructive role in Parliament? Can the electorate educate itself on the issues and thus make reasoned judgments about policy proposals? Will we see more public intellectuals stepping forward with ideas and constructive criticism to help massage the political process in a positive direction? Will we become like other democratic governments, which are forced by electoral pressures to think short term and be populist? The interplay of the answers to all these questions will be what determines the shifts that will drive the State into the future. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Devadas Krishnadas, a Risk Consultant, is Managing Director of Future-Moves.
