Singapore’s political system is rare and once lost there is no turning back

[drdoof]

SINGAPORE – Singaporeans have something special and rare in the country's political system, where people have consistently given the mandate to the People's Action Party (PAP), and it in turn has delivered outstanding results in everything from security to housing, education, healthcare and the economy, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"The way it has worked in Singapore is quite special and does not happen anywhere else in the world, democracy or non-democracy," he added.

"There is consent, there is mandate and there is restraint and there is sustainable continuity. It is remarkable. You leave it, you can never come back."

PM Lee, who is secretary-general of the ruling PAP, said in an interview with the Singapore media at the Istana that this state of affairs has been the envy of other leaders.

At its core, the system is built on good politics, which has allowed a good Government to get elected so it can implement good policies to benefit the people, he said.

"When voters go to the polls again, they can give their vote to the same good government that serves them. Then this virtuous (circle) can continue," said PM Lee in the interviews conducted in English and Mandarin.

Over time, the system has allowed the Government to plan long-term and deliver outstanding results for Singapore in economic growth and many other aspects of life, said PM Lee.

"People ask how does politics work in Singapore? So I explain to them, they look at me, they think I am a man from Mars. They cannot imagine anything like this happening in their country," he said, citing the tripartite relationship between the Government, unions and businesses as an example.

But for the system to keep on working, it is crucial that voters understand where their interests lie and vote for the government that can best serve them, said PM Lee.

He warned that the system can become distorted when voters want the PAP to govern, but also want more opposition MPs to check and question the Government.

"You may think that you can get a better outcome this way, but in fact, it will weaken the Government's ability to serve you," he said.

On non-contentious issues, the opposition has contributed good ideas, but many other important issues inherently carry some political colour, and provide a strong incentive for the opposition to use them to score points against the Government, he said. On such issues, it is difficult to achieve an objective and constructive debate, he added.

"If you help the Government to govern better and the Government says, thank you, I will do it, and the result is better, then you are making it harder for yourself to get elected the next time," he said.

"So the premium is on showing up what the shortcomings are."

This would have a detrimental effect.

"I think that if the trend continues over the long term, or even the not-so-long term, it will certainly affect our political system, our Government, or even our policies. This will be a different path for Singapore. This is a completely plausible danger for Singapore, and Singaporeans do not always understand this," said PM Lee.

He described a possible freak election in which people end up voting for Team B because they assume everyone else will be voting for Team A, which they in fact want as the government.

"Just move a little bit further along the slope. No harm, nothing will happen. Life will carry on, PAP will look after you. We will be even stronger checking the PAP and speaking up for you. Marvellous. Have your cake and eat it twice. But is it so safe?"

Another scenario that could happen is a weakened Team A over time, which will be unable to provide the quality of government that people deserve, even though Team B is still not ready to replace it.

"Think about it – look at the opposition line-up now. Are you confident you can form half a Cabinet? Everyone has done the assessment, and everyone knows it is absolutely impossible. The opposition also knows it is absolutely impossible," he said.

Either of these two scenarios could be disastrous for Singapore, said PM Lee. "At some point, the political system will malfunction. It is a risk," he added.

For now, the opposition is "doing their best to act as a watchdog", hoping that Singaporeans will think that they will make the Government more transparent and improve policies, or even dilute less popular policies, said PM Lee.

"I think in this aspect they are doing their best. But as to whether they can really raise the standards of policies, I have my views," he added.

[drdoof]

ChatGPT Samurai:

The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, highlighted the unique political system in Singapore where the People's Action Party (PAP) has consistently been given the mandate by the people and has delivered exceptional results in various areas. He emphasized the importance of good politics leading to good governance and policies that benefit the people. PM Lee expressed concerns about potential distortions in the system if voters desire both the PAP to govern and more opposition MPs for checks and balances. He warned that such a scenario could weaken the government's ability to serve effectively. PM Lee also discussed the challenges of achieving constructive debates on politically sensitive issues and the risks of a weakened ruling party or a sudden shift in political dynamics. He underscored the need for voters to understand the implications of their choices to maintain the stability and effectiveness of Singapore's political system.

[jim889]

scare tactics again.. wan ppl to gib them blank cheque

  

[drdoof]

Fear mongering tactics as usual
 

[nyvrem]

u know what's rarer?

ERP 2.0 in 2024

    

[jim889]

u know what's rarer?

ERP 2.0 in 2024

    

silver serpents better listen to the cheng hoo of the day rah..

just keep quiet and install erp 2.0 in chiur honda rah

 

[drdoof]

The biggest irony is Singaporeans are very forgiving to the pap govt and not to their fellow citizens 

[Risa]

flawed system whats the big deal

[FireOpal]

The system benefits the PAP, elites and rich people by 100 times. 

[Imboredtodeath]

eh got same thread i nv see

[jim889]

eh got same thread i nv see

administrator cna merge