PM Lee calls for ‘more open approach’
To ensure Singapore’s politics adapts to societal changes, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday that the country’s leaders have to “take a much more open approach for government and governance”.
This means welcoming different views, reaching out to critics and sharing more information, such as GIC investments and employment figures, he said, outlining his priorities for the new term of Parliament in a speech that lasted for more than an hour.
“Hear them (critics), exchange with them, pick up ideas from them, persuade them,” urged Lee. “Wherever possible, we will disclose more, rather than less.”
When it comes to policy implementation, the prime minister advised the House to preserve core principles but be flexible on details.
He drew on the example of compromising on Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), where ERP could be switched off earlier in some areas if commuters are willing to bear with heavier traffic.
Said Lee, “I’m not sure if it will solve the problem but if people feel less angst, if it makes policies more acceptable, I think it’s the right thing to do."
Acknowledging that benefits from policies are often “indirect” and therefore result in anxiety, opposition and angst, Lee called for better communication.
Yet he also stressed, “If policies are wrong, or circumstances have changed, we will say so and change the policies.”
But if perceptions are wrong, then leaders should persevere in the policies and seek to address the wrong views, he added.
Lee said to reach out to special interest groups and deal with specific issues, such as the Central Provident Fund.
On broader issues, the government should have more discussions and debates but take care not to let “sensible moderate thoughtful views be drowned out by unthinking xenophobia”.
He encouraged PAP Members of Parliament to speak their minds, frankly, vigorously and passionately, and to keep close to other groups of people, outside of those who voted for them.
Lee further called on the government to take a more active role on the Internet, to “manage it better to encourage responsible and constructive behavior”.
The government also needs to strengthen people’s “digital judgement” and set new norms and rules online, he noted.
Turning to the Opposition, the prime minister said he would “hold them to their word” to be “responsible and constructive”.
He challenged them not to only criticise the government but to “put up serious alternatives to be considered”.
When supporting popular measures such as increasing social spending or asking the government to deliver more, they should also explain how such proposals can be funded, he pointed out.
Be ready too, to speak up for necessary but unpopular measures, such as immigration, he said.
To Singaporeans, Lee called on them to be “active citizens”, united by a shared goal in making Singapore “grow and prosper”.
Since citizens’ interests are not always aligned – for instance some residents were unwilling to have a nursing home in Bukit Batok – “fair and practical compromises” have to be found, he added.
If some group has to give up something, the government will help them in some other way where possible, he pledged, calling for a “spirit of compromise”.
Other issues Lee dealt with in his address in Parliament included the government’s focus on social mobility, strengthening safety nets and enabling Singaporeans to age with dignity and grace.
Lee said, “In such a future, where not everything is always hunky-dory, we seek Singaporeans’ understanding. Fasten your seatbelts but we are flying safely, take the bumps, let’s continue to try and climb higher.”
