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1.2 Exploring Citizenship and Governance (Ideas shaping governance…

- - - - Given that society has limited resources, it would be impossible for everyone's needs and interests to be met fully. As such, decisions on how the resources should be used would need to be made.
        
        An efficient public transport system would be an important priority for those without their own mode of transport. However, those with their own mode of transport may be more concerned about an efficient road network to ensure that they are able to reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
  - - - Given that society has limited resources, the government has to decide which priorities are more urgent and important for that period of time. In doing so however, the government may not be able to meet all the demands of the society
        
        The citizens of a country may agree that it is important for the country to provide affordable healthcare, a good education and a clean environment. However, citizens may disagree on which area the government should prioritise. Parents of school going children would likely want more resources invested in education. On the other hand, the elderly would prefer more resources to keep healthcare affordable to meet their medical needs.
  - - - In building an efficient transport system for the country, it is necessary to build expressways for smooth traffic. While society will benefit generally benefit, residents living near the expressways may be affected by the noise generated from the traffic.
      - In 2012, HDB had plans to build studio apartments for the elderly in Toh Yi estate in Bukit Timah. The apartments would be built on a piece of land that was used for a basketball court, jogging track and a small garden. This made some residents unhappy as they felt that they would lose their recreational spaces. This is despite HDB's plan to build recreational spaces in the studio apartments open to all residents. Some residents are also uncomfortable with having apartments for the elderly near them. This is an example of the "Not in my Backyard " (NIMBY) syndrome. In Singapore, the situation is even more difficult as Singapore has limited land space and such families would invariably be built near where some people live.
      - Understanding trade-offs
        
        There is a need to make choices about how to make the best use of these resources.
        
        This will ensure more people are able to gain the most benefits from these decisions.
        
        In 2014, the government had to make a decision to acquire land previously used for other purposes, such as residential and commercial, to build the Thomson-East Coast Line. When fully operational in 2024, the new MRT line is expected to serve about 500 000 commuters daily in the initial years, rising to one million daily in the longer term. However, by making the decision, the tradeoff was that this piece of land could no longer be used for recreation or industry in the future. Very often, the government needs to balance the costs of tradeoffs with what they choose to spend its resources on.
- - - - Passes laws in Singapore.
        
        Ensures prudent use of financial resources.
        
        Takes a critical role to check on the actions of the governing party and the Ministries, especially during the annual Budget Debate taking place in February/March.
        
        One example is its role as the Committee of Supply. The committee usually sits for seven days or more in March to discuss the expenditure for the coming financial year. Members will then propose nominal cuts of $100 to each ministry's estimates. They can also debate and raise concerns and questions for the ministry to respond to. After the committee has voted on the estimates, it reports the decision to Parliament, which will then debate and vote on the amount the government can spend on the coming financial year. This will become the Supply Bill after the President endorses it. Through this system of checks-and-balances, this helps to ensure the ruling party administers the country in an efficient, clean and corruption-free manner.
        
        Ensures wide representation of views.
        
        One example is the non-constituency MP (NCMPs). The constitution provides for the appointment of up to 9 NCMPs. They are MPs from the opposition political parties who meet 2 criteria. First, they must be candidates who have obtained no less than 15% of the total number of votes in their constituency, and polled the highest percentage of votes among losers in the General Election. This broadens the diversity of views expressed in Parliament.
        
        Another example is the nominated MPs (NMPs). The constitution provides for the appointment of up to 9 NMPs to ensure a wide representation of community views. NMPs are appointed for a term of 2.5 years. They are based on the recommendation of a Special Select Committee. NMPs are not elected into Parliament nor do they belong to any political party. Their main role is to contribute independent points of vies. This also broaden the diversity of views in Parliament.
        
        Another example is the policy of minority representation which helps to safeguard and address the needs of the different groups. The Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR), which consists of members from minority racial and religious groups, ensures that no racial or religious group is disadvantaged as a result of a law passed in Parliament. Under the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system. at least one of the candidates in the team contesting the General Election is from the minority racial groups such as Malay, Indian or Eurasian. The GRC ensures that the minority racial groups are represented in Parliament, and the minority groups have a chance to air their view in Parliament. The policy of minority representation ensures that Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion, are treated fairly and justly. Government policies ensure that the interest of the various communities are kept in balance, and their interests are safeguarded to minimise any grievances arising from unequal treatment. In this manner, the principle o minority representation ensures harmony among the various communities in Singapore.
  - - - Responsible for making all government policies and ensuring the effective administration of the Government and the country under the various Ministries.
        
        Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): Advances and safeguards the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans through effective diplomacy.
        
        Ministry of Defence (MINDEF): Enhances Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure and swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.
        
        Ministry of Education (MOE): Provides children with a balanced and well-rounded education, develops them to their full potential, and nurture them into good citizens who are conscious of their responsibilities to family, society and country.
        
        Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS): Builds a cohesive and resilient society for Singapore.
        
        Ministry of Law (MINLAW): Creates, maintains and enhances Singapore's excellent business climate, through the implementation of sound, transparent and pro-busiess legal policies.
        
        Ensures that policies which are viable and beneficial to Singapore are implemented.
  - - - Laws in the Legislature are interpreted and applied by the Judiciary.
        
        This protects the rights of its citizens and businesses, and ensures a safe and secure home for all. Fair application of the law ensures that the different races and religions can live together harmoniously.
        
        Enhances Singapore's appeal to multinational investors as a place to do business.
- - - - Incorruptible leaders make decisions for the good of the country rather than for their personal interests. This helps to ensure that leaders in power are working with the right intent, in the interests of society
        
        Singapore made progress under the guidance of Mr Liu Thai Ker, chairman of the National Arts Council (NAC). Under his leadership, local talents had more opportunities to participate in international collaborations and co-productions. Events such as the Singapore Writers' Festival and Singapore Arts Festival help to promote the Arts in Singapore. As a result, there was greater recognition and appreciation of arts in Singapore.
        
        As Prime Minister of Singapore after 1990, Goh Chok Tong implemented the vehicle quota scheme where new car buyers had to make a monetary bid for the certificate of entitlement (COE). Due tot he fixed number of COEs every month, the government was able to control the number of cars on the road. This helps to manage traffic flow in Singapore and reduces traffic congestion.
  - - - This ensures that better policies that are viable and beneficial to Singapore are implemented by the government.
        
        This helps us to stay nimble and flexible, turn constraints into advantages, be better organised than our competitors, and help us to exploit opportunities that come our way in the dynamic global environment.
        
        There were tensions when the government decided to build two IRs at Marina Bay and Sentosa. Debates continued because of tensions between the economic benefits and the social costs. In making the decision, the government decided to anticipate change and stay relevant to increase job opportunities and tourist spending. To combat social issues like higher gambling rates, the National Council of Problem Gambling was set up to conduct public education and outreach on problem gambling prevention, as well as counselling services for problem gamblers.
        
        Despite the people's discomfort with drinking processed sewage water, the government has expanded and diversified our water supply to include new sources such as reclaimed water (NEWater) and water desalination. This is a farsighted move as it reduces Singapore's reliance on foreign imports of water. It also enables us to move towards long-term sufficiency, especially after Singapore's two water agreements with Malaysia ends in 2011 and 2061.
  - - - Some channels include the Feedback Unit and the media, such as the Form Page in the Straits Times. The people are also encouraged to voice their opinions directly to the ministers, either through the Meet-the-People sessions or through emails. one example is over the social concerns of building the IRs. They felt that it will lead to higher gambling rates and addiction among Singaporeans. Due to this feedback, the government introduced a $100 levy to deter locals from visiting the casinos.
  - - - This will encourage people to do well and promotes self-reliance amongst other citizens. It also helps to ensure peace and harmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious society.
      - Ensures the best use of talent which helps to raise overall productivity and competitiveness of the society and economy.
        
        The Edusave Scholarship and Edusave Merit Bursary schemes reward the top 10% and 25% of the students in schools an the Institutes of Technical Education.
    - - Ensure that Singaporeans will continue to gain access to opportunities to experience success
        
        Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong shared the need for Singaporeans to practise compassionate meritocracy. This encourages citizens to contribute to society, particularly to those who may not have access to the same opportunities.
        
        Deputy Prime Minister Tharman also encouraged Singaporeans to not view academic qualifications as the only achievement in life. Instead they should pursue lifelong learning and high performance standards at every stage of their lives, regardless of where they graduated from or what they started with. These shifts showed how principles can be modified to ensure that they remain relevant.