OSA:What Makes Good Governance in Singapore

How important is the principle of fairness a crucial factor in ensuring good governance in Singapore? Explain your answer.

Level 1
Describes the principle of fairness but without focus on question.
Good governance means to practice the principle of fairness so that everyone is satisfied with the government.

Level 2
Disagrees and identifies / describes alternate factors.
Award 2 marks for identifying one factor and an additional mark for identifying any other factors.

The Principle of Fairness is a crucial factor in ensuring good governance in Singapore. However, there are other factors:

(i) Principle of Pragmatism
(ii) Principle of Transparency
(iii) Principle of Meritocracy
(iv) Principle of Forward Looking


Level 3
Agrees and explain the given factor or other factors.
Award 4 marks for an explanation of the given factor, an additional mark for further details to a max of 6 marks.


To a certain extent, the principle of fairness is a crucial factor in ensuring good governance in Singapore. Treating every community equally ensures harmony among the various races. Under the policy of multi-racialism, the Constitution prohibits the favouring of a certain group of people because of their race or religion.

Furthermore, English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil are recognised as official languages of Singapore. There is religious freedom and mutual respect for one another’s religion. The policy on minority representation gives minority groups a say in the governance, eg. Through the GRC(1982) system, where a maximum of six candidates are fielded as a team to contest in the GE, at least one candidate must be a Malay, Indian or other minority communities. This ensures minority rights are exercised in Parliament….etc.

Award 4 marks for an explanation of an alternative factor and an additional mark for an explanation of any other factors / further details, to a maximum of 6 marks.

No, the principle of pragmatism is also a crucial factor as the government adopts practical solutions to solve problems. In its 1960s economic policy regarding opening the country to foreign investment, the govt. boldly allows foreign companies to operate in Singapore unlike most developing countries which feared foreign domination of their economy at that time. This was to result in greater economic progress in the 1970s. On the policy of car ownership and usage, the government adopted an unpopular approach to limit traffic congestion by introducing ERP system….etc


Level 4
Explain both elements of L3
Award 7 marks to answers which explains the given factor and identifies at least one other factor.
Award 8 marks to answers which explains the given factor and alternative factor. An additional mark to be awarded for explanation of other factors to a maximum of 10 marks.


Level 5
Reaches a balanced conclusion based on L4
Award 11 marks for answers that weigh the relative importance of the different factors and an additional mark for showing how the various factors are interlinked.

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‘Having good leadership in the government is the best policy in sustaining good governance in Singapore.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer.

Level 1
Writes about good leadership / government without focus on question.
Award 1 mark for 1 detail and an additional mark for further details.
Good governance means to have good leadership.

Level 2
Agrees or disagrees and describes having good leadership
Award 3 marks for a description of the given factor and an additional mark for another description, to a maximum of 4 marks.

The govt. needs people who are talented, competent and honest to govern the country. These leaders must also display foresight, vision and imagination. They must have strong inter-personal communication skills in order to work as a team and communicate government policies clearly. They must understand the people’s needs and aspirations and be willing to consult the people.

Level 3
Disagrees and describe the alternate factor.
Award 4 marks for a description of the other given role, and an additional mark for another description, to a maximum of 5 marks.
No, having a high standard of service from the Civil Service is important. Civil servants are expected to innovate and think creatively to solve problems in their work place and to improve the quality of their work. They need to undergo regular training on how to provide excellent service.
They need to uphold the principle of meritocracy, honesty and transparency and to use modern technology so as to maintain a high standard of efficiency.


Level 4
Explain reasons for given factor or alternate factor(s)
Award 6 marks for an explanation of given factor, and an additional mark for each supporting detail, to a maximum of 8 marks.

I agree that the govt. needs people who are talented, competent and honest to govern the country. These leaders must also display foresight, vision and imagination. They must have strong inter-personal communication skills in order to work as a team and communicate government policies clearly. They must understand the people’s needs and aspirations and be willing to consult the people. They need to uphold the principle of meritocracy, honesty and transparency and to use modern technology so as to maintain a high standard of efficiency.

Level 5
Explain reasons for both the given and alternate factors.
Award 9 marks for an explanation of why the given and alternate factors are important, and an additional mark for each supporting detail, to a maximum of 11 marks.


Level 6
Weighs the relative importance of different roles, based on L5.
Award 12 marks to answers that explain why the given and alternate factors are important in comparison. Award 13 marks for any further explanation.

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How far was good governance in Singapore due to the governing
principle of meritocracy? [12]


L1 Writes about good governance but without focus on the question.
Award 1m for each detail, to a maximum of 2m. 1- 2


L2 Describes given factor OR/AND identifies/describes other factor(s).
Award 3m for describing the given factor OR identifying / describing other factor(s).
Award 4m for doing both. 3- 4


L3 Explains the given factor OR other factor(s)
Award 4m for an explanation of how the principle of meritocracy contributes to good governance in Singapore, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 6m.

E.g.Meritocracy was first introduced in the Singapore education system to ensure a level playing field for a multi-racial society like Singapore. This meant that one can only succeed through talent and hard work. This is essential as it will create an environment whereby no particular race or religious groups have a monopoly on any business or sector of the economy. Rewards for hard work and talents are recognised rather than based on wealth, family background or even worse race or religion.

This has contributed to Singapore’s good governance as it creates a level playing field for every deserving Singaporean from all walks of life. This also ensures that anyone were given the chance and opportunity to succeed through their own hard work and talent.


In short, meritocracy ensure the best and brightest are given the opportunities to excel and to serve Singapore thus ensuring good governance in Singapore.


OR

Award 4m for an explanation of an alternative reason for good governance, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 6m.

E.g The policy of forward looking is also another factor that contributes to good governance in Singapore. Singapore has 2 water agreements with Malaysia ending in 2011 and 2061 respectively. Singapore has recognised the importance of water not only for her domestic needs but also for her industrial needs as well. This is especially true when in times of drought and war when a basic necessity such as water becomes more critical. Being dependent on Johor for our water has also made us vulnerable as a nation. The government then embarked on the need for foresight and vision in solving this problem.


The governmet by being forward looking has come up with a new and innovative way to sustain our water supplies and needs. By creating Newater or ‘reclaimed water’ the government has also strengthen its resolve to overcome our vulnerabilities. This will gradually enable Singapore to finally relieve her dependence on foreign nations for her basic needs. This is especially so when the 2 water agreements with Johor expire in 2011 and 2061. This has also contributed to good governance as the people will have more confidence in the government in solving the country’s resource constraints..



L4 Both elements of L3.
Award 7m to answer that give explanation of how the principle of meritocracy contributes to good governance & identify/describe other factor(s).

Award 8-10m for explanation of the principle of meritocracy, AND other factor(s).

Note: Where other factors are concerned, do not award the highest mark unless more than 1 factor is dealt with. 7- 10


L5 L4 + discusses the relative importance of different factors.
Weighing 2 factors only accepted. 11- 12


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‘The role of the government is more important than the role of citizens in sustaining good governance.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [13]

L1 Writes about good governance but without focus on the question.
Award 1m for each detail, to a maximum of 2m.1-2


L2 Agrees OR Disagrees, + identifies reasons.
Award 3m for identifying one reason for agreeing OR disagreeing.
Award 4m for identifying 2 reasons for agreeing OR disagreeing.

E.g. Yes. The role of the government is more important in sustaining good governance because power and authority are in government’s hands. 3-4



L3 Agrees AND Disagrees, + identifies reasons.

E.g. No. The role of citizens is more important than the government’s role because without popular support, the government will collapse.4-5



L4 Explains reasons for Agreement OR Disagreement.
Award 6m for an explanation of why the government’s role contributed more in sustaining good governance, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 8m.

E.g Good governance requires strong, able leadership in government. The government takes the lead in formulating policies for good governance such as practising looking forward principle, meritocracy and other principles of good governance. With the authority and power that the government possess, the government is in position to maintain good governance through leadership renewal and ensuring that the leadership is honest, tested and capable Leaders who are good team players are crucial so as to avoid struggle for power among them. Those talented are identified early in their careers & are then groomed to take on leadership roles. Good leadership wins confidence & respect of the people & ensures good governance will continue in Singapore.

OR

Award 6m for an explanation of why the people’s role contributed more in sustaining good governance, and an additional mark for any supporting detail, to a maximum of 8m.

E.g. In order that good governance is sustained in Singapore, the people’s role is important as the government cannot continue good governance if the country is disunited and there is racial conflict. Singaporeans are encouraged to participate actively in community service, which helps strengthen community bonding & social cohesion. If we do not have social cohesion, people will not support the government & therefore good governance cannot continue. The people’s sense of rootedness and belonging are also important factors in sustaining good governance.It is important to remain rooted to the country as otherwise the people would leave the country in times of difficulties. This would make the country suffer more, leading to its decline.6-8

L5 Both aspects of L4
Award 9m for an explanation of why the government’s role OR people’s role contributed more in sustaining good governance and identify alternative reason(s).

Award 10m for an explanation of why the government’s role AND the people’s role contributed in sustaining good governance in Singapore 9-11



L6 Reaches a balanced conclusion based on explanation of factors in L5.
12-13

“The United Nations :a successful international organization” Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13]

Issue: Success of the UN

Give proposition: UN is successful

Alternative proposition: UN is not successful

Rank

Balanced conclusion: Successful in some areas, unsuccessful in other areas. UN is not a complete success neither is it a complete failure.

Yes, UN is a successful international organization.

The UN has played an important role to preserve world peace and provide aid. The UN Security Council has successfully imposed sanctions as deterrence to prevent wars. This collective effort has led to many successes such as helping to maintain peace in troubled areas such as Kuwait, Iraq, etc UN intervention in the Korea War stop the spread of communism in the south and helped to come to an agreement to end the war.

The International Court of Justice also helps members to settle their disputes peacefully. For example, Singapore has benefited through trying to solve conflicts peacefully with Malaysia over Pedra Branca and the water issue.

The UN is most effective in providing help such as food and medicine to countries in need that face emergencies eg. floods, earthquake, famines in Pakistan, the Philippines, etc. UN international aid through its various organizations such as the Red Cross, have helped to build communities in times of crisis such as after Iran earthquake and the tsunami crisis in Acheh.

However UN is not completely a successful international organization.
UN has not been successful all the time, especially in its peacekeeping missions on some occasions.

The Peace-keepers are only sent if the warring parties want to have peace and are willing to accept UN intervention. Sometimes the countries concerned do not welcome the UN’s help and conflict could worsen as opposition fight against UN troops as can be seen in the war in Iraq.

The sending out of the Peace-keepers often went too late and half-heartedly. This is because consent of the major UN members must be sought before they were sent. The peace-keeping force made up of troops from different countries. The troops are under various different commanders and often, their actions are not well-coordinated.

The UN Peace-keepers are not given active political power to over-rule the countries in conflict. They are only acting as impartial third party to supervise armistice only. Sometimes UN intervention worsens the already tense situation and escalates the war into an international conflict. Eg: The Korean War.

Many members of the peacekeeping forces and innocent lives have been lost or injured and destruction caused as UN peacekeeping forces try to put down rebels. The UN also sometimes fail to stop conflicts as seen from the outbreak of the Vietnam War, the recent N.Korean missile crisis and the attacks in Lebanon.

The UN is most successful in providing aid to members who are in trouble as she is able to harness resources such as food and medicine donated by its many members from the developed world and other world organizations. However, in its safekeeping tasks, it has not been as successful as it faces limitations – the UN is not given the active political powers to intercede and overrule the countries in conflict.

But to a large extent, the UN is a successful organisation and has helped to prevent the outbreak of another major world war.

a) To what extent has Singapore’s involvement in ASEAN helped her to maintain good diplomatic relations? Explain your answer. [12]

Issue : How Singapore maintain good diplomatic relations

Given factor : Singapore's involvement in ASEAN

Alternative Factors : Membership in UN,Bilateral Relationship.

Rank

Foundation /Corner stone : Bilateral Relationship

Secondary Relationship: Regional (ASEAN relationship) International Relationship.

Yes Singapore's involvement in ASEAN has helped her to maintain good diplomatic relations with her neighbour in South East Asia.

Singapore is active in leading ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings to discuss security issues and confidence building measures with other counterpart nations like USA, China, Japan and Korea. She has been proactive in sponsoring and supporting regular opportunities for Foreign Ministers of ASEAN to meet with their regional and international counterparts to discuss issues of security concern so as to promote greater confidence and transparency in international dealings. This has earned the respect of the countries in the region in believing that Singapore is eager to pursue foreign policies beneficial to the region.

In this way, Singapore has managed to maintain good diplomatic ties with her neighbours. There have been no major disputes that have led to violence or war between the members ever since ASEAN’s formation. Instead there has been mutual cooperation on several issues such as dealing with terrorism. Singapore has also shared her expertise and knowledge in several areas with her neighbours such as Indonesia in fighting haze. She has offered ASEAN scholarships to deserving students from ASEAN countries.

However, besides ASEAN, bilateral and international relations are equally important in helping Singapore maintain good diplomatic relations.

Singapore is active in supporting UN missions and commissions in international peacekeeping and international law plenary sessions. Since her accession to the United Nations, Singapore has sat on the General Assembly and sent peacekeeping, police and medical missions to countries ranging from Cambodia, East Timor to Iraq. Singapore is also prolific in volunteering for international law plenary sessions and discussions. She has been involved in chairing the draft sessions of the UN Law of the Sea Convention. Her willingness to play her part in international peacekeeping has won her the respect and good diplomatic standing in the international community. This willing to be a positive contribution to the United Nations has helped enhanced her good diplomatic standing. Therefore maintianing international relationship has helped Sinagpore to maintian good diplomatic relationships with many countries.

Besides, Singapore is also active in fostering strong bilateral ties to promote greater cooperation and mutual benefits. Singapore consistently seeks to build good bilateral relations with countries in the region such as Malaysia and also form new partnerships with those not traditionally in the circle of contact. To those in the region, Singapore is ready to assist in community and humanitarian missions eg. Indonesia and the Philippines. Singapore also explores new trading links and relations with countries further away like Bahrain, Chile eg. recent FTA talks to break new grounds in forging win-win solutions in bilateral cooperation. Therefore maintianing bilateral relationship has helped Sinagpore to maintian good diplomatic relationships with many countries as Singapore is current not having any conflict with any countiry.


In conclusion, building sound bilateral relations is the corner stone or foundation of Singapore diplomacy and that is the single most important factor that has helped her to build close regional ties and to contribute positively to the international community. Good bilateral relations between Singapore and other individual states is the basis that allows her to function meaningfully within supranational frameworks be it regional organizations like ASEAN or International Organisations such as the UN.