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

“Being forward-looking has enabled Singapore to ride through trying times and achieve progress.” Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13m]

Issue : How Singapore ride through trying times and achieve progress.

Given factor : Being forward looking

Alternative measure : Meritocracy and harmonious relationship among the different races.

Rank Order

Necessary factor to ensure Singapore’s ability to ride through trying times and achieve progress : Being forward looking

Supporting factor to ensure Singapore’s ability to ride through trying times and achieve progress. Meritocracy and harmonious relationship among the different races.

Singapore has been to several trying times and yet have managed to achieve progress. Singapore has managed to develop from a third world country to a first world country in a short span of 40 years.

Being forward looking and anticipating changes is important to enable Singapore to ride through trying times and achieve progress. In this way, Singapore will stay relevant in the globalised economy. It involves planning ahead to meet the future needs of Singapore.

For example, the Singapore government actively look for an alternative source of water such as NEWater treatment projects and desalination plants to meet future needs for water as the water agreements with Malaysia will run out by 2011 and 2061. The production of NEWater and desalinated water means that we have alternative water supplies. The need to change to using more NEWater was communicated to the public clearly. If we do not have a constant supply of water, Singapore will have to go through a trying time but because Singapore is forward looking, she can overcome the trying times ahead.

Another example to show how being forward looking has helped Singapore through trying time and achieve progress is the plan to build two Integrated Resorts (IRs) in order for Singapore to compete better with other countries in the tourism sector. IRs will provide tourists with world class attractions and entertainment in a single destination.It will aslo provides jobs for the people. If Singapore did not plan for the two IRs early, there would be unemployment and Singapore will not be able to attract tourist with world class attractions. The willingness to anticipate change and stay relevant which is part of being forward looking has ensured that Singapore will continue to stay competitive in the world economy. Planning ahead to meet new challenges will bring about stability and that changes will not take the nation by surprise. Therefore by being forward-looking it has enabled Singapore to ride through tryingtimes and achieve progress

Besides being forward looking, Singapore overcame many trying times by upholding the principle of meritocracy. The principle of “meritocracy” is important to encourage the people to excel in whatever they do. In the Civil Service, officers are promoted based entirely on qualifications and performance.By promoting the principle of meritocracy, it ensures that policies laid down by the government is implemented effectively and that no segment of society benefits through corrupt practices. In this way, Singapore was able to ride through trying time and achieved progress.

The ability for Singapore to ride through trying time and achieve progress also depends on harmony among the various communities in Singapore. The principle of “fairness” refers to fair treatment of all Singaporeans. Everyone should feel that they have a share in Singapore’s economic success. The government gives out Singapore shares to all citizens when the economy is doing well. Also, in ensuring fairness in the society, the government adopted the policy of multi-racialism. The policy of multi-racialism recognises English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil as official languages of Singapore. Thus each community can retain and develop its own language and culture in its own separate arena. The Constitution also prohibits laws favouring a certain group of people because of race or religion. In this way when Singapore faces challenges that threaten to tear the community apart, Singaporean are able to work together to face the trying times.

Being forward-looking has enabled Singapore to ride through trying times and achieve progress. For example, Singapore built alot of HDB flats for the people so that the people's standard of living and quality of life improved. But this is not the only factor. She must have a group of effective civil servants to implement the policy and this is achieved through the principle of meritocracy.

Nowadays , because of the threat of transnational terrorism, the people must bond together to fight the enemy. This is done through the principle of fairness. When all the community in Singapore can see that they are treated fairly, they will be willing to work together through this trying time of terrorism

Study notes on Good Governance

With thanks to Hwa Yi Secondary School
What is Good Governance?
Governance  The way the government manages the country
Good Governance  The managing of the country in effective ways for the benefit of the people
Principles of Good Governance in Singapore

1. Pragmatism
2. Forward Looking
3. Meritocracy
4. Fairness
5. Transparency


1. Principle of Pragmatism
What is it: \
 Making a practical decision about an issue
 Adopting a practical solution to a problem

Examples of pragmatism
 Multi-national corporations in the 1960s and 1970s
 Economic links with communist China from 1950s to 1970s
 1985 recession
 car ownership since 1980


Example 1: Multi-National Corporations in the 1960s and 1970s

What was the situation
 Many countries did not want to invite foreign companies
 Fear of losing out to foreign companies
 Fear of domination of economy by foreign companies

What Singapore did
 Invited foreign companies to set up operations in Singapore

How Singapore benefited
 Economic progress in the 1970s



Example 2: Economic links with communist China from 1950s to 1970s

What was the situation
 China was a communist country
 Communist threats in Singapore and Malaysia
 China was providing help to the Communist Party in Malaysia

What Singapore did

 Retained economic link with China
 Did not close down branch of Bank of China in Singapore

How Singapore benefited
 China opened its economy to foreigners in late 1970s
 Singapore able to achieve good trade and investment in China

Example 3: 1985 Recession

What was the situation
 Serious recession in 1985
 High unemployment

What Singapore did
 Efforts made to lower cost of doing business in Singapore e.g. reduction in company taxes, wages and employers’ CPF contribution. These were done even though they reduced employee’s income.

How Singapore benefited
 Within two years, economy recovered

Example 4: Car Ownership since 1980
What is the situation
 Limited land
 Many Singaporeans could afford to own cars
 Fear of traffic congestion disrupting economic activities

What Singapore has done
 Improved public transportation e.g. MRT and LRT
 Introduced ERP
 Introduced COE – made Road Tax expensive for older cars
 This was done even though many were not happy

How Singapore benefits
 Less congestion on road
 Less disruption to economy



2. Principle of Being Forward-Looking

What is it
 Planning ahead to meet future needs of Singapore
 Being able to anticipate and act accordingly

Example of being forward-looking:
 Water policy
 Agricultural Land Use Policy

Example 1: Water Policy

What is the situation
 Limited water resources
 Heavily dependent on Malaysia for water

What Singapore did
 Plans to build water desalination plants
 Expensive but necessary

How Singapore could benefit
 Be more prepared for possible problems in future

Example 2: Agricultural Land Use Policy

What was the situation
 Environmental pollution in 1960s e.g. water pollution from waste of pig and poultry farms

What Singapore did
 Removed pig and duck rearing in 1970s
 Cleaning of rivers

Hoe Singapore benefited
 More water for water-catchment and cleaner rivers e.g. Singapore River and Kallang River


3. Principle of Meritocracy


What is it
 Reward for hard work and talent
 Encourage individual potential
 No bias based on race, religion or socio-economic background

Example of Meritocracy
 Education Policies

Example 1: Education Policies

What is the situation
 Need to nurture talents to improve self and country

What Singapore has done
 Those who do well are rewarded e.g. government scholarships-special programmes to develop skills like music and art

How Singapore benefits
 Equality, freedom and opportunity to show capabilities leads to harmonious living



4. Principle of Fairness


What is it

 Equal treatment for every community
 No community given increased priority

Examples of Fairness
 Policy of Multi-Racialism
 Policy of Minority Representation

Example 1: Policy of Multi-Racialism

What is the situation

 Need for equal status for every race and religion

What Singapore has done
 English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil as official languages
 Religious freedom

How Singapore benefits
 Absence of racial and religious conflict
 Co-existence of different races and religions

Example 2: Policy of Minority Representation

What is the situation
 Need for sensitivity towards the minority

What Singapore has done
 Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system to ensure minority is represented
 Presidential Council for Minority Rights to ensure that the minorities not disadvantaged due to the passing of a Bill

How Singapore benefits
 Enhances multi-racial understanding
 Allow for minority to voice concerns



5. Principle of Transparency

Reading Materials from the Straits Times
These two articles are example of effective leadership in government. The government in Singapore is not afraid to take unpopular decision that will benefit Singapore.


What is it
 To be open
 Information available to public
 Rules, regulations and decisions made clear


Example of Transparency

 Policy on Community Self-Help

Example: Policy on Community Self-Help
What was the situation
 Lower income groups less educated
 Certain races not doing as well as other races in education

What Singapore has done
 Encouraged setting up of self-help groups – CDAC, SINDA, MENDAKI and EA
 Partial financing by government and partial financing by members of the self-help groups

How Singapore benefits
 Academic performance of all the races improved




What Makes an Efficient Civil Service?

 Practising Meritocracy
 Upholding Honesty
 Encouraging Openness

Practising meritocracy -recruitment based on good academic qualifications
- promotion based on ability and potential
- poor performers given time to improve
- repeated poor performers have to leave the service


Upholding Honesty
-anti-corruption stance
- CPIB directly under the Prime Minister’s Office
- release of contracts to the most capable

Encouraging Openness
-public has knowledge of how policies are made and implemented
- reduce possibility of dishonest behaviour
- regular feedback from public on policies
- decision best for the country taken


SUSTAINING GOOD GOVERNANCE


1. GOOD LEADERSHIP

What needs to be done?

- choose honest and capable leaders

How can this be done?
- choose and train leaders
- choose leaders based on character e.g. honesty
- choose leaders who can work well in a team
- choose leaders who can interact well with people

Good leaders
- earn the confidence and respect of the people
- understand the needs and aspirations of the people; and
- interact well with the people to understand their concern and give clear explanations of government policies.


2. ADAPTABLE AND INNOVATIVE

What needs to be done
- able to innovate and think creatively to solve problems
- identify and solve problems as a team
- give suggestions as to how to improve the quality of work.
- Undergo regular training to upgrade their skills and knowledge

How can this be done
- encourage Work Improvement Teams (WIT)
- principles of meritocracy, honesty and transparency will always have to be upheld.



3. STRENGTHENING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ROOTEDNESS

What needs to be done
- Singaporeans going overseas should not lose sense of
belonging
- younger Singaporeans should not become complacent
- social cohesion needs to be strengthened



A. CONSULTING THE PEOPLE
greater say in government policies
- numerous feedback channels e.g. Feedback Unit
- decisions based on public’s overall best interest
- the government strongly encourages feedback from the public, but is not easily swayed by public opinion. Policies are based on public’s interest though they are unpopular.
.

B. WORKING TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE
- allow for volunteers to contribute to country
- parents, community involvement in schools
e.g. Parent-Teacher Associations, School Advisory or Management Committees
- public involvement in keeping check on crime
e.g. Neighbourhood Watch Zone Scheme
- promotion of social cohesion through Community
Development Councils (CDCs)

C SHARING THE FRUITS OF SUCCESS
- Everyone in Singapore feels that they have a part to play in the country’s economic success.
- Social cohesion can weaken if one racial group is unable to progress economically and socially well with other racial groups.
- The government periodically redistributes the country’s economic gains to the people to strengthen social cohesion.
- Topping up CPF Account in 2001 and 2002.
- 2001, Singapore Shares - $200 to $1800 in their CPF ordinary account.
- 2003- economic restructuring shares

CONCLUSION

Citizens have very important roles to play in providing good governance. Singapore’s success is due to an effective, pragmatic and honest government; and the hard work of the people who supportive of the government’s policies.

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1. To what extent is upholding honesty an important element to ensure an effective civil service in Singapore? Explain your answer

Upholding honesty is important in ensuring an efficient civil service. Dishonest practices have been effectively curbed due to the government’s anti-corruption stance. The government depends on its anti-corruption laws & the CPIB to carry out its anti-corruption stance. The government awards contracts for certain jobs to private contractors through a tender system, whereby the most competitive bidder who can deliver their services is awarded the contract. Hence people are always reminded of the consequences of corruption & the benefits of upholding honesty.

Furthermore, the government must have access to accurate information from the public in order for it to make effective decisions and policies. Government ministries receive regular feedback from the public concerning various policies. Public feedback helps the government understand how the people feel about its policies. These feedbacks from the public will served as valuable information on the effectiveness of government policies and hence, served to improve the efficiency of the civil service.

Enncouraging openness is also important in ensuring an efficient civil service. Open communication between the ministries and the public is encouraged. Full and accurate information is necessary so that the public can understand how the different ministries function, why policies are made, and how policies are to be implemented. In addition, the public will have knowledge about how public services are administered, how much the services cost, and how the services are to be delivered. Since information is readily available, it is difficult for people in authority to act dishonestly. With such a transparent system of open communication and access to public information, an efficient civil service can be ensured.

Besides encouraging openness and transparency in the civil service, practising meritocracy is also important in making the civil service efficient in serving the public. Officers in the civil service are recruited mainly on the basis of good academic qualifications. Promotion depends on one’s ability & potential. Those who perform well are rewarded for their hard work & dedication through promotions & performance bonuses. Poor performance is not tolerated – those who perform poorly will be advised when their work is not up to the standard & will be given a reasonable period of time to improve. This reminds people to improve their performance, work hard & reap the rewards.



This is a goldilock question. (remember goldilock and the three bears)
There are three factors that you have to consider for this question.
What are they?

Use TCNS to choose which one is the most important

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Is social cohesion more important than effective political leadership in ensuring that good governance will continue in Singapore? Explain your answer.

Social cohesion is still a fragile concept in Singapore. Singaporeans are still aware of their immigrant background. There is also an unspoken awareness of differences in race, language & religion among citizens. In fact, memories of the painful race riots that occurred in Singapore in 1964 still remain & can be easily stirred up from outside the country. This may lead to social instability. Thus, the government strives to build strong social & community ties among the people. The settting up of CDCs also encouraged many people to participated 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.

On the other hand, good governance can be maintained through effective political leadership. In order for Singpore to continue with its economic success & social harmony, its leades must be able & honest. 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



This is a see-saw question. Thre are two factors given. What are they?
USE TNCS to choose which one is the most important.