Close to 4 years after the water-shed election, the ruling party tried to do good initially but as old saying goes: “old habits die hard”, it is slowly but surely slipping into complacency, intolerant of criticisms and we-know-best attitude. A head-of-state is suing a commoner, a minister is name calling an also-ran opposition leader, the Aljunied Town Council fiasco, the AIMS incident, the continuing increase of population and buildings, continued destruction of green space and disturbance to the death to make way for new buildings and roads…. Askmelah thinks the ruling party continue to go down the slippy road of going downhill. On one hand you do see the ruling party wants to do good, but that intention offend squandered by the actions that they do which destroy the trust and the credibility perceived by the people.
Pioneer Package, SG50, Smart Nation and many cosmetic mega tax-payers’ monies wasteful projects are not going to win more votes for PAP, period.
[Updated 23 Sep2015: The slient majority spoken and Askmelah as well as many other has been dead wrong about the strong support on the ground given to PAP, and within 2 weeks after the election the first salvo after given the clear mandate and free reign to PAP, PCF up fees: Profits up 24.7%? despite it is still profitable. You tell Askmelah how to have faith in PAP when they do not like transparency and forever so profit driven?)
related articles:
- Winning back public trust after GE
- Inderjit Singh’s Facebook post on Singapore’s policy missteps
- Legitimacy of An Opposition MP and abuse of civil services for political mileage – The PA Saga (Part 2)
- Another dirty politics in motion?
- Constructive politics? Here is the proof
To build trust, explain rationales behind policies
I SHARE the sentiments of former president S R Nathan on the growing discontent and distrust in Singapore (“Former president S R Nathan shares his concerns in new book”; Tuesday).
If we are not careful, this may destroy the fabric of the nation and the progress we have achieved over the past 50 years.
To maintain the trust and goodwill that the Government and public agencies have built up over the years, policies and decisions affecting Singaporeans need to be handled with more sensitivity and transparency.
The recent Sengkang columbarium saga is one example.
An issue that has not been adequately addressed by the authorities is allowing a commercial entity to bid for a site earmarked for religious use. This is a valid concern that should be looked into, perhaps by reviewing the existing policy.
Public service agencies and politicians need to understand that they cannot adopt the “we know best” approach of the past. Nowadays, every policy and decision may be challenged and questioned.
Public service agencies and politicians need to be prepared to defend and explain the rationales behind policies, and not skirt around the issue. Otherwise it may appear as if they have something to hide, eroding trust and confidence in the Government and public service agencies.
The Government has spent many years building its credibility, and it should strive to maintain it.
Quek Hong Choon
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