Good governance prioritizes citizens’ well-being

by Teo Kueh Liang

I refer to Channel News Asia’s (CNA)“Commentary: Singapore risks mediocrity at the top if too few high-calibre people join politics” (8 June).

Whether a country (regardless big or small) is in a state of good governance or not? It can be easily assessed and determined by the satisfaction of livelihood and the emphasis of interests and wellbeing of its people.

Therefore, whatever policies are formulated, the people’s interests and benefits must be the top priority.

Obviously, the top leaders of the ruling party must be entrenched or equipped with this strong belief, vision and dedication values to govern the country and lead the people.

For example, in Singapore’s context, the public housing policy has always been the most concerned and touchy subject in the minds of all Singaporeans.

Singaporeans worry that the value of their 99-year lease HDB flat will be zero, and the pricing of a new and resale flat keeps escalating upwards. This will undoubtedly affect the affordability of our younger generation couples getting a roof over their heads.

Could the HDB authorities review the public housing policy of the past half-century and guarantee that all qualified citizens are able to obtain a second flat with a 50-year lease (after the expiry of the first lease) at a discounted price, which should be priced lower than the market rate at that time?

In the Chapter 60 of Dao De Jing, it said, “Governing a great state is like cooking/frying small fish. Let the kingdom be governed according to the Dao, ….”.

This has clearly underlined the importance of good governance and good policies for the wellbeing of the people.

Another significant aspect of well governance is its related policies which deal with the citizens.

For example, a country’s overregulation, overemphasis, overenforcement, or strict enforcement of the definition of orthodoxy (such as POFMA—Prevention of Online False Information and Manipulation Act) will inevitably hinder and weaken ordinary citizens’ rational analysis, interpretation, and criticism, as well as freedom of expression.

Undoubtedly, this, in the long run, will jeopardise the whole development of democracy and the trust between the people and the government.

In Chapter 58 of Dao De Jing, it depicted, “If the politics are tolerant and transparent, the people will be simple and loyal; if the politics are harsh and dark, the people will be cunning and complaining”.

This is closely tied with the above meaningful illustration.

The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.