Great expectations and bold ideas
SINGAPORE’s first female Muslim President’s first address to Singaporean parliament as head of state sparked excited chatter in some circles about the next phase of development.
Madam Halimah Yacob’s stirring address on Monday night pledged that the Government would adopt “new ideas and fresh approaches to confront a different future”.
As is the convention, the President’s Address to open a new session of Parliament is scripted by government leaders. In this case, it contained the ideas and promises of the so-called fourth generation, or 4G team, of political leaders.
President Halimah’s address thus contained the seeds of policies and ideas that will be planted, nurtured and harvested by the 4G team.
Just what was promised and what can Singaporeans expect? First, a commitment to fundamentals such as multiracialism, meritocracy, incorruptibility and self-reliance. Next, growing a vibrant economy and forging a cohesive, caring and inclusive society. President Halimah then said: “We may be tempted not to go for bold changes, but instead be content to tweak things at the margins. That would be the wrong approach.”
Talk of bold changes inevitably raises expectations. The usual slew of policy sacred cows will be offered up for slaughter, such as the high-stakes PSLE exam; alumni priority admission to primary schools; and removing political OB markers. Others want new measures such as a capital gains tax to reduce income inequality.
While such issues require careful attention, and possible bold changes, the 4G leaders must go beyond these, and indeed beyond piecemeal policy tweaks. They will need to look at changes beyond the ken of citizens which have the potential to transform Singapore.
The 1G leaders’ bold moves included compulsory land acqui- sition, home ownership and enlistment.
The 2G leaders grew government enterprises into regional behemoths and had the foresight to create a sovereign wealth fund to manage the reserves earned.
The 3G leaders brought in casinos in integrated resorts, and a night F1 race, transforming tourism and raising the city’s “hip” quotient.
Not all bold moves paid off; some had to be modified in future iterations. Witness Singapore’s medical hub ambitions, its Boston of the East plan, or the biotech and R&D push. Such adaptations are par for the course in a rapidly-changing economy, and world.
In a digital, artificial intelligence-enabled world, can Singapore morph from Singapore Inc to become a Start-Up Nation, growing enterprises that shape South-East Asia?
As a finance and talent hub, can it become the epicentre of data processing and brokering? Might it become a model smart city? What is needed to achieve those dreams? Bold thinking, and openness to fresh ideas will be called for, by leaders and citizens alike. — The Straits Times/Asia News Network