Govt must scale back to empower S’poreans: WP
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The Government should scale back its presence in non-core government functions because empowering citizens with a greater say in how their lives and society are run is central to Singapore’s aspiration to be an exceptional nation, said Workers’ Party (WP) chairman Sylvia Lim yesterday.
Speaking on the first day of debate on the President’s Address, Ms Lim (Aljunied) said it is insufficient for the Government to talk about allowing or taking into account alternative views, as true citizen empowerment involves having power centres outside Government, including in civil society and the private sector. “Our citizens should be free to have a vision for Singapore and to be a mover to achieve that vision,” said the Opposition leader.
Ms Lim said the Government’s presence pervades “practically every aspect of life” — with the People’s Action Party setting in place a “power network” during its more than 50-year rule. She cited how government nominees sit on the boards of professional bodies and sports groups, and asked why these organisations should not be free to manage their own affairs.
“Singaporeans should be given more (of a) voice and more say in the running of their lives and society,” she added. Power centres outside Government can serve as an effective check on, and work with, the Government, she said.
While founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is widely regarded as “an exceptional man”, Ms Lim said becoming an exceptional nation takes more than just an exceptional leader. Its people have an important role: To dream big and have the gumption to strive towards a vision of what their country should be.
Citing the Government’s use of the phrase “collaborative governance” in recent times, Ms Lim said “for true collaboration, no partner should be dominant”. To this end, the Government should devolve more of its powers, so a “real and meaningful collaborative partnership among equals” can take place, she added.
Her speech drew rebuttals from Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling party during the debate. Marine Parade GRC MP Fatimah Lateef said the dictionary definition of the word “collaboration” does not mention equal contributions. “I am a strong proponent of collaboration and collaborative culture ... if it will deliver whatever desired outcome I want,” she added.
Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong) also weighed in on the issue, noting that rolling back government involvement was not the solution.
Dr Tan said: “I do not think the answer is politicians stepping back ... Government, politics and citizens — (they) all (have) a role in building this.”
Associate Professor Lateef also took a jibe at WP MP Faisal Manap (Aljunied), asking if the latter had come up with any new policy ideas.
“What are the ideas by the Opposition for Singaporeans? They are the alternative voice in Parliament, but we have never heard this alternative voice,” Assoc Prof Lateef said in Malay. Singaporeans do not want an Opposition that just questions the Government’s schemes, but also devises “new ideas that are substantial and practical”.
Earlier, Mr Faisal had said the WP agreed with the objectives outlined by the President.
The party also supports the Government’s measures to enhance social assistance, including the Pioneer Generation Package, but believes a cautious approach has to be taken “so adverse effects will not happen”.
He proposed a monitoring system for social assistance schemes — a suggestion he had made in his first term — to gauge the effectiveness of the assistance schemes and take the necessary steps to improve them.
