Dear Mr Goh, the people have already chosen. A hawker wants to tell SMRT how to run trains, a student tells govt how to pay its ministers, a parent tells MOE how to teach kids, a couple tells govt how to charge for pubic housing.
When too many people want to tell the chef how to cook and how they want their meal done, you get burnt charcoal.
S'poreans have to choose the kind of politics they want, says ESM Goh
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid | Posted: 13 August 2011 2227 hrs
SINGAPORE: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said Singaporeans will have to choose the kind of politics best suited for the country.
Speaking at the National Day dinner in his Marine Parade constituency on Saturday evening, Mr Goh expressed concern about the whipping up of resentment by those who opposed the government, especially over the internet, in the recent General Election.
He hoped it is not an early sign of the type of politics in future.
Mr Goh Chok Tong said Singapore is in transition, with a new and younger team of leaders. And together with the people, they will have to decide what their goals are for Singapore and how to achieve them.
They will have to make "hard choices" to solve problems - in the economic, social and political spheres.
On politics, the recent general election saw many giving their views on various issues, especially through the internet. And he said those born after independence will increasingly decide Singapore's political future.
Mr Goh said: "Singaporeans generally, not just the young, now want to have more say in their future and have their diverse interests reflected in a pluralistic parliament. It is much easier to agitate and criticise than to come up with alternative, sound policies that will solve problems for the majority.
"Will Singaporeans choose constructive politics and debate policies rationally in the future, or choose confrontational and divisive politics based on stoking envy and resentment?"
On the economy, Mr Goh said Singapore has depended on importing foreign workers to help grow the country. So reducing the dependence on foreign workers and talent, while ensuring high economic growth, will not be an easy choice.
He said: "Many services may be affected due to the lack of Singaporean workers; for example, we are short of bus drivers, service staff in food establishments, cleaners, nurses and hospital attendants. We can try and make up by improving our productivity sharply but it will not be easy."
Mr Goh added that addressing the widening income gap will also be difficult.
Socially, he cautioned about the challenges of an ageing population. Mr Goh said many young Singaporeans want more time for themselves and find raising children costly and time-consuming. But the true cost for them and the country will come in the future.
Mr Goh said the choice is enjoy today and worry about being old later or worry today about raising children and enjoy the warmth of family later. He said whatever choice they make, will have a national impact.
He said the younger team of leaders will have to rally Singaporeans, with a new vision grounded in reality.
-CNA/ac
