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May 4, 2011
Being a minister means being able to say sorry
PM Lee sets example as he presents new, humbler face of PAP
FIVE years ago, the People's Action Party held a rally at Boat Quay. Hundreds milled around the river banks in the sweltering heat. The PAP candidates sat in their pristine whites on stage, in the shade of the plaza.
Yesterday, the PAP held its traditional lunchtime election rally at the same place. This time, the stage was erected with its back facing the Singapore River. The candidates sat under a white tent, in the direct sun, as ceiling fans whirred valiantly away. The audience stood in relative comfort in the shade of UOB Plaza.
It was a small change. But when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned it, the crowd clapped.
Repositioning the stage for a rally is a tiny detail in the heat of an election campaign. But it was made poignant yesterday because of PM Lee's message: The PAP Government had made mistakes, he said, was sorry and would learn from the mistakes. He asked Singaporeans to bear with the Government, and to join cause with it to help it do better for the nation.
The 36-minute speech was like no other speech from a PAP minister I have heard in 20 years covering Singapore politics. Though Foreign Minister George Yeo had also admitted over the weekend that the 'the Government is not perfect', Mr Lee's speech was remarkable for its public mea culpa. And it was remarkable for its - there is no other word for it - humility.
Contrary to popular perception that being a PAP minister means never having to say you're sorry, the first apology came five minutes into PM Lee's speech.
The Singapore Government had sought to seize opportunities when the downturn reversed. This brought rapid growth but created its own set of problems, he explained - among them, too rapid an influx of foreigners which angered residents, soaring housing prices and crowded public transport.
'When these problems vex you or disturb you or upset your lives, please bear with us. We're trying our best on your behalf. And if we didn't quite get it right, I'm sorry but we will try and do better the next time.'
A few minutes later, he went into specifics: 'We made a mistake when we let Mas Selamat run away. We made a mistake when Orchard Road got flooded.
'There are other mistakes which we have made from time to time... When it happens, then we should acknowledge it, we should apologise, take responsibility, put things right. If we have to discipline somebody, we will do that. And we must learn from the lessons and never make the same mistake again.
'We're sorry we didn't get it exactly right, but I hope you will understand and bear with us because we're trying our best to fix the problems.'
This was no miserly half-apology. On the issues PM Lee mentioned, there have been justifications, expressions of regret, half-apologies, and acknowledgement of 'mis-steps'. But not those simple, sincere words which salve Singaporeans' hurt feelings: 'We made a mistake, we're sorry, we will try to do better.'
Sceptics will question the timing. Why are the 'sorrys' coming so late? Mas Selamat escaped in 2008. The issue of foreigners and overcrowding had been raised by the PAP's own MPs since 2009. Are the apologies being wrested from PM Lee because of pressure from a heated election campaign, especially in Aljunied GRC?
Judging by his words alone, PM Lee struck the right note, with his third reminder to PAP members never to be self-satisfied, to remember always that they are to serve, not lord it over, Singaporeans.
Is this the new face of the PAP? One that is more humble, prepared to admit its mistakes? One more prepared to listen to the people and adjust policies along the way?
Actions speak louder than words, so Singaporeans will be waiting to see just how the PAP will learn from its mistakes. That is for later and the next five years. For now, the PM's words yesterday were a very good first step.
There are good reasons why the PAP should evolve along those lines.
First, the Little Red Dot is no longer a simple system in a closed, predictable world. Singapore is a complex society in an open, volatile world. In a complex system undergoing rapid changes, no one central command can run things. You need people and ideas to interact, adapt and adjust to each other's emergent behaviour. When there is a bushfire, you need local residents to try to stamp it out first if possible; if you wait for HQ to send a fire truck, the fire would have spread.
This means the PAP Government has to be more in touch with issues as they evolve; and be more willing to change policies in response to feedback. If government data takes time to build up a complete picture, anecdotal evidence can be a useful gauge of emerging trends.
For example, PAP MPs like Mr Seah Kian Peng voiced residents' concerns about overcrowding way back in March 2007. Listening to Singaporeans not only makes them feel heard, but it can also lead to sharper policymaking.
Second, a new generation demands a different kind of relationship with its government and MPs.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew used to overwhelm his critics into submission through sheer force of argument and personality. His was a hard school - his opponents as fierce as he was - and his generation of voters learnt to respect his combativeness. Those used to his style may well consider PM Lee's apologies yesterday too accommodating. But as PM Lee stressed yesterday, his father's style is not his own. And the current generation of voters is not like yesterday's.
A generation raised amid plenty, and used to peer-to-peer social media norms, tends to view hierarchy as something to be overcome, not respected, and does not respond well to top-down, I-told-you-so styles of communication.
To connect with this generation, the PAP will have to change that part of its inheritance that has been shaped by 50 years of spectacular political success, which has led people to view it as a party that considers itself superior to the people it purports to serve. There was one encouraging sign yesterday.
PAP MP-elect Chan Chun Sing of Tanjong Pagar GRC was at the rally - not on stage with the big guns, or in a smaller tent on the side with other party activists. He stood in the sun, near the crowd, with some envelopes - perhaps of candidates' speeches - in hand. He looked, in short, like an MP who stands with his constituents - to serve, not lord over them.
Prime News
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May 4, 2011
PM says sorry
Govt could have moved faster to address housing, transport woes
PM Lee shaking hands with people in the crowd after the PAP's lunchtime rally at Boat Quay yesterday. He surprised many with the candour and humility with which he addressed four mistakes of his government that have riled Singaporeans - the escape of detained terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari, the Orchard Road flooding, high home prices and overcrowding on MRT trains. -- ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
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THE Prime Minister yesterday said the Government could have moved faster to address shortfalls in housing and transport.
He was sorry and he and his team were doing their best to fix the problems.
Speaking at a lunchtime rally in the financial district four days before Polling Day, Mr Lee surprised many with the candour and humility with which he addressed mistakes of his government that have riled Singaporeans.
Those he cited were the escape of detained terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari, the flooding of Orchard Road, high home prices and overcrowding on MRT trains.
'When these problems vex you or disturb you or upset your lives, please bear with us. We're trying our best on your behalf. And if we didn't quite get it right, I'm sorry but we will try and do better the next time,' he said.
Mr Lee said sorry twice during his 40-minute speech, his second rally address this election.
He also sought to explain how the housing and public transport woes came about.
After a sudden downturn in 2008, the Government did not expect the economy to rebound so quickly in mid-2009.
If it had, it would have ramped up its HDB building programme earlier to cope with increased demand, saving many Singaporeans 'angst' over high flat prices.
It would also have moved aggressively to expand the MRT network to cope with a surge in foreign worker numbers, and give Singaporeans a more comfortable ride.
The Government is building a record 22,000 new HDB flats this year, and will open a new MRT line or extension line every year for the next seven years.
He also acknowledged two other mistakes, which occurred despite the Government's best intentions and efforts.
'We made a mistake when we let Mas Selamat run away. We made a mistake when Orchard Road got flooded,' he said.
Mas Selamat Kastari escaped from Whitley Road Detention Centre in 2008. Orchard Road flooded last June and July.
'We should acknowledge it, we should apologise, take responsibility, put things right... And we must learn from the lessons and never make the same mistake again,' Mr Lee said yesterday to applause.
At the same time, Mr Lee, who was flanked by seven members of his Cabinet and seven new candidates clad in PAP whites, also stood by the overall record of his government, saying: 'Overall, the Singapore Government has been right more often than wrong, and the PAP has been right more often than it has been wrong, because otherwise we would not be here today. Singapore would not be here today.'
He explained that the Government often had to take decisions with incomplete information and under uncertain conditions.
That is why it is not always possible for things to go perfectly.
The Government must also seize opportunities when they arise, to generate economic growth and jobs by attracting foreign investments.
Five years ago, it seized a chance for the city state to develop integrated resorts. Last year, it went for growth and grew the economy by 14.5 per cent.
Yes, both decisions had side effects - a higher risk of gambling problems for families and an influx of foreigners.
The Government is tackling these problems.
But if it had missed the boat for growth last year, it would not have had the Budget surpluses for this year's Grow and Share Package, to help people cope with higher living costs.
Looking ahead, Mr Lee pledged training for low-income workers, better educational facilities, housing and hospitals, especially for older Singaporeans.
To realise these plans, Singapore needs good government, which it has, the Prime Minister said.
'But good as we are, we - and the PAP in particular - must never become self-satisfied,' he added.
PAP members may wear white but that did not give them an automatic right to become the Government.
'You put on the whites but win the respect of voters every time, every election and never forget that we're here to serve the voters, to serve Singaporeans, and not to lord it over people,' he said.
It was his third mention in as many weeks of the need for members of the ruling party, which has been in power since 1959, to remain humble.
Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and six new PAP candidates joined Mr Lee in addressing the lunchtime crowd, which gathered at UOB Plaza at Boat Quay.
The six were Mr Vikram Nair, Brigadier-General (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin, Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Mr Ong Ye Kung and Ms Sim Ann.
Mr Lee, the PAP's secretary-general, also asked Singaporeans to consider how they had united with the Government to take the country forward in the last five 'exceptionally turbulent' years.
He called on them to work with his team once again over the next five years, to secure Singapore's future.
He also had a special message for the many young voters who will head to the polls on Saturday.
'Take your part in building this nation. But also, please take good care of Singapore. It's a precious jewel.'
'I think the Prime Minister addressed a lot of issues. The fact that he actually apologised for some policies being not up to scratch - that's admirable. It's what we want to hear. No government is perfect. We acknowledge some weaknesses of the party. The apology stood out for me. Many people think the PAP is arrogant, but the apology gives it a softer touch.'
Mr L.W. Low, 34, an investment banker who is married with one child.
'I was surprised to hear PM saying sorry so many times. The PAP is not known for apologising to the people. It could be because of the elections. Apologising is one thing, but we need to see action.'
Bank executive Ng Ai Tiang, 35.
'The threat is real. There is global economic instability and you really need a very strong and well-connected, highly experienced team to deal with it. The reasons we are so vibrant is because investors have confidence in the country's leadership, political structure and its legal system. We didn't get here by accident, but by lots of effort over the last 30 years.'
Mr Peter Lai, 55, company director of a corporate consultancy, who agrees with Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's speech at the Fullerton rally.
'My children are my biggest concern. The speakers did not address what they would do for the next generation. It would have been great if they told us about specific plans going forward.'
Mr Richard Lee, 52, a father of two who runs a finance consultancy.
'What the speakers have said is true. The financial system here is good and keeps people afloat. I'm blessed with a job in the banking sector even as people in other countries face retrenchment. I have decided on my vote. I have been voting PAP all these years and nothing has thrown me off that path. I wouldn't change my mind over small day-to-day inconveniences.'
Mr Charles Yeo, 52, a financial consultant in an insurance company. He is a married father of one.
'I am somewhat of a sceptic. During election time, there is always a certain tone and face the parties want to project. It's about earning trust during this time; many would do whatever it takes to earn that trust.'
Mr Clifford Goh, 29, a human resource consultant who is single
Prime News
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May 4, 2011
MM's remarks 'puzzled a lot of people'
ALJUNIED GRC anchor minister George Yeo believes voters' sentiment should improve following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's comments yesterday on Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's remarks that residents would 'have five years to live and repent' if they chose the Workers' Party.
Mr Yeo spoke on the sidelines of a getai show at Kovan last night.
I think it's good the PM made that clarification, because the MM's remarks puzzled quite a lot of people.
It should. It should, yes.
I think it's going right down to the wire. So we're all hard at work and taking nothing for granted.
It is coming to the end of the campaign, it's important that issues are crystallised clearly, because in three days' time, voters will have to decide.
It's hard to say. I can't really tell. But we can't assume that anything is in our bag. We have to assume that every vote is in the balance.
It is their decision. It should be put before the voters and they should make their own judgment and come to their own decision.
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