To succeed, S'pore needs high-quality public servants to work with first-class political leaders: PM Lee

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To succeed, S'pore needs high-quality public servants to be aligned with first-class political leaders: PM Lee

SINGAPORE - A high-quality public service is critical but for Singapore to be successful, it must work closely with a"first-class political leadership", said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday ."Some people argue that since we have a capable civil service to keep things working, Singapore already is in good hands.

But under such circumstances, the civil service cannot launch major policy, set new directions or mobilise the population to mount a national response to major challenges, he said. Organisations like Temasek and GIC have been created as companies rather than government departments, insulating them from political pressure and bureaucratic interference. This allows them the space to make sound investment decisions, he said.

Decisions will be delayed or fudged, and officers will not be able to get things done, PM Lee said. Enterprising and idealistic officers will become frustrated and disillusioned, and some will leave the service. He pointed out that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser, Mr Dominic Cummings, has publicly lambasted the civil service as dysfunctional and incompetent, making clear his belief that it is subverting his government and Brexit.

Only when senior public service leaders work closely with their elected political counterparts will both parties be able to give effect to the will of the people, and deliver on Singaporeans' expectations and aspirations, PM Lee added.

 

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