One important factor that made possible our achievements in the past 50 years was the strong rapport the people had with the Government for it to implement tough but needed policies.
We have a good consensus culture in the decision-making process inside and outside our political system. Would future Singaporeans continue to subscribe to this? (“We need consensus before moving ahead: DPM Teo”; Feb 4)
Building national consensus requires certain conducive conditions, such as people’s good comprehension of our economic, political and social challenges, some of which could be harsher in the next 50 years than in the past.
Citizens and the Government must share a common understanding of the issues we face.
For example, some citizens still feel strongly against our population and immigration policies because they do not see our demographic and manpower problems as the Government or most of us see them.
People want more flexibility to use their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings or withdraw them earlier, but a responsible government must ensure a sufficient sum is kept for retirement, resulting in conflict between some people and the Government.
The CPF system we are proud of has become a source of discontent, income inequality has been growing and, overall, our society would be divided.
Consensus-making requires a high level of thinking on our collective problems, threats, interests and future goals.
Individual or minor group concerns should be considered, and as far as possible, their interests should be protected without compromising too much the bigger, collective interests.
Having five or more children in a family was common previously, and children learnt consensus-making from young, but not now. Educating the young in consensus building in schools should be enforced.
We aspire to make our future better when we celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary.
But if we cannot visualise the challenges we have, solve conflicts and arrive at consensus on major issues amiably, our dreams would not be realised.
We have a good consensus culture in the decision-making process inside and outside our political system. Would future Singaporeans continue to subscribe to this? (“We need consensus before moving ahead: DPM Teo”; Feb 4)
Building national consensus requires certain conducive conditions, such as people’s good comprehension of our economic, political and social challenges, some of which could be harsher in the next 50 years than in the past.
Citizens and the Government must share a common understanding of the issues we face.
For example, some citizens still feel strongly against our population and immigration policies because they do not see our demographic and manpower problems as the Government or most of us see them.
People want more flexibility to use their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings or withdraw them earlier, but a responsible government must ensure a sufficient sum is kept for retirement, resulting in conflict between some people and the Government.
The CPF system we are proud of has become a source of discontent, income inequality has been growing and, overall, our society would be divided.
Consensus-making requires a high level of thinking on our collective problems, threats, interests and future goals.
Individual or minor group concerns should be considered, and as far as possible, their interests should be protected without compromising too much the bigger, collective interests.
Having five or more children in a family was common previously, and children learnt consensus-making from young, but not now. Educating the young in consensus building in schools should be enforced.
We aspire to make our future better when we celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary.
But if we cannot visualise the challenges we have, solve conflicts and arrive at consensus on major issues amiably, our dreams would not be realised.
