Daily Lessons from Life 08 August 2012 - Younger ministers to review current policies: PM Lee

"Younger ministers to review current policies: PM Lee - AsiaOne Aug 08, 2012

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared in his National Day message that to maintain Singapore's success, it is key to review current policies more broadly and to prepare for the future.

In the pre-recorded message filmed at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park, PM Lee said Minister Heng Swee Keat will chair a committee of younger ministers to take a fresh look at current policies. Singaporeans will also be involved in this review.

He highlighted Singapore's success, citing an economic growth of 1.7 per cent. However, he also noted the emerging Asian economies and breakthroughs in science and technology that will pose new challenges and opportunities for Singapore.

Urging Singaporeans to reflect on the future they see for the country, he also highlighted the importance of social and education policies that will target issues such as providing quality and diverse education for the young, building an inclusive society and increasing the declining birth rate."

The eve of the nation's 47th Birthday. A subtle shift in getting the authority that be in among the people - the PM recorded his National Day message at a public park. Nice!

Lessons for me are:

1. the nation is at a cross-road. Actually had been for at least 3-5 years now. How to grow? Go for service industry since manufacturing is hollowing out. Yet, the shift was too fast or we were too slow to see it coming resulting in some PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive and Technician?) being displaced doing taxi driving, lower pay job, etc;

2. believing in meritocracy BUT not enforcing it when the big influx of white collar foreign workers came and with the 1st wave bringing in dubious quality but lower cost 2nd wave that drown out relatively competent Singaporean workers! Singapore government MIGHT not have anticipated that. They must be puzzled WHY would some people do not embrace MERITOCRACY?;

3. it is appropriate that the YOUNGER ministers be put in charge of charting the FUTURE of our nation. What will we be in 20 years time?

Will it still be obsessed with measuring itself with JUST or MAINLY the economic indicators? Will it be a nation where the old and new citizens of multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-religious mix continue to have peace and harmony upon which prosperity can be built?
Will the poor, disadvantage, old weak and sick, and young get the 'not-a-clutch-mentality' reasonable social safety net without 1st bankrupting the children of the aged parents?

Let the 'collecting of feedback' begin, NOT that they HAD NOT gotten enough feedback!!

I will get involved and will be providing feedback to anyone who care to listen. And HOPEFULLY REALLY take actions...

Some actions I feel should have been DONE now instead of waiting for MORE feedback!

Majulah Singapura.