8/21/2008

A Singapore without LKY

When Chok Tong became the PM, LKY took a step back. This was the first phase of preparing Singapore to continue without a LKY. It was the beginning of a transition. LKY was like the dowagers behind the veil, there in the background to keep things in check. When Hsien Loong took over the rein from Chok Tong, it was expected that the transition to a Singapore would move one step ahead and be complete, and LKY would fade away from the political scene. He had achieved what he wanted for Singapore and what he wanted for himself as a father. He could spend his time telling stories to his grandchildren. The transition of Singapore to the next phase, to run efficiently and effectively in the absence of LKY, is vital to give the impression that Singapore can continue on its own under a new leadership. And even without LKY, it will not run to a halt, there will be no leadership crisis and no drastic changes in policies and direction. The ethos and ways of doing businesses, running the country, will be as predictable as before. In other words, have faith and confidence that things will be normal. The last couple of years have seen LKY not only in front of the veil, but walking beside Hsien Loong in the running of state affairs. In some instances he was walking ahead. The direct participation of LKY in state affairs can be seen in different ways. From the positive angle, we have the strongest team ever, the Dream Team, running the country. We have two Dep PMs, a PM, an Immediate Past PM and LKY himself. It is a formidable team. The strongest team that Singapore ever had. What is a bit troubling is that the transition of a Singapore to a post LKY era is back at square one. It is still the LKY era with LKY fully in charge. It may be a perception, a wrong perception, but still a perception. For those doomsayers, there will be a new song to be sung. Or old song actually. What would Singapore be like without LKY? Will it sink, will there be a leadership crisis, will the new team be able to manage without him? Will there be fear, a loss of confidence and a flight of capital and investment? We have unwittingly taken a big step back in our process of having a Singapore running confidently and proving to the world that with or without LKY nothing changes. Is this good or bad?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

the system is well thought out, it is good to have a strong team. where other countries are not so lucky, we shud really be in an envious position with this dream team.

Anonymous said...

to be over dependent on this dream team is dangerous
why?cos when the dream team falls,the nightmare begins,so muz learn to have other teams in order to ensure that when dream team is gone,the livilihood/quality of life do not go done

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

hi stranger, welcome to the blog.

the issue i am pointing out is that after the dream team what's next?

singapore needs to put a team in charge and prove that this team can carry on without lky. that was the transition plan put in when chok tong took over. by now we should be running with a new team. the longer lky remain in the team, the longer we will be seen to be dependent on him as the anchor.

then some may wonder, can the new team do it on its own? too much of lky can in turn becomes a liability in many ways.

Anonymous said...

It's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket. That's why able S'poreans are taking up PR in other countries, everybody needs alternative as a form of insurance. Only 66% are stupid enough to rely on blind faith.

Anonymous said...

The dream team is a liability for Singapore in the long run because we fail to throw up alternatives. That is why two thirds of younger Singaporeans would like to live and retire elsewhere rather than in Singapore. That tells us a lot about the people's faith in the Government.

Anonymous said...

It is definitely not a perception, it's real. LKY is the true leader. In every major announcement, LKY would be the first to talk about it, give some hints, and then sometime followed by Goh and last operson is our PM. Anyone can observed this practice visibly. Like the birth rate and incentives, LKY mentioned these matters 2 weeks ago.

Anonymous said...

Its true. Nobody can ever have the last word with him around. That's the reality.

Anonymous said...

For more detailed discussions on this important topic, see:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=1186.1


Singapore Kopitiam:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages/

Anonymous said...

When Dream Team is over.. Mr Ong BS will take over.. relax..

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

possible.