4.
Democracy is therefore a broad current in human history. It takes different forms, often in competition with one another. It is a means to achieve better governance, never an end in itself. What is important is to put human beings living in communities at the heart of everything we try to do. The word 'demos' referring to people has as its specific context people living in community. We associate counting votes with democracy but there are so many ways to structure a voting system which can lead to very different outcomes. The key is good governance. Democracy should always be structured to facilitate good governance, never to make it harder. Here, I am making a case for a pragmatic view of democracy instead of an ideological view.
Democracy with Singapore Characteristics
5.
Singapore's democracy is a work in progress. We inherited laws and institutions from the British which we have adapted to our own circumstances. Being a small city-state with no natural resources except people and a good geographical location, we have to be pragmatic. We can only make a decent living if we provide a service to others and if the neighbourhood where we live in is in peace. We are not dealing with abstractions. Broadly speaking, Singapore democracy serves three objectives.
6.
First, the rule of law. Good governance requires the rule of law. Without proper laws defining the limits of freedom, there can be no freedom. Without good laws protecting property rights, investments will not be made and long term development will be affected. Having good laws on the statute books is not enough. Laws must be implemented and enforced fairly and consistently in a transparent way or they risk becoming dead letters or, worse, instruments of oppression. There must therefore be some separation of powers and an independent judiciary. Corruption is always a problem that has to be combated.
Democracy is therefore a broad current in human history. It takes different forms, often in competition with one another. It is a means to achieve better governance, never an end in itself. What is important is to put human beings living in communities at the heart of everything we try to do. The word 'demos' referring to people has as its specific context people living in community. We associate counting votes with democracy but there are so many ways to structure a voting system which can lead to very different outcomes. The key is good governance. Democracy should always be structured to facilitate good governance, never to make it harder. Here, I am making a case for a pragmatic view of democracy instead of an ideological view.
Democracy with Singapore Characteristics
5.
Singapore's democracy is a work in progress. We inherited laws and institutions from the British which we have adapted to our own circumstances. Being a small city-state with no natural resources except people and a good geographical location, we have to be pragmatic. We can only make a decent living if we provide a service to others and if the neighbourhood where we live in is in peace. We are not dealing with abstractions. Broadly speaking, Singapore democracy serves three objectives.
6.
First, the rule of law. Good governance requires the rule of law. Without proper laws defining the limits of freedom, there can be no freedom. Without good laws protecting property rights, investments will not be made and long term development will be affected. Having good laws on the statute books is not enough. Laws must be implemented and enforced fairly and consistently in a transparent way or they risk becoming dead letters or, worse, instruments of oppression. There must therefore be some separation of powers and an independent judiciary. Corruption is always a problem that has to be combated.
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