Public servants must understand the political context in which the government functions to be effective but cannot get embroiled in political debates or party politics, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Speaking at the 2024 Annual Public Service Leadership Award Ceremony, SM Lee emphasised the need for public servants to remain impartial and stay out of politics. He highlighted three key factors essential for governing Singapore well: good policies and politics, good public service and political leadership, and the right relationship between the public service and political leadership.
Background
SM Lee noted that Singapore has successfully navigated the “tumultuous early days of nationhood” due to effective governance. He attributed this success to the combination of sound policies, competent public service, and strong political leadership. Over the past six decades, Singapore has made steady progress, overcoming major crises such as severe recessions, regional troubles, and the Covid-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a more cohesive and united nation, enabling Singapore to stand tall on the international stage.
Good policies and good politics
Elaborating on the importance of good policies, SM Lee stated that creating effective policies is a demanding task requiring knowledge, experience, creativity, practical touch, and organisational ability. He warned that without these elements, goals and ambitions would remain empty slogans, and the government would fail to deliver results. “That is why it is vital to have a competent, professional, high-quality public service,” he said. SM Lee reiterated that public servants must stay out of politics but understand the political context in which the government operates. Ministers, on the other hand, must set Singapore’s overall direction with the nation’s best interests in mind and master policies to be effective.
The right relationship
SM Lee stressed the importance of a strong relationship between public officers and ministers. “The stronger the public service, the better the political leadership needs to be,” he said, refuting claims that being a minister in Singapore is easy due to its capable public service. He explained that each side has its respective roles and must work closely together with mutual trust, respect, and understanding. Citing the example of raising the Goods and Services Tax (GST), SM Lee illustrated how ministers and public service collaborated effectively. Ministers prepared the ground and decided on support measures, while public service advised and executed the increase, design, and implementation of the support package. This close collaboration is necessary for addressing other strategic issues like public transport, immigration, and income inequality.
Formidable challenges
Looking ahead, SM Lee warned of formidable challenges both externally and domestically. He noted that as the world becomes increasingly turbulent, Singapore faces rising political pressures and incentives. “As growth becomes harder to come by, as our politics becomes more fiercely contested, things can go wrong for us too,” he said. He cautioned that slimmer electoral margins would leave the government with less political space to make the right decisions, making it harder to disregard short-term considerations. “Singaporeans must understand the dangers this creates, and so must the public service,” SM Lee concluded.
