Politics exists to provide good leadership, safeguard the national interest, foster unity and cohesion, and formulate a common vision for a brighter future.
In the cut-and-thrust of politics, however, it can be easy to lose sight of this fundamental purpose of politics.
First, transparency and integrity are basic tenets we expect and even require of our politicians.
And these tenets, though separate, are linked.
It is easy to be transparent when things go well.
The real test is when there is trouble.
Both the PAP and the WP have had difficulties, problems and scandals recently, but the degree of explanation, due process, transparency, and accountability demonstrated by them are qualitatively different.
One seeks to uncover the truth even if inconvenient with a smack of masochism, while the other engages in a pattern of denials and obfuscations.
Second, more importantly, the national interest has to trump short-term, narrow and selfish political gains.
Casting aspersions on the independence, performance and integrity of our institutions, without any valid basis or justifications, for partisan or even personal purposes, is a dereliction of leadership and responsibility.
This is especially when the gratuitous attacks are laced with self-righteousness, even as, ironically, the same standards are not being applied to oneself.
Most damningly, these attacks undermine international confidence in Singapore, including our hard-won reputation for integrity, competence and incorruptibility, at a time when it is most needed, as we navigate treacherous geopolitical developments and a leadership transition.
Some may say that, well, this is politics and the adage all’s fair in love and war applies.
But that is precisely the point.
There is good politics and there is bad politics.
Regardless of political party, let us expect and even require all parties and politicians to practise good politics at all times.
And, let us not lose sight, that this is a kind of politics that provides good leadership, safeguards the national interest, fosters unity and cohesion, and formulates a common vision for a brighter future.
#politics #nationalinterest #leadership
by Royce Wee