12/08/2007

Myth 168

Policy making myth 'Singaporeans... depend on the Government to get its policies right. That's easier said than done. Today's policymakers have to grapple with myriad demands.' This statement is printed boldly on the Straits Times special coverage on policy making in Singapore. Superficially it looks very difficult given the multi racial and religious composition of the country and the limited resources. We are grappling, yes, everyday, but not because policies are difficult to make. Just make it compulsory. Period. What so difficult about that? Prices of public transport, just raise. Who is to say no? Essential services, suka suka just up. What can the people do. Can the people protest, take to the streets? Are there any alternatives? Look at the compulsory annuity schemes. It is simply compulsory. And they even think that it is alright to take the members money and pass it to other people without their consent. They are now grappling with the minute details on how to make it palatable. But the key issue is that many people do not need the annuity scheme. This will not be addressed. It is compulsory. Need it or not, irrelevant. Everyone must pay. Is it that difficult to make such a policy? A scheme, or any scheme, is only well received if the people need it. Obviously not everyone needs it. And also, not everyone can afford it. But it will be a done deal.

1 comment:

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

The myth of the state is that it tries to be 'all things to all people". This is impossible. But many people (voters) believe in this myth, and thus the Sheeple Get The Tyrant They Deserve.

> 'Singaporeans... depend on the Government to get its policies right. <

As mentioned in a previous post, when govt interferes it pitches one group against another; or causes one group to GAIN at the LOSS of another group.

To observe the veracity of this "theory", choose any example where govt interferes and COMPELS people by fixing prices, introducing ridiculous legislation etc.

e.g. for illustration public health—Polyclinics.
The govt sets up Polyclinics which offer "affordable" health care.

GAINERS: The people who want "cheaper" health care.

LOSERS

1st group:
The private medical practices near Polyclinics who need to charge market rates so remain in business. They lose patients to Polyclinics.

2nd group
The taxpayer who doesn't use Polyclinics but still has to pay for it.

S'pore is likely to retain much of its "authoritarian" image because the people simply will not cooperate with each other to solve their own problems VOLUNTARITY, and thus constantly howl at their government to do the problem solving for them, by COMPULSION.

Yep, the sheeple get what they deserve.