Conclusion

Conclusion

We believe that for a country to become successful, a good and stable government is needed to overlook its country. From there, a good leader has to be selected with the following qualities:

1. Have a vision

In Singapore, our leaders have the 'vision' of predicting future challenges and they have came up with various precautions or methods to prepare for it.

The first example would be that of the public housing. 80% of the population owns a property or at least have a roof over their heads. This gives people a stake in Singapore and allows them to feel a sense of pride and responsibility towards their country. In 1989, the government introduced the 'ethnic integration policy'. It ensures that there is an even distribution of the various races in all housing estates. This creates a common living space. By living together, people from different races are able to interact with one another. It also reduces the chances of racial riots occuring as the people will feel more bonded to one another.

Another example is that of NEWater. Singapore currently has two agreements with Malaysia on water. However, both contracts for water supplies will end in 2011 and 2061. The government has anticipated this change and looked for an alternative method. Singapore will be able to have it's own source of water and not become dependent on other countries.

2. Make Decisions

This is a very tough thing to do as not many people will be happy with the governments decisions. But they have to make the correct ones so that the country will improve and grow. Leaders are not afraid to make decisions because they are confident that whatever they do will help the contry in one way or another.

Many people are not happy with the idea of drinking 'sewage water' but the government has not given up the idea of NEWater. It believes that this is a psychological barrier that many people have to overcome. What would happen if the government had listened to the people who opposed NEWater? There would not be a solution for Singapore's need for water. If Malaysia decided to end the water agreements early, where would Singapore get it's alternative source of water?

3. Communicate Effectively

The government must communicate with it's people to ensure them of their role in society. When the government makes important decisions, the needs of the people have to be considered. To learn about this, a communication between the government and the people is vital.

Singapore has channels whih includes theFeedback Unit and the media. The Forum Page in The Straits Times is one of such examples. During the 'Meet-the-People' sessions, the people are also encouraged to speak out or give their opinions to the ministers.

Although the Japanese employed harsh methods of government (extremism), they were not effective in controlling their people. The weakness of the Diet was one of the factors contributing to the failure in democracy in Japan. Corruption was also another factor that led to Japan's failures. Zaibatsu's (ざいばつ)were large families who controlled banking and industrial combines in Japan. Some of them accepted bribes from the people and this led to corruption. The living and working conditions of the workers were also overlooked. Because the problem of housing was not resolved, the people began to lose confidence in their government. One very important aspect of controlling a country is that there must be trust and confidence between the government and it's people. But the weakness of the Diet and the government caused the people to lose hope and confidence that their government is able to bring their country to further heights. There is a lack of communication. This is different to Singapore's method of democracy. Where everyone has a say in the government's policy. Mutual respect for each other will definitely help to grow our country.