That makes constant and consistent communications all the more important. The government has to better explain the potential threats, the trade-offs required to overcome them, and what is at stake if we fail to do so – but also in a way that feels relevant to ordinary Singaporeans.
This potentially is one of the hardest challenges for governments today. It requires government leaders to be adroit and adept at political communications and civic engagement, and for a high level of trust to be maintained with citizens.
Communications have to be clear and transparent, without coming across as fear-mongering or partisan, especially in an increasingly contested political landscape. Nor can engagement simply mean asking citizens to accept every government decision, without room to question trade-offs and alternatives.
At the same time, we Singaporeans have a duty to ourselves to be self-aware and vigilant, to stay up-to-date on current affairs and the factors that affect our country and the world as a whole, and to understand the steps Singapore is taking.
This will only become more challenging in the years ahead, as the global and domestic environments continue to grow in complexity and complications.
But guarding against complacency requires this of Singapore and Singaporeans.
Nicholas Fang is a former journalist and Nominated Member of Parliament. He is founder and managing director of strategic consultancy Black Dot and a senior advisor for The Asia Group. He writes a monthly column for CNA.
Continue reading...
This potentially is one of the hardest challenges for governments today. It requires government leaders to be adroit and adept at political communications and civic engagement, and for a high level of trust to be maintained with citizens.
Communications have to be clear and transparent, without coming across as fear-mongering or partisan, especially in an increasingly contested political landscape. Nor can engagement simply mean asking citizens to accept every government decision, without room to question trade-offs and alternatives.
At the same time, we Singaporeans have a duty to ourselves to be self-aware and vigilant, to stay up-to-date on current affairs and the factors that affect our country and the world as a whole, and to understand the steps Singapore is taking.
This will only become more challenging in the years ahead, as the global and domestic environments continue to grow in complexity and complications.
But guarding against complacency requires this of Singapore and Singaporeans.
Nicholas Fang is a former journalist and Nominated Member of Parliament. He is founder and managing director of strategic consultancy Black Dot and a senior advisor for The Asia Group. He writes a monthly column for CNA.
Continue reading...