The crux of the problem facing Singapore now is how to transform a government that has achieved so much good for it’s citizens by controlling everything and being able to execute and enforce it’s policies rather effortlessly.

Now PAP, the ruling party for nearly the last six decades has to engage a more activist electorate to get on it’s side by being open and persuasive. The problem is compounded by indecisive leadership and no clear successor in the 4G team who can provide the visionary leadership required to continue Singapore on a strong growth trajectory.

The lacklustre results and anaemic projections for the economy is as much because of problems within the government as it is of the external environment. This will be worrisome for the PAP as failing to continue improving the lives of citizens will erode it’s legacy and ultimately grip on power.

The recent saga of the ‘selected’ elected President is a telling sign of the discomfort the PAP leadership has dealing with an alternative view point and the mentality that only they have the infinite wisdom to address faults in society. That smugness does not sit well with young Singaporeans and the better educated. Even more problematic is their convoluted solution to fix the issue by creating numerous rules where the obvious solution is reaching out to the public and persuasive argument.

The 1G leadership was ahead of it’s cohort and delivered record beating growth for Singapore because they took a pragmatic approach and could rally citizens to support their methods in exchange for solid results and an improved quality of life. While other governments became protective they adopted an open economy, choosing free trade over import substitution and harmonious labour relations instead of industrial strife. But now the 3G and 4G leadership appear to be lagging their peers in other countries who have become enlightened and progressive.

Singapore’s methods are definitely incongruous with an open, data driven digital world. Perhaps the PAP does not get it that in a fast changing world the control  resides with the individual and government has to be the partner and not the monopoly. The 1G leaders faced tremendous challenges too but their focus was on how to beat the odds and not explain their way out of a mediocre performance. Had they taken the latter approach it is unlikely that the PAP will still be in power today.

The current leadership cannot be the custodians of an outdated model and must change course to ensure Singapore will again be the vibrant nation that can outpace bigger and better endowed countries to remain at the top of the league.