In an interview with Singapolitics, Dr Balakrishnan, the Minister for Environment and Water Resources shared information about his political career including key points about his relationship with the PAP.
He gave insight into the PAP's process of recruiting members and particularly the cabinet, saying that the PAP was not afraid of differences in opinions. What it didn't want was charlatans (those who create falsehoods or tricks).
Dr Balakrishnan explained that he was originally recruited by former PM Goh Chock Tong in 2001, despite having some points of disagreement with the PAP. Then PM Goh had told him to "hold fast onto his values". This advice has been something that the minister had never forgotten.
"You come in. It doesn't matter if your beliefs or views are different from us. If you can convince us, we will make changes. But on the other hand, if we show you that this is the right thing to do, you must be intellectually honest enough to admit it."
Dr Balakrishnan also said that this is often very difficult when there are strong opinions being held within the cabinet. The cabinet has a collective responsibility, which means that the whole cabinet must stand behind decisions and policies.
He explained that when members of the PAP have differing opinions, it is their responsibility to discuss intellectually and in detail to come to an agreement. The PAP does not screen members' views, instead it wants ministers to hold strongly to their values. So long as they are honest and genuinely held, members should create strong arguments to support them.
However, if the group can objectively show that another opinion is better, then the individual must concede and stand behind the decision also.
Talking about what happens when there is a strong conflict that cannot be resolved, Dr Balakrishnan said that in this situation, the minister opposing should ask to step down. He emphasized that this is part of being in Cabinet and is what should happen if there is a difficult, controversial and yet fundamental point of conflict.
This, he explained, is likely to be part of what makes the government so successful. When decisions are made, the full cabinet must stand in agreement and be prepared to defend the policy. This is what is meant by collective responsibility and helps to strengthen the decision making process ensuring that the long-term interests of Singapore are always considered.
Does the same apply to citizens?
It is clear that Dr Balakrishnan holds this process in high regard and respects the way it works, but are these views the same when applied to citizens?
He explained that the PAP values differing opinions so long as they are genuinely held and can be supported with strong arguments, however when citizens raise their concerns, they seem to often be ignored by the government.
Sometimes, they are even shot down by our leaders with threats of lawsuits.
Many netizens said that this interview is one of the biggest joke that the PAP has ever made.
What do you think?