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System to elevate sound leaders should always be in S’pore’s DNA

The letters “The recipe for good governance” and “A good govt serves majority, not sectoral interests” (both July 22) provide food for thought, reflecting the need for the fundamentals of good governance and the continual need for a balanced democracy.

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Cyril Seah Kwei Hiok

The letters “The recipe for good governance” and “A good govt serves majority, not sectoral interests” (both July 22) provide food for thought, reflecting the need for the fundamentals of good governance and the continual need for a balanced democracy.

Ultimately, a nation’s best safeguard is the ability to appoint good leadership, and to do so within its systems of governance and democracy, it is hoped.

Leadership is not for glamour; it is an obligation, and in all areas — welfare, industry, education, defence and so forth. Great nations can be brought low with bad leadership, plunged into political struggles, societal splits, corruption and moral chaos, while a small nation can rise to prominence with sound leadership.

It is crucial that our system keeps delivering leadership with vision, the gumption to stand for the right thing and the political will to plough on in the best way for the future. This should always be part of Singapore’s DNA.

There have been great leaders who built up the nations entrusted to them through democratic elections. Tragically, there have been leaders who ruined their own countries and who, ironically, were also brought in by the same winds of democracy.

Democracy can be neutral but blind. Good governance keeps blind leaders out and preserves the country’s good.

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