While politicians are more likely to craft better policies with a better grasp of the public’s sentiments, to have independent agencies “Rate politicians periodically in Singapore” (Jan 14) would be unsound and potentially harmful.

Knowing a leader’s perceived popularity and capability, or lack thereof, will neither identify the problems that need rectification nor effect constructive suggestions to ameliorate the situation.

What would be useful are surveys on how policies are being perceived by different groups of people.

We already practise this, for instance, in surveys of the business community on measures introduced in the Budget.

Specific polls on the impact of policies are more effective in pushing politicians to improve outcomes for citizens. In contrast, measuring a politician’s popularity incentivises him or her to focus on form over substance.

One cannot assume that popularity tracks effectiveness. The New York Times reported last month, for example, how Newark’s mayor is popular, despite unsatisfactory municipal management, because of his media blitz in championing causes.

Periodic polls could also weaken politicians’ will to make politically unsavoury, yet necessary, decisions. Concern over their ratings might lead them to be more likely to succumb to public pressure, even if it is not in the nation’s good.

We expect elected leaders to exercise good judgment based on our input, and not to accede to every request.

British statesman Edmund Burke said: “Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”

Many democracies have frequent appraisals of their leaders. Singapore is an anomaly in this regard, with only the General Election to reflect the public’s sentiments on a host of issues, beyond a politician’s performance alone, for observers to infer his standing.

However, this is a boon rather than a bane.

To know that our elected leaders are able to make their own judgment and are engaged in the actual work of governing rather than posturing and politicking is more important than to know their standing.