POLITICS

Singapore was undergoing a reality check the past few days. While the ruling party PAP (People's Action Party) enjoyed a decisive win of 81 out of 87 seats in Parliament, the demise of two senior civil servants losing to the minority opposition was a hard drama for the country to witness, judging from media reports. George Yeo, the incumbent Foreign Minister, a super star with a super track record in government, is one of them. Failed to win in the General Election he has no choice but to leave his job. The picture shows him closing a press conference. His gracious acceptance of political realities apparently earned him even more respect. I cannot help but relate this episode of reality TV to what we have at home, with this monster called the 'Accountability System'.

Firstly, we have yet to claim political maturity in our politicians, both elected and appointed. Secondly, the political appointees who head bureaus are at best, freshmen in politics. If I want to be kind, I will say 'sometimes naive' vs 'often naive'. None of them is elected and if they screwed up, all they need is to mumble an apology, bow deeply, and all wrongs are righted. I wonder if the impending departure of George Yeo, who is head over heel better than anyone of ours, individually or even collectively, has caused them to reflect.

I remember the sage advice of a fellow Council member at the HKCAA ... 'Fit for Purpose'. Our Lower Albert Road elites, soon to get the grand harbor view, are AOs trained to administer, not to manage, let alone govern. It is paramount any aspiring CE of the HKSAR must understand this, lest it will be more of the same. Bad appointments, bad ideas, bad execution, bad press which can only lead to the loss of trust, and the mandate to govern. 'Fit For Purpose'? Perhaps skilled surgeons should not run hospitals, master chefs should not run restaurants, good teachers should not run schools and if this holds true, let the best civil servants run the machinery that makes our town work, steer them clear from politics. It would never work as they are not cut out for it.