The Relationship between Bureaucrats and Elected Officials in Singapore

Much has been written about Singapore's economic development and countries around the world have studied aspects of the “Singapore story” to try and emulate its success in the area of economic and social policies. One of the key factors that lead to its sustained economic growth is the stability of Singapore's political system. It has helped to attract and retain foreign investment into the economy. Singapore's stability is due to the ability of its government to deliver sound policies and to distribute the fruits of development to its citizens through an efficient and relatively incorrupt civil service. The development of this bureaucracy was not left to chance, but was a product of a determined and consistent policy by the government from its earliest days in power. This process of “bureaucracy building” transformed a well trained but largely apathetic colonial civil service into an instrument of national development. This essay argues that there is a close working relationship between bureaucrats and politicians in Singapore. It discusses the nature of this relationship from its inception during the struggle for independence to the present day and identifies some of its characteristics. It also suggests some its potential weaknesses. As Singapore faces an increasingly challenging policy arena, and as a new generation of bureaucrats with new aspirations takes over the decision-making process, the government may be forced to re-negotiate the basis of the relationship.