Public service must stay impartial as it renews ties with new leaders: SM Lee

Good policies and good politics remain vital amid a changing world, he says

- Goh Yan Han

Public servants must understand the political context in which the Government functions to be effective, but cannot get embroiled in political debates, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sept 17.

As the public service renews its relationship with a new generation of political leaders, and Singapore does its best to renew its systems amid a changing world, good policies and good politics will continue to be key, he said.

But the public service has to stay impartial and out of politics, he said, addressing more than 850 public servants at the Annual Public Service Leadership Ceremony held at The Star Theatre in Buona Vista.

He noted that the public service does not make policies in a "technocratic vacuum", and must be aware of the external, strategic environment in which Singapore exists, the national challenges the country faces, the hopes and concerns of the people, as well as the overarching national objectives the Government is striving to achieve.

But he cautioned: "The public service has to stay out of politics. Public officers cannot get embroiled in political debates, or party politics. You need to stay impartial."

In his speech, SM Lee sketched out the roles of Singapore's public service and its political leaders, and the relationship between them.

The country must have a public service driven by the right values and ethos, with the capability and operational know-how to design and implement the right policies, and continuously improve and innovate.

And public servants must also work hand in glove with a political leadership that has the political courage, conviction and touch to convince and inspire people and win their mandate.

"To deliver what is very rare in the world, but what Singaporeans have shown we can do - good government and steady progress," said SM Lee.