Different functions of Government

REX has written about the macro and micro functions of politicians. They have to see the big picture and make macro policies. They have to attend to the nitty gritty of listening to their constituents. It is difficult to find people who have both skills.

In the USA, the elected members of Congress listen to their constituents and debate policies in Congress. Their primary role is to represent the people.

The heads of the different departments in Government (i.e. like our ministers) are appointed by the President, usually with the approval of Congress. They can be selected from anywhere in the country, i.e. from the business sector, academia, the people sector or from elected politicians. If they are appointed from elected politicians, they have to resign their elected seat to be in the Executive Branch of Government. Their seat is taken over by another person who can discharge the role of representing the people.

In UK, the ministers rely on the senior civil servants to administer the policies decided by the Government. They do not manage the administration. They remain largely policy making.

Singapore has a unique system where the Ministers play all three roles. They are over-stretched and do not have sufficient time and attention to discharge these roles properly. This is my humble view.

I prefer the system in USA followed by UK .

Tan Kin Lian