Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong said that Singapore's system of governance works well due to the close working relationship between the political leadership and the public service.

Speaking at the Administrative Service appointment and promotion dinner on Mar. 28, 2023, Wong commented on the partnership between political leadership and public service, calling it "a key pillar in effective government".

The dinner was an appointment and promotion ceremony of the Administrative Service in the civil service.

Wong said that as leaders in admin service and the broader public service, it is essential to develop and draw out the best in people, specifically people management skills.

"And this is critical, for the ability to bring out the best in your people and team is a crucial success factor in any organisation."

On the working relationship between the public service and political leaders, Wong reaffirmed that the public service is not just "implementors of policies".

Instead, the public service is "close partners with the elected government... working hand in hand to serve [the] citizens and to build a better Singapore together".

Public service not directly involved in politics

Wong highlighted in his speech that public servants need to be "politically sensitive to do [their] work effectively".

"But you should never be politicised," Wong added.

He stated that the public service is not directly involved in weighing political considerations. Rather, the public service is to understand "the priorities, considerations and agenda of the elected government".

With the tight partnership between the public service and political leaders, the public service needs to work closely with the political leaders to engage stakeholders and partners, involving them in the government's agenda and nation-building.

Wong said those who work in the public service need to remain impartial and objective but still recognise the current political climate.

"Instead, give us your best professional judgement, and be candid in sharing your assessments and views because we value your contributions in this manner," he urged.

"I assure you that your professional inputs and insights matter greatly to me and my team, and are a vital part of our decision-making process," Wong said.

Steady pace in leadership renewal

Wong also highlighted the importance of developing a healthy pipeline of future leaders to ensure a high-quality public service.

Several senior permanent secretaries have retired over the last few years, and one-fifth of senior public service leaders are already in their mid- to late-50s, said Wong.

He also noted that 33 new senior public service leaders have been appointed over the past five years.

"It can be unsettling and difficult to see experienced officers who have proven their reliability and worth leave the organisation," he said.

"But leadership renewal is necessary for any organisation to remain healthy and sustainable", he added.

Wong said this is why the government continues to "recruit vigorously" and bring in young talents to serve Singapore, through scholarships and green harvesting programmes.

Wong added that the service has started extending the tenure of senior leaders to age 60, while finding other meaningful ways for retired senior leaders to contribute.

“This is how the admin service, and the public service more generally, have struck a balance between giving its officers meaningful careers, and at the same time, renewing itself and its leadership,” Wong said.

"If the turnover in leadership is done too quickly, we will lose good people unnecessarily. But if it is done too slowly, the organisation will become too settled, and young capable officers will not have space to grow and take on key leadership positions, as they mature in their careers", he said.

Top photo by Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI)