Tag Archives: civil service

From January 2015, most civil servants will get bigger Medisave contributions from their employers. The Public Service Division announced that it will double the civil service employer's additional contribution for those on the Medisave-cum Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) scheme.Special consideration was also given to low-wage officers earning $2,500 or less a month. They will receive a minimum additional contribution of $50 a month.

The scenario of public servants running rings around hapless ministers may be amusing in fiction, but it is something Singapore must avoid, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean in Parliament on Thursday. On Tuesday, Ms Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) had warned of that scenario, depicted in the British political comedy Yes, Prime Minister. "The reality, however, should it come to pass, will not give rise to much mirth," said Mr Teo, who is the Minister in charge of the Civil Service.

But the problem is not just about our approach, it is also one of capabilities. As I mentioned earlier, we have spent the last few years trying to solve many problems and correct many wrongs, what we in Singapore commonly refer to as fire-fighting. But why did we even have to do this in the first place? The government in the early days of Singapore was well known for its long term scenario planning. They would plan such that they had considered all potential problems and would ensure that such problems are avoided. And even if these problems do crop up, they would already have thought of viable alternatives, which they could implement immediately. They certainly did not spend years fire-fighting to solve problems. So what happened to all our scenario planners in the government? Why are we fighting fires because of poor planning?

Exactly 23 years ago this day, Singapore was presented with a gruelling test that saw our public service deliver ground-breaking results. SQ117 - flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore - was hijacked by 4 Pakistani Terrorists who threatened to kill passengers on board should their demands not be met. The negotiating team was highly effective, making a disguised attempt to stall for time as counter-strike operations were being prepared. As the main strike operation came, commandos were highly effective, ambushing and killing all 4 terrorists within 33 seconds without and civilian casualties.