Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister Of State For Education And Home Affairs, at the Bali Democracy Forum on 9 December 2010

His Excellency Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my pleasure to be here today at the Third Bali Democracy Forum.

2 I join the delegates in complementing Indonesia for showing us that it is possible for democracy, modernity and Islam to co-exist and for democratic transformation to be smooth and peaceful. It is apt that this forum is held in Indonesia, and especially in Bali. Indonesia, and Bali in particular, also embodies the spirit of diversity and tolerance that allows people of different faiths to live in harmony.

3 The Bali Democracy Forum brings together a wide range of countries, all with their own unique models and experiences of democracy. The key test of any government is not whether it adheres to the prescriptions of political scientists, but how successful it is in fulfilling the aspirations of its people. Failure to do so could lead to unrest and instability. This often involves taking a long-term perspective and pursuing practical policies that may at times be unpopular, but could bring greater benefits to the people.

4 As a small city-state with no natural resources except for its people, Singapore has constantly strived to give all its citizens, regardless of race, language or religion, a stake in Singapore's success and prosperity. To this end, we have worked hard to ensure that our people have equal access to opportunity.

5 Indeed, in the years before we became independent, Singapore was a disparate group of people. Tension between ethnic groups quickly led to racial riots that were violent and disruptive. To create a level playing field, Singapore introduced a system of meritocracy. This ensured that an individual's success and reward would always be dependent on his own ability. To give everyone the same chances in education, we adopted a neutral language, English, in our schools. We also enforced strict laws against inciting racial or religious tensions.

6 Singapore has also strived to ensure that all groups in society are represented in the decision-making process. In designated multi-member constituencies, for example, contesting parties must field a minimum number of minority candidates. Minority representation in Parliament assures the minority communities in Singapore that their interests are taken seriously and that they will not be marginalised by the majority.

7 To give all Singaporeans a stake in Singapore's growth and prosperity, we have worked hard to build an inclusive society where no one will be left behind. While globalisation has brought benefits to Singapore, there are some who have found it difficult to stay relevant as the economy evolves. Singapore has worked hard to help those adversely affected by the changes through various schemes.

8 Singapore has also developed a unique brand of tripartism that brings workers, employers and the government to the table to discuss common goals and concerns. Taking this approach to building harmonious industrial relations has benefited all parties and has helped Singapore to achieve inclusive growth. If all Singaporeans feel that they can share in Singapore's success, they will have a greater interest in contributing to our economic prosperity.

9 We have also tried to nurture a participative democracy by providing avenues for our people to voice their concerns and air their grievances. For example, every Member of Parliament (MP) conducts weekly Meet-the-People Sessions with grassroots leaders and local communities in their respective constituencies. Another avenue for people to provide feedback is through the online portal REACH, short for Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home. This initiative, now into its fourth year, helps to engage citizens and to promote public participation in shaping government policies. These mechanisms are accessible to all Singaporeans.

10 Public feedback and participation would be ineffective without capable leadership, strong institutions and good laws that keep abuses of power in check. Laws must also be enforced fairly and in a transparent way. To achieve this, Singapore has endeavoured to eradicate corruption and establish a system of good and clean governance. Indeed, without good governance, the people's grievances can only be heard but will not be addressed.

ASEAN

11 Ladies and gentlemen, Singapore is acutely conscious that notwithstanding all our best efforts domestically, without regional peace and stability, Singapore would not be able to grow and prosper. In this regard, ASEAN has played a critical role in ensuring continued peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

12 ASEAN's success in ensuring peace and stability in the region has been due in large part to its founding principles of consultation, consensus and mutual respect among member states. These principles have enabled the ASEAN member states to come together despite their differing cultures, political systems and development levels, and work towards common goals such as the ASEAN Community. It is only through the strong commitment and efforts of all ten member states that we will achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015.

13 In today's context of globalisation and deepening regional integration, no one state is fully insulated from the challenges and threats that confront its neighbours. Problems have become more complex as we become more inter-connected. As Indonesia prepares to take up the ASEAN Chairmanship, we look forward to working closely with Indonesia to further strengthen ASEAN to address the challenges ahead.

14 Thank You.