Primus inter pares - ‘First Among Equals’ - is a Latin term which reflects the original concept of a prime minister as not the most dominant character in the country, but the first minister of the state, second only to the monarch. However, as Singapore uses a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister is the head of the government, it is the most important political position in the country. Traditionally, ministers have been handpicked from “doctors, lawyers, military officers and civil servants”. While they are still well-suited to be members of parliament (MPs), this group of heartlanders are less well-equipped to be ministers, let alone the Prime Minister, as increasing globalisation exposes Singapore to many different societal and cultural values. Having studied in overseas universities, worked in multinational companies, able to accept different cultural and societal values – is that not the ideal Singaporean worker class? A cosmopolitan employee who studied in Oxford, speaks a few languages, appreciates Shakespeare and understands Confucius’ teachings would definitely be prized. Would the future Prime Minister then embody the new breed of the Singaporean worker class, who deals with different nations on a daily basis? With the internationalization of Singapore, it is true that we need a Prime Minister who can hold his own with the leaders of nations all over the world. And yet, if we overly expand our horizon, we might neglect what is directly under our noses. My teachers have always knocked this fact into me: Singapore’s only resource is its people. Therefore we must never be too caught up with the globalization rage, and must appreciate the people around us, and nurture the young. Similarly, the new Prime Minister must have the welfare of the people at heart. However, the author assumes that the new PM would definitely be a PAP candidate and the successor of current PM Lee Hsien Loong. This reflects the disturbing political situation here in Singapore. The PAP has never lost an election since Singapore gained freedom from the British. As a result, Singapore has a one-party system. As we will encounter many different countries, this aspect of our politics might turn off some countries where liberal democracy is practiced, most notably America, a country which is a strong advocate for democracy. On the other hand, Singapore is still a thriving global hub, regardless of our one-party system. Companies from all over the world invest in Singapore, including Americans. Therefore we cannot simply assume also that this problem with our politics would absolutely be detrimental towards our relationships with other countries, and have to acknowledge that the PAP has on the whole done quite a good job so far. As the world progresses, we Singaporeans must also constantly develop ourselves to meet expectations and do our part for our country. If we were to be global citizens and yet remain Singaporeans at heart, then the Prime Minister, as the ‘First Among Equals’, would come to represent us, who are the backbone of our nation. (497 words)
