GOVERNANCE IN SINGAPORE
Based on the information that i have learnt in Chapter 5, i am going to talk more about the IR resort which is going to be built in Singapore which is part of the principle of pragmatism and the principle of being forward looking. Why do i say that? This is because the IR resort WILL definitely aid Singapore in improving its economic state which is part of being pragmatic and it also shows Singapore's government as being forward looking. The details would be further explained in the later part.
Firstly, let me give you an overview of what the IR resort in Singapore is all about:
Ø In March 2004, the Singapore Government announced that it is studying the possible development of a resort-casino in Singapore
Ø Came in the wake of reports that major gaming companies are planning to invest in Las-Vegas style casinos
Ø Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry is currently studying various proposals from various gaming companies for an integrated resort complete with entertainment and facilities like hotels, retail shops, theme attractions, food and beverage outlet and a casino
Ø Model that the government have in mind are top destination resorts like:the Bellagio in Las Vegas and The Atlantis located at the Bahamas Island
Ø The resort-casino project has sparked off a huge debate and discussion in the local press
Ø Various press and Internet surveys have shown that Singaporeans are spilit over roughly over 50-50 over whether a casino should be built.
A debate in which a casino should or should not be built is definitely expected as what there will be some people who look towards the optimistic side and those that look towards the pessimistic side. I personally belong to the optimistic group.
To me, i personally feel that there can be only benefits for the building of the IR resort and mainly the casino. Based on the economic policies, with the construction of the resort and the casino, it would therefore be able to help Singapore's tourism industry as with its increasing competition from the neighboring countries, new attractions is definitely in need of to attract more tourists. The resort casino could therefore help to attract more tourists, making them stay longer as well as cater to a new group of high-rolling tourists. The government is also being forward looking as they are able to see that with the successful building of the IR resort and the casino, there will therefore be an increase in the amount of jobs available not only in the resorts and casinos but also in other sectors of the economy. There will also then be an increase in the amount of investments made by other countries to Singapore.
However, there is nothing in this world that is absolutely perfect. This goes to be the same for this policy. With the building of the casino, there will definitely be non-benefits like:
(1) The likely erosion of social values
(2) potential negative impact on Singapore international reputation as a “clean and honest” city
(3) the danger that organized crime will take root again
(4) Social costs of increased gambling addiction
(5) Bankruptcy
(6) Harm to marriage and families
(7) Concerns that flow-on effects to the rest of the economy may be affected
(8) development of the resort may simply cannibalize the existing tourist attractions
The government knowing about these fears of the people, has therefore implemented preventive measures like:
Ø Firstly, individuals can opt to bar themselves from the casinos, and applications can be made in person, through the internet, by post and possibly even via SMS. Social workers will then be assigned to interview applicants if necessary, and refer them to welfare agencies.
Ø Secondly, family members can also apply to have loved ones banned from the casinos.
Ø Thirdly, bankrupts, people on government assistance programmes, and those who have poor credit records, will be notified of the exclusion by the Committee of Assessors and given the right to appeal within 30 days.
With the implementations of these measures, family members would then not need to fear that for their loved ones and friends, that they will become addicted to gambling and walk the wrong path.
I therefore conclude that I am absolutely 100% supportive of the implementation of this policy and am very proud of the government for their practicing the principle of good governance like being forward looking, planning ahead to meet the future needs of the people and for practicing pragmatism as even though knowing that their implementation of this policy would stir up disagreements, the government stood firm of their stand and therefore made the right decision which would in turn benefit the rest of the citizens in Singapore in the future.
