Wong says leaders must have conviction to do what’s
necessary not popular
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng says leaders must have the
conviction to do what is necessary, even if it may not win them
political points.
He says in a crisis, leaders may find that they have the platform
and momentum to drive difficult reforms.
But it becomes less easy to pursue and persist with tough reforms
when the crisis is over and the economy is on the mend.
Businesses and employees would be reluctant to see the withdrawal
of temporary support measures put in place during the
downturn.
They might be wary of moves to tighten credit and strengthen
corporate governance.
In such a situation, leaders must have the conviction to push
through what needs to be done, rather than what is politically
expedient or populist.
Mr Wong says to do so, they need to articulate the long term vision
for the country or organization clearly, mobilize their
stakeholders and steer them towards this vision.
They cannot do this effectively if they lack credibility and lack
the trust of those they lead.
Mr Wong, who’s also Home Affairs Minister, was speaking at the
fifth Asia Economic Summit.
The event brings together think tanks, business leaders and
government officials from the region to brainstorm and discuss the
strategic challenges Asia face and the prospects ahead.
--938Live