Let leaders come off the pedestal..

In my point of view, I think Singapore's society resembles Asian societies when it comes to relating to authority or leaders.

In Singapore, the type of leadership practised is largely autocratic and directive. Singaporeans have the thinking, that whatever the government has planned and done for them is definitely to their benefit, entrenched in their minds. Hence, the tendency for them to contradict the government can be safely said to be zilch. They are contented to be led entirely by the government, leaving all if not most decisions to be made by the authority. In a way, they have less responsibility to shoulder, and thus they desire to reside in their comfort zones, knowing that they will not be put to a disadvantage by the government.

Unlike the Western societies, Singaporeans "idolise" our leaders. Owing to this, they are often willing to pardon the faults of authority figures, sometimes even the grave ones, just to satisfy their deep longing for faith in them. As a result, wanting them to accept the blunders made by authority figures is easier said than done. A good anecdote will be the NKF Saga where the former CEO was charged for corruption. It resulted in hue and cry, and left a hideous episode which is not easily elapsed.

This over-dependence on the authority also sets off irresponsility in the people and makes them pusillanimous when they are met with difficulties where clear decisions have to be made by themselves.

Thus, I agree with the proposal that leadership should be thought of as an activity that authority figures exercise only some of the time. In this way, the followers, who are Singaporeans in this case, will have to be prepared to work towards change and show leadership themselves. They will not unable to over-rely on the government to make choices for them. This new approach to leadership allows authority figures to be less trapped by the demands of their roles, hence they will be able to do the right thing rather than doing just to meet others' expectations. Singaporeans will then learn to think critically for themselves and lead what they choose to be right.

"The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way". The government, although being the leading body in the country, should not be the only ones leading. They should set out the direction for the people and allow them to lead their way and leave a trail.