What are the qualities you look for in a potential MP/ Minister?
An MP and a minister are both required to lead the nation, but not everyone can lead. A leader must fulfil certain qualities. As for me, there are some qualities I look for in a potential MP or minister. They are integrity, determination, method of thinking, ability to communicate, trust, level of education, passion and age.
An MP or minister must have integrity. He or she must not be corrupted or the entire government would be affected and this indirectly affects the nation as a whole. A minister, at some point in time, has to handle money or funds. This sum of money usually is quite a huge sum. He or she must overcome the temptation of misusing the funds for personal gain.
If one were an MP, he or she must have determination. To help govern a country is no easy task. During crisis like the economic downturn, measures must be taken to help the country overcome the problem. However, each action a government takes would bring about its own side effects. For example, PAP is fielding a new candidate who is of the young age of 27. This was an effort to win the support of the younger generation. However, some people, especially the opposition party, have many doubts and concerns that the candidate is too young and incapable of carrying out her tasks well as she is inexperience.
An MP’s way of thinking is very important. Thus, the ability to think logically and rationally during difficult times is crucial. Failure to think logically would result in illogical decisions being made, and as such, would eventually bring the country down. As Atticus in ‘To kill a mocking bird’ said, “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view”. In order to understand the people, a minister has to see things from their point of view. Then only would he be able to come up with suggestions or make decisions which are beneficial to the population.
A minister also must have good communication skills. He or she must be effectively bilingual and be able to communicate in some dialects. This is so that he can reach out to the greater majority of the population, including the elderly and those who may not be able to speak English. Also, good communication skills are required in order to better bring forth an idea in parliament.
No country would want an illiterate MP or minister. Although an MP is not required to have a Masters or a PhD, he or she should at least be educated and obtain decent grades. A country must be led by people who are intellectually capable. Singapore has no natural resources. Its people are its resources. It is important for Singapore to be led by people who are intellectually capable because it is her people who will eventually bring the country to greater heights. Imagine a country led by people who are illiterates. What would happen to the country in the long run? Singapore needs people who are able to make sound decisions and this is only possible if a minister is educated to a certain extent.
A minister has to be passionate in what he or she does. Passion helps to keep one focused on the task ahead and motivated even when the going gets tough. Having a passion in what he or she does helps one perform better in the job. Passion also helps one to look beyond the job scope. With passion, the job is sustained and more will benefit in the long run.
Age is the final factor I will look at. A young MP would, hopefully, inject more life and vibrancy to the ward that he or she is in charge of. In addition, a young MP would be more in touch with the mindset of the younger generation and moving trends. This would hopefully lead to more updated and innovative ideas being contributed. With a young MP at the helm, the younger generation, hopefully, would be lured into politics, thereby, bringing in new blood to the party, and at the same time, generate new ideas to help the nation to prosper.