ROLES OF ORGANIZED BUSINESS IN PUBLIC POLICY MAKING IN SINGAPORE : CHANGES AND CONTINUITIES

Abstract

Organized business occupies an integral position in Singapore's development, past and present. In its history, organized business and its participation in Singapore's public policy making has witnessed many highs and lows. In the pre-war period, organized business activism was at its peak. Since then, activities of business associations have been characterized by a search for continued national relevance. In 1986, however, Singapore's business-government relations underwent a change. A more consultative and participatory style of government was ushered in, and the private sector was formally invited to play effective policy roles in charting Singapore's economic future. Organized business has been inadequate in its response to this proposal. Amidst the opportunity of greater policy participation, the roles of organized business have been constrained by the domestic political environment. Singapore's organized business does not enjoy the privileged position so characteristic of its Western, liberal counterparts, due to the corporatist style of Singapore's business-government relations. A greater obstacle is organized business' internal organizational underdevelopment. In terms of structural development and resource availability, organized business appears weak in its policy capabilities. In addition, organized business lacks the unity, representativeness and psychological preparedness to take on autonomous policy roles. Case studies show the limited extent of business participation in economic policy making. Evidently, policy influence is largely confined to the very initial stages of policy formulation - towards the definition of problems, and agenda setting. It is argued that for organized business to be effective in Singapore, it needs to consolidate itself. To realize its policy potential, it must first break free from its trappings of low credibility and parochialism.