LEADING AND SERVING ARE INSEPARABLE

27 Sep 1994


        I refer to the recent exchange of letters between readers and 
MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Mr Koo Tsai Kee.
        To date, the debate has centred on the State-Regime 
distinction. However, in an earlier letter ("PAP Govt is popular, but is 
not populist", ST, Sep 6),  Mr Koo had advanced another idea. Quoting 
Burke - "I could hardly lead you, if I have to serve you too." - Mr Koo 
advised us to heed the advice. The meaning is obvious: Leaders should 
not be servants. 
        The idea that good political leadership is separable from 
serving the People is anathema to democrats. In a democracy, 
sovereignty resides in the People and political leaders are stewards, not 
masters. Mr Koo's idea undermines the philosophical underpinnings of 
Democracy. It should be debunked in no uncertain terms.
        Political leaders should remember that they govern with the 
consent of the People, and show the corresponding humility.  They 
would do well to bear in mind always the advice of a man more 
renowned than Burke, Jesus Christ, who taught: "[T]he greatest one 
among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the 
servant."
        On our part, voters should be extremely wary of politically 
ambitious persons who espouse Mr Koo's idea, as they appear to have 
a rather limited sense of accountability to the People. We elect them to 
our own peril.