Wrong statements and crisis management

Writer: Liao Ji Wei (translated name)
Sin Chew, June 25, 2015

When the high-speed rail project between Singapore and Malaysia was first announced in 2013, there were cheers all round. It would be an iconic project for us as we achieve the advanced nation status. There have been great hopes and even developers are using the proximity of their housing project to the train station as a selling point to attract buyers.

However, the date of completion has been deferred first to 2018, and then in 2015, it was stated that it would not be completed even in 2020. It goes to show that the project needs more consultations and the public can expect to wait even longer.

There is nothing strange that such delays happen in our country. Just take a look at all the major project. Which one has been completed on time or without problems after completion?

Just look at the expansion of Pasir Gudang Expressway. It has been deferred time and again. Even after the many on-site inspections by the Works Minister in the last two years, public complaints have never stopped. Some said it was much better without the expansion as the situation only becomes worse.

What more when the high-speed rail project involves two governments. There are concerns which need to be addressed and time is needed for mutual consultations. The RTS project for example has been announced 30 years ago and is only taking shape now.

However, our senior government officials are in the habit of making announcements as if to heighten our expectations. Many times they said the wrong things and made those who are concerned with the projects feel like riding on a roller-coaster.

Recently, a senior SPAD official told the media that the high-speed railway may set up its terminal in Johor. The statement has aroused concern of the Singapore government.

The Singapore Transport Ministry said it was surprised by such a statement and SPAD came out in a hurry clarification blaming the media for wrong interpretation. It has left a bad impression in our neighbouring country.

Our senior government officials have made countless mistakes inside and outside the parliament. Such malaise should be remedied. They should not simply say something and later come out with a clarification. If they continued to treat this like a child play, they would lose their trust and authority.

In this age of information explosion, our Government must improve its crisis management. Announcement should be made by a single spokesman or by issuing written statement to avoid any chaos, instead of through revelations by different officials.

As we prepare ourselves for the advanced nation status in 2020, we should not only focus on raising our income, the quality of our government officials should also be enhanced to build up our reputation and authority. When the nation is strong, the people will also grow strong.

Original Source: 言多必失下的危機管理