Decline in public confidence

Here’s a quote by Stéphane Dion from “Rising Cynicism: Who is to Blame?” that is especially pertinent in the light of recent developments in Singapore:

“The public image of politics has deteriorated steadily…The three most sensitive issues seem to be frankness, probity and misuse of public funds. A growing proportion of the public thinks that politicians lie to them, act dishonestly, and waste the taxpayers’ money. The unpopularity of politics and politicians would be a healthy sign if it meant that the citizenry were keeping an alert and critical eye on those who govern. But it seems clear that instead it has caused a segment of the population to become cynically indifferent, to give up on everything that has to do with politics.”