Putting the interests of the people first?

One way to learn in GP is to compare parallel situations in other parts of the world and then compare with Singapore, and then asks yourself WHY we are the same and/or different from them....In recent weeks, the media is abuzz with reports of countries round the world holding elections, the recently-concluded by-election in Singapore notwithstanding; think the US, the Philippines and Sarawak.
Note also how democracy is executed in these various countries and ours....to both positive and negative effects....

1. Residents trust PAP to look out for their interests: Murali [Click HERE]
2. The politics of charm (in the Philippines) [Click HERE]

Regarding the Qn below which some of us discussed during lesson, the crux of the issue lies in the definition of 'interests of the people'.
Giving emphasis to people's interests may strengthen their trust in the govt, but it may also erode this trust if the people's perception of their interest does not coincide with the govt's definition of the people's interests. And if the govt interpret 'placing the interests of the people first' as giving the people what they want, such a populist govt will bring about the ruin of the country.

Qn: 'A good government should always put the interests of the people first.' How far do you agree?