Rule of law and norms needed for successful social governance: Ong Ye Kung at China forum

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An effective combination of the rule of law and social norms is needed for successful social governance...Singapore is merging the two approaches by updating its laws to account for new developments while actively cultivating shared values and norms within society as it evolves

It is “wishful thinking” to expect people to resolve disputes on their own through a strong sense of propriety, as unruly behaviour and misunderstandings will always exist. Conversely, if we over-rely on law and enforcement to resolve disputes, people would only behave when authorities are watching. There would be no kindness, care and warmth in society

the Chinese words “fa” and “li” – referring to the rule of law, and social norms or virtues respectively

Qn: Are social norms still necessary today?