How useful are feedback groups in Singapore?

Producer: Felix Tan
First broadcast: 13 January 04, Radio Singapore International

Singapore's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry, Raymond Lim, recently argued that public consultation is a crucible of democracy.

He also touched on the usefulness of feedback groups.

Reiterating what Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said last week in a Harvard Club speech, Mr Lim said that 'civic participation should go beyond words to include action'.

He said that the value of feedback must transcend the boundaries of merely
providing useful suggestions.

Feedback groups should instead be actively involved, initiate and be interested in what goes on in our society.

But how far will feedback forums work?

Felix Tan put this question to Dr Maliki Osman (MO), Member of Parliament
for Sembawang GRC in Singapore:

MO: "I think it depends, you know. When we talk about feedback forums, people do give their feedback, do give their opinions and their points of views. But I think, at the end of the day, it also depends on the expectations that the public have with regards to what happens to their feedback, you know. People do get, you know, kind of like disheartened when they think that their feedback are not taken into consideration or when their suggestions are not implemented. I think the idea is really for them to understand what happens after feedback - whether the feedback is taken into consideration, and thought through. And sometimes, it may not be implementable at that point in time for different reasons - that is when we talk about the engagement process, where the policy-makers are the ones who are responsible in explaining why these feedback could not possibly have been suitable at that point in time. I think the other issue is really when people feed back, I think the notion of owning the process is very
important. It is not just about giving feedback, but what do you want to do afterwards, you know, the next step. I think if we are able to make Singaporeans understand that feedback is not just for the sake of just giving feedback, but also for them to be part and also own the process of policy making, nation-building. Then I think the whole process of feedback forums will be very, very useful for Singapore."

What do you think about the concept of 'group think', I mean, what is it all about?

MO: "Well, I think when you talk about 'groupthink', my understanding is sometimes - when people are in groups, they do get influenced by the dominant view point that exists in a particular group. So, people may not think that way, but when they hear of other members of the group thinking that way, they may be quickly influenced. So, I think that is part and parcel of managing groups. So, I think in order to be able to manage groups and manage the facilitators - the people who engage the public - must be able to recognise the possibilities of the process of 'groupthink' taking place. And at the same time, you would also have to recognise diversity and allow for diversity to emerge in any engagement process. So, I think it is, really, at the end of the day, the maturity of the society - the group that comes in - to discuss and to ensure that diversity does emerge at the end of the day. And for us to be able to get more out of that process rather than allow one of a million view to dominate."

Mr Raymond Lim also said that feedback groups play a very important role in
increasing the social consciousness of ordinary Singaporeans.

As such, these discussions and debates on issues will, in the long run, broaden their views on national issues, as well as deepen their understanding of the nature and complexities of governance.

However, should feedback groups or forums be the only way that the government and the public engage and negotiate certain issues?

That was the question that Felix Tan posed to Mr Chandra Mohan (CM), a
nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore:

CM: "Well, I do not believe that it is the only way, but it is a very useful mechanism. Feedback groups are actually very organised, but sometimes, the perception that it is a government body and therefore, our public, they are a bit reluctant to talk. But having said that, I think it is a useful avenue for our citizens to express their views and they should be cooperative and go and participate, including all the non-governmental organisations and civic groups. But there are various other avenues available too. For instance, the Speakers' Corner, which I believe, is under-utilised. There are a lot of NGOs, but always there is a sort of reluctance to participate fully and these have actually been propagated by
a lot of NGO groups for the last one, two, three decades. It is nothing new really and I am glad the government has seen the light and they are a bit willing to be more enlightened about these things and allow us to participate in these things."

So, how can the government or politicians convince the public that their views actually mean something?

CM: "I think to an extent, the larger sector of society do participate. It is not fair to say that the government does not take all these positive feedback into consideration. I am sure they do. It is just that there are a lot of cynical people who will always remain cynical. There are a lot of armchair critics. But having said that, I think the government needs to go on a PR drive to show that they are more participative about receiving these things. And I think our government should be benevolent and magnanimous enough to say that it is most welcome and that they should be allowed to have more space to do these things. I think the citizens' energy level will go up and participate positively if the government is seen to be much more liberal. And I think it is long overdue. They can afford to be liberal. The ruling party and the government cannot be scared about these
things. The people are more intellectually able these days, I believe, compared to the 60'sa and the 70's. So, the government has to match the people and the people's aspirations. So, it is a challenge to the government and I see a positive sign in the Minister of State Raymond Lim and DPM Lee coming forward and talk about these things and also about our Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. And I think it is positive and I think the synergy level between citizenry and the ministers and various government bodies, I think it is positive thing in the next few years. And I hope it will be given a serious thought and it is practice by all in the right spirit and that all of us will work together."

Inevitably, when certain groups or societies are formed, there will be differing views. So, must the government respond? or should the government respond to all of their complaints, or even suggestions?

CM: "In my view, it is not really necessary, the government does not have the exclusive license to great ideas. I think the brilliant people are outside who are willing to participate. But you must give the right environment, right atmosphere for them to participate fully. So, I think it is important for the intelligentsia to be given the chance. And I think the intelligentsia and the intellectuals should be brave enough and be more positive about these things and not too negative. I think the government need not bother much. They need not respond to everything and have the last say because for a change, I think, they can keep quiet on some issues. But if they want to participate, I think it should be on a level footing and not where they have the last say."

Will we see a sort of an OB marker for feedback groups and forums and discussions as well?

CM: "Frankly, these OB markers and all should be given with a light touch. I do not think it should be anything drastic. The societies act is something that needs to be revamped, perhaps and I am sure the government authorities are looking into these matters with the view to liberalising. I am quite sure that it will be welcomed by various non-governmental organisations and civic groups. I think these so-called OB markers - frankly, I do not know what it is - constitutionally, I do not think there is such a thing in our Constitution. But usually politicians do create these things. Sometimes I think they need to reflect on these itself - what does it mean by OB markers? Are there any OB markers for the government itself? So, these are things, I think, ought to be whilst there may be a I do not think it should be too strictly enforced because I wonder
sometimes whether it is enforced at all."