Debate on President’s speech: Jeffrey Siow on openness to build trust and weigh transport trade-offs

In transport, trade-offs are unavoidable and yet they are felt deeply and personally, and that is why Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow wants to explain the government’s considerations openly and honestly. Over time, he hopes to win more trust from the people, he said in parliament on Monday (Sep 22). Mr Siow pointed out that trust is won over time with consistency of action and purpose and he must show that the processes are fair and his intentions are right. Mr Siow believes this openness will help to build trust; with trust, the toughest compromises become possible. He told the House that in the next few weeks, the Land Transport Authority will launch consultations for the next iteration of the Land Transport Masterplan. It wants to engage more Singaporeans than ever before - to have deeper conversations and to weigh the trade-offs. He hopes that more Singaporeans will feel that the system works for them and that their story matters.