Relevant excerps of Khaw Boon Wan's speech to Feedback Unit's
Annual Conference on 21.1.2006:-
QUOTE:
It is not possible for a person or a group of people to know all,
hence the value of public consultation. This way, we tap on the
experiences and views of the people who will ultimately be impacted
by the policies; good comments and suggestions can then be
incorporated and implementation details can be refined.
I have already scheduled a meeting with the Health Feedback Group
to pick their brains on this.
But feedback is not just for my Ministry. Feedback and public
consultation are now part and parcel of all major policy
formulation. They are important parts of our political
landscape.
Some public consultations are more successful than others. My own
experience suggests that there are 4 important ingredients for a
successful public consultation exercise.
First, keep the idea focused and simple. What is the problem and
what is the policy objective? Try not to complicate the idea with
multiple objectives and secondary concerns. Mass communication is
never easy, and mass communication of a complicated idea is
unlikely to succeed.
Second, the best policy option is often the simplest. Resist
complicated policy options, but also avoid a purist or academic
approach. Keep the policy simple, but allow the implementation to
be flexible and responsive.
Third, do not brush off criticisms or suggestions. Probe deeper for
the motivation behind such feedback. If the motive is sincere, try
to understand why the person is making the comment. If the concern
is valid and the suggestion practical, incorporate it even if you
did not originally think of it yourself. Consultation is a mutual
learning experience, and we must resist the "Not Invented Here"
syndrome.
Fourth, spend time and be patient. Public consultation is not a
chore. It is in fact an opportunity to build strong community bonds
and enhance mutual understanding among people. We will not always
achieve consensus of opinions. But even when we end up agreeing to
disagree, a good public consultation exercise should still end up
bonding us as one community, one people.
In closing, let me commend the eight Feedback Groups for your hard
work and commitment. Your diligent efforts will not go to waste.
They will be carefully considered by the relevant Ministries. I am
sure you will not be disappointed. We hope that more Singaporeans
will come forward to join you, to offer their views and
suggestions, and help make Singapore a better place for all.
UNQUOTE
