SINGAPORE: A telephone survey by government feedback
unit REACH involving 841 Singaporeans in August this year on their
reactions to this year's National Day Rally issues has thrown up
some interesting results.
REACH said from the survey, 94 per cent of
respondents feel the government should reach out to all segments of
Singapore society to understand their perspectives, and work with
them to come up with plans and programmes which will benefit the
country.
Nearly 93 per cent felt that as Singapore
strengthened the sense of common past, citizens must look ahead to
create a shared future.
And nearly 92 per cent felt that Singaporeans must strengthen the
sense of ownership and belonging to the country, anchored by a
shared history.
On citizen engagement, 83.3 per cent agreed that the government as
a whole should be more active and adept at engaging Singaporeans
online.
82.9 per cent agreed that in the absence of a consensus, the
government will have to decide what it considers right for the
country after hearing all views.
82 per cent agreed that there should be reliable websites where
people can have open debate, express and share different but
balanced views, while only 62.1 per cent agreed that the "anonymous
and chaotic nature" of the Internet often lends itself to "negative
views and ridiculous untruths" which can distort reality.
Dr Amy Khor, chairman of REACH, and Mayor of the South-West CDC,
said: "This seems to suggest that there is a bias toward online
extreme views which are more tantalising than pro-government or
'balanced' views. Online engagement will increasingly become more
important with the growing number of digital citizens. It is simply
impossible to engage on all sites.
"The government could engage on sites which allow for reasoned and
constructive debate and gain traction. Netizens themselves who
desire rational discourse should support such sites or else, start
them. They should not be afraid of being labelled
pro-government.
"Of course, engagement must go beyond mere solicitation of feedback
to follow-up action and co-creation of programmes, where possible.
The government through REACH and other platforms has attempted to
close the feedback loop in this manner, but it must strive to do
even better as expectations for engagement rise."
78.3 per cent of respondents agreed the government is committed to
placing Singaporeans first in all policies.
On healthcare, 80.1 per cent agreed that enhancing the Primary Care
Partnership Scheme by raising qualifying incomes, and lower
qualifying ages will make outpatient care more affordable for
lower-income Singaporeans.
On the affordability of healthcare, more than 8 in 10 agreed
increasing subsidies for high cost standard drugs and enhancing
Medifund to include non-residential Intermediate and Long Term Care
are effective.
Close to 7 in 10 each agreed that while it might take a while to
resolve the existing issues, Singapore is heading in the right
direction and things will gradually get better.
- CNA /ls
