REACH poll shows divided views on NLB’s move to pull books

SINGAPORE — In a survey by feedback unit REACH, four in 10 Singaporeans said they were unaware about the debate surrounding the NLB’s decision to withdraw three children’s books.

Earlier last week, the NLB made the decision to withdraw three books – And Tango Makes Three, The White Swan Express and Who’s In My Family – because it did not promote family values. Today (July 18) it made the decision to reinstate the former two books, but to the adults’ section.

The survey, conducted earlier this week and involving 843 Singaporeans aged 15 and above, showed that among those who were aware of the issue, 45 per cent of them were supportive of the NLB’s actions, while 28 per cent disagreed with them.

The remaining 23 per cent said they were neutral about the matter.

Among those who knew of the issue, more than half of them suggested that the NLB should have taken other measures other than destroying the books. These methods include placing them at the adults’ section, or donating them to charity.

REACH Chairman Dr Amy Khor said the results “remind us that there are still issues that are divisive and can fracture us as a country”.

“It is therefore important not to let these divisions deepen and tear us apart. In the interest of all Singaporeans and future generations, let us discuss this rationally and find a common ground that we can agree on,” added Dr Khor, who is also Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower.