‘Robust conversations’ with civic groups, citizenry can benefit Govt greatly

SINGAPORE — Citing the success of a project mooted by civic groups to rehome stray dogs in public housing estates, Minister of State (National Development) Desmond Lee yesterday underscored how civil society, an active citizenry and the Government can work together for the common good.

The Government, he said, stands to benefit greatly from “wide and inclusive consultation on many fronts” as it does not have “a monopoly on all knowledge”.

“By having a mature and robust conversation, government, civic groups and Singaporeans can move towards common ground and win-win outcomes, even on difficult issues,” he said.

The rehoming project, called ADORE, started as a pilot proposed by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and by Action for Singapore Dogs. Mr Lee said the pilot was a great success because both civic groups understood the broader sensitivities and the dynamics at play.

The success of the project has led to the Government partnering a third animal welfare group, Save Our Street Dogs.

Other examples he cited of citizens and civic groups bringing government schemes and assistance “even closer to the ground” include Mr Kwek Li Yong and Mr Jasper Tan — both in their 20s — who have set up a Queenstown heritage trail complete with a smartphone app.

Others, such as archaeologist Lim Chen Sian, has been leading major archaeological investigations in the Republic for the past 12 years to uncover artefacts from a 700-year-old history, once even discovering pieces of a rare Chinese porcelain compass at Fort Canning.

“Civil society may not always agree with government, or indeed with each other, or in certain groups even among their own members. This is the nature of ground-up initiative. This can either be a source of strength or a weakness, depending on the nature of the relationship,” Mr Lee said.

“With civility and open-mindedness on all sides, there is strength in diversity, even if ultimately stakeholders agree to disagree on certain areas.”

But he added: “If there is no civility in the conversation and people are close-minded or unwilling to recognise the legitimacy of other people’s points of view, then the difference of views and opinions becomes a source of division, friction and gridlock.”

Mr Lee also gave updates on the Ubin Project he announced during the Committee of Supply debate.

He said a broad network of stakeholders have come together as Friends of Ubin Network to discuss “how we can sensitively enhance the natural environment of Ubin and protect its heritage and its rustic charm”.

To extend the discussions beyond the network’s reach, a microsite was launched yesterday to allow everyone to submit their ideas as well as provide updates on the discussions thus far.

This, he said, is another good opportunity for the Government to work closely with the community.