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Celebrate, not discourage, contestation of ideas

I refer to Nominated Member of Parliament Walter Theseira’s contributions during the Budget debate (“Strong core of S'porean academics needed to ask ‘critical questions’: NMP”; Feb 28).

When Singaporean academics comment on Singapore politics and policies, it demonstrates that they have a stake in the system, and wish for improvements to it, writes the author.

When Singaporean academics comment on Singapore politics and policies, it demonstrates that they have a stake in the system, and wish for improvements to it, writes the author.

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Walid Jumblatt Abdullah

I refer to Nominated Member of Parliament Walter Theseira’s contributions during the Budget debate (“Strong core of S'porean academics needed to ask ‘critical questions’: NMP”; Feb 28).

I strongly support his call for having more Singaporean academics to ask critical questions and provide potential solutions.

As Associate Professor Theseira noted, even “disagreeable” academics can contribute to Singapore. When academics ask difficult questions and provide critiques of existing policies, those issues should be discussed and taken seriously, and if need be, the Government should engage with the ideas, or even intellectually demolish them, without impugning the character and motivations of the individuals in question.

Indeed, when Singaporean academics comment on Singapore politics and policies, it demonstrates that they have a stake in the system, and wish for improvements to it.

Apathy would be far worse than being critical, because the former would show that academics are disinterested in what is happening in wider society and instead, are just contented being in the comfort zone of their ivory towers.

Associate Professor Teo Yeo Yenn’s recent works on inequality most certainly provide a model, if not blueprint, of how academics can substantively contribute to the public discourse. While some may not necessarily agree with her ideas, no one can seriously say that, firstly, her works are not academically rigorous, and secondly, her critiques do not come from a good place.

As it is, the public interest and debates stemming from her works can only be good for Singapore society as a whole.

To be sure, the above comments need not only apply to academics — they should be applicable to all Singaporeans. People who provide different perspectives — be it on political, social or economic issues — should not be immediately dismissed as rabble-rousers, but rather, as fellow Singaporeans who are entitled to share their views for the betterment of the nation.

Academics and/or other Singaporeans who provide constructive critiques of official narratives and policies which we are accustomed to should not be treated as adversaries or renegades, but rather, as partners in nation-building.

Singapore as a country can only benefit from the contestation of ideas. If we believe in the strength of a particular idea, we should be able to defend it robustly in public, and should have the confidence that the best idea will emerge victorious in the marketplace of ideas.

The continued success of Singapore depends not just on the integrity of leaders and individuals, which is undoubtedly important, but also, as Assoc Prof Theseira argues, in the strength of institutions.

I would extend this point and say that our success also depends on what type of political culture we wish to have for our society.

For me, a political culture that celebrates diversity of opinions, rather than one which hinders it, is more likely to generate better societal outcomes in these times, when state-citizen relations are under strain elsewhere in the world.

 

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah is an assistant professor at the Nanyang Technological University.

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