Nov 27, 2009
Be more open to reduce policy errors
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THE Government's admission that its bilingual policy was wrongly implemented is admirable and recalls a similar acknowledgement earlier about its 'Stop at Two' population policy.
One would have wished that, over such a long period, someone within the Government had identified the mistakes.
Given today's accelerated pace of change in a global world in which mistakes may no longer be reversible, it is crucial that government policies be open to scrutiny and responsive to public feedback as quickly as possible.
This requires an even greater liberalisation of the mainstream media for public discussion on national issues.
It is illogical to prize skill to the extent of inviting foreign talent if Singapore is simultaneously closed to views and suggestions that do not sit well with the established policies.
It would be most regrettable if after another few decades, the Government admits its mistakes on these policies.
It is better to learn quickly and to do that, the establishment must show the way in being willing to change course if policies are found wanting.
Chia Hern Keng
Be more open to reduce policy errors
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
THE Government's admission that its bilingual policy was wrongly implemented is admirable and recalls a similar acknowledgement earlier about its 'Stop at Two' population policy.
One would have wished that, over such a long period, someone within the Government had identified the mistakes.
Given today's accelerated pace of change in a global world in which mistakes may no longer be reversible, it is crucial that government policies be open to scrutiny and responsive to public feedback as quickly as possible.
This requires an even greater liberalisation of the mainstream media for public discussion on national issues.
It is illogical to prize skill to the extent of inviting foreign talent if Singapore is simultaneously closed to views and suggestions that do not sit well with the established policies.
It would be most regrettable if after another few decades, the Government admits its mistakes on these policies.
It is better to learn quickly and to do that, the establishment must show the way in being willing to change course if policies are found wanting.
Chia Hern Keng
