REACH survey throws up interesting findings on NDR issues
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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 -
World Peace.
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Originally posted by charlize:
World Peace.
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