More can still be done to increase citizen involvement in policy making: Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE: There were more than 30 public consultation efforts across the different ministries last year.

REACH received an average of 5,500 feedback inputs a month from Singaporeans — a six—fold increase since it was first launched in 2006.

But Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Lawrence Wong said that more can still be done to increase citizen involvement in the policy making process.

One key strategy is to enhance REACH where it will take on a larger role to spearhead engagement efforts across the whole of government.

REACH is also making greater use of social media platforms to make it more convenient for Singaporeans to provide feedback.

Mr Wong stressed that the key to effective consultation is mutual respect. "We must also recognise that consultation is also a two—way street. Just as the government needs to be open to different views, so too must the participants of public consultation.

"Individuals and civic groups are entitled to expect every serious proposal to be considered, but they must also accept that not all suggestions can be accepted by the government, especially when there are different and often competing viewpoints among Singaporeans."

Mr Wong also noted that the government is behind the curve in social media.

But he said that government agencies have been stepping up their online presence through mobile applications and digital platforms.

— CNA/ck