S’pore Conversation not meant to be extended Meet—the—People Session: Grace Fu

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Conversation is not meant to be an extended Meet—the—People Session. Ms Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, said this to reporters on the sidelines of a community event, in response to a question on whether the national dialogue has turned out the way she had expected.

She said: "I hope there’s a platform where we can hear a variety of views. There may be a minority who are treating it as a platform to air bread—and—butter issues, but I believe this platform is necessary.

"I believe once Singaporeans have participated in it multiple times, they would understand its aim better and set their sights further to talk about what they hope for Singapore to become 20 years from now."

Ms Fu said many Singaporeans recognise that economic growth and jobs are important. But they also want attention paid to non—economic areas like quality of life, housing and national identity.

On those allowed to work in Singapore, they hope the government can monitor the quality and the numbers.

Some 1,000 Yuhua residents participated in a charity walk on Sunday morning, and donated 4,000 bags of rice to the needy. The rice will be distributed to senior citizens and low—income families from January.

—CNA/ac