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The
theme of the forum was: Exploring Political Expression
and Action. It is part of a series of seminars,
forums and workshops organised by Think Centre
to address issues facing us as we enter the new
millennium.
Fifty
people gathered at the Regional Language Centre
to hear three speakers give their views on how
people can stake their claim in the country and
get involved politically. They also identified
the obstacles that may stand in their way.
Mr
Sadasivan who is the Chairman for a discussion
group with the Feedback Unit, Ministry of Community
Development, said that getting involved usually
means taking direct action by joining working
committees and political parties.
"But
it can also mean contributing ideas and opinions"
he said.
From
his experience with the Feedback Unit, he finds
that our leaders do pay attention to what you
have to say.
He
recounted how a paper the group submitted made
its way to the highest levels of government.
But
that has not made him partisan in any sense. "I
am not a card-carrying member of the PAP or of
any political party for that matter, but I must
say I am very proud of my association with the
Feedback Unit," he said.
Another
speaker, Dr Kevin Tan, president of The Round
Table, a non-partisan political discussion group,
made the point that political participation was
a citizen's basic right.
He
noted that over the years there has been a clear
division - who is in and who is out of politics,
an "us-and-them mentality".
You're either a private citizen or you're a politician.
And when those who belong in the first group comment
on policy and government, they are always challenged
to step forward and become politicians.
"Why
must citizens become politicians in order to comment
on politics?" he asked. "Shouldn't they have the
right to comment and make proposals? Political
participation isn't just a right. It's a responsibility."
The final speaker, Workers Party's Mr Low Thia
Khiang, MP for Hougang said that expressing political
views and taking action has long been taboo in
Singapore.
But
this is challenging as more people want to comment
on policies affecting them without entering politics.
He
noted that the people's involvement is still largely
in the areas of social welfare and development
where they help implement government initiatives
and policies - exercising civic responsibilities.
"But
we should move to become a civil society," he
added, where "people should play an active role
in discussing and analysing the impact of policies
and should be able to speak freely and critically
without fear."
Some
other highlights…
CIVIL
SOCIETY
Not to be confused with civic society where the
people engage in social welfare and development
and promote government initiatives. A Civil society
is where citizens can influence and exert pressure
on government for changes in policies, where people
can exercise their rights without fear and debate
issues affecting them.
CLIMATE
OF FEAR
There is a reluctance to speak us for fear of
consequences. Mechanisms like the Internal Security
Act hinder free speech. The solution is to engage
in more forums and debates, to show people that
it is possible to be critical and still survive.
Right now many people use fear as an excuse to
avoid getting involved.
GROUND
RULES FOR DEBATE
There is no such thing as unbridled freedom. There
have to be ground rules. Don't insult race or
religion, don't exploit sensitivities. Then the
debate can progress.
THE
DIVIDE
Government is not the sole representative of governance.
This role is shared with the people, all people,
as individuals or groups. This is the people sector
and they must feel free to speak in the language
about things they are comfortable with. Civil
society must penetrate to the heartlanders.
THE
CONSTITUTION
Does the constitution hinder the development of
a civil society. No, the constitution has in it
the provisions for a civil society and it guarantees
rights. But the problem lies in the reading of
the constitution. The rights have not been championed
for a long time and we must look into this and
call for the implementation of these rights.
CONSTRAINTS
OF LIFESTYLE
Many complain that the rat-race and demands
of family leave them with little time or energy
for political participation. Could this infrastructure
have been put in place to keep us out of politics?
Ultimately, it is a question of one's values that
determine one's priorities. Those interested will
make time, those who aren't will use it as an
excuse. But no one should be forced into civil
society or made to feel less of a citizen than
another. At the end we will get the society we
deserve.
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