The government's complete response to the Remaking Singapore Committee report was released recently. Of the 72 recommendations, only 12 were rejected, & some of them have already been implemented. Cynics and pessimists would note, however, that most of those approved recommendations, while important, were hardly the most controversial nor the most necessary for a complete remaking of Singapore. Hence today the ST asks whether the field of electoral politics remains an inviolable sacred cow, & how long that should last:
..Some of the 'yeses' in the RSC will lead to a more open, politically diverse society, such as allowing automatic registration for most societies. But what is most disappointing this week is the silence over an important but overlooked part of the RSC report: the annex.
Under the heading 'Proposals without consensus', the annex addressed issues long raised by political observers as potential obstacles in Singapore's democratic development: the dampening effect of defamation suits on political dissidence; media freedom; and rules governing elections, especially the redrawing of electoral boundaries close to polling day.
These are controversial issues - some would argue the most significant - which members of the RSC thought deserving of discussion. It is a pity they have not merited a response from the Government so far.
- ST 17 Apr, Remaking Singapore: Slow lane for politics?
I blogged about the "Proposals without Consensus" here - I too found them the most controversial but also possibly the most beneficial. Anyhow, here is the government's full response (PDF) & a summarised version (PDF). The rejected suggestions are as follows. Strangely, I found the report to contain 70 suggestions, not 72, & 14 were rejected, not 12 (some of those were parts of suggestions). It still works out to 20% though.
6. Introduce multi-ethnic/religious education. This will help to generate greater understanding of different races and religions in Singapore. At tertiary level, introduce specialised religious courses and comparative religion. [Not accepted for both schools & universities.]
7a. Language Competencies: give students the flexibility to choose a 2nd language and not be restricted to their mother tongues, so that they can learn a language that they either believe is beneficial to them in future or are more confident of mastering. [Not accepted, "would go against the fundamental tenets of our mother tongue policy... to enable our students to understand and appreciate their cultural values and roots".]
8b. Public education on religion: Declaration on Religious Harmony to consolidate current practices and OB markers. [Not accepted, "The Declaration is not a legal document and it is not intended to regulate religious groups in Singapore."]
15. Re-think representation and franchise, in view of the mobility of Singaporeans. In addition to voting by overseas Singaporeans, consider the appointment of Nominated MPs for overseas Singaporeans and the creation of "overseas constituencies." [Not accepted for now.]
23. Introduce PE as an O-level subject. [Not accepted for now.]
27. Adopt a green/red lane approach for public entertainment licensing. Instead of a "catch-all" clause and a short exemption list, consider listing down the types of activities that are less likely to be approved, and would need to go through the licensing process. Activities not on this "red lane" list will be given automatic licensing. [MDA is working to expand the list of categories of arts performances that are exempted from licensing, and will consider this approach alongside the Censorship Review Committee's proposal for a "two-year term licence for arts groups with a proven track record of responsibility."]
28. Designate performance venues for relaxing rules. Provide a "designated space" where specific rules can be relaxed to facilitate expression and experimentation. Artists could perform without the need for a public entertainment licence. Law and order can still be safeguarded by measures such as a simple registration process, explicit rules prohibiting content that could cause racial/religious enmity and limiting indoor seating capacity. [Not accepted, "MITA does not believe that it is practical to create an essentially 'hands-off zone' without running the danger of the impact of some actions or activities spilling beyond the artificial boundary with serious consequences on society at large."]
34. Define "political" OB markers. This will reduce ambiguity and dispel the impression that the discussion of political governance is tantamount to engagement in politics. [Not accepted: "OB markers cannot be delineated absolutely, but will shift dynamically according to the circumstance."]
43. Housing mortgages and the safety net. HDB to consider allowing Singaporeans to re-mortgage part of their assets to meet urgent cash requirements rather than for them to be forced to sell their flats. HDB could also explore other means of helping financially-strapped Singaporeans.
49. Appoint an authority to coordinate transportation planning for the less mobile, such as the elderly and the disabled, to ensure integrated access for all. [Not accepted, "we are confident that with the continuing close collaboration under the existing inter-agency workgroups and forums, further progress will be made to address the transport needs of the less mobile."]
54. Harmonise the medical benefits of female and male civil servants. [Under review.]
56. Form a National Family Council. This centralised agency will drive the family movement in Singapore and to advocate pro-family policies. It will take on a holistic and cohesive approach to analysing family issues and policies, and drive research and training on family-related policies/trends/issues. [Not accepted, "MCDS is the lead agency for family matters in Singapore."]
59. Preserve memories of Singapore life through a Community Museum & Radio and Museum of Everyday Life. [Not accepted, NHB museums have done many exhibitions, other heritage centres exist already.]
61. Free up more time for Singaporeans; implement 5-day week in Civil Service. [Under review.]
- Government's response to the recommendations, 15 Apr (PDF)
