The government must continuously demonstrate how policies improve lives, says the Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth.
SINGAPORE: Public trust in institutions is a cornerstone of Singapore’s stability and cannot be allowed to erode, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong emphasized on Thursday (Jul 27). Speaking at the CNA Leadership Summit under the theme “Trust Matters,” Mr. Tong highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining confidence in public systems.
Referencing the case of police officer Uvaraja Gopal, who alleged racism and workplace bullying before his death on Jul 21, Mr. Tong underscored the need for thorough investigations in such instances. He commended the Ministry of Home Affairs and the police for promptly addressing the allegations, stating that accountability preserves the integrity of public institutions. “If we had let it go, not done an investigation or assumed there was nothing about it, doubt and suspicion will ensue,” he said.
Mr. Tong stressed that trust must be earned continually through effective policies that positively impact citizens’ lives. Citing the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) as an example, he explained how such measures foster racial harmony by ensuring balanced ethnic representation in public housing. While acknowledging criticisms about the EIP’s constraints on individual choice, Mr. Tong maintained that the policy has been crucial in preventing the recurrence of communal tensions like those seen in the 1960s.
Other initiatives, such as the Presidential Council on Minority Rights and the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, further exemplify Singapore’s commitment to promoting multiculturalism and strengthening the bonds of trust between the government and the people.
