Close the loop on feedback process

Close the loop on feedback process

Trust can be earned through engagement and consultation ("Govt 'faces challenge to keep up public trust'"; last Thursday).

It is important that policymakers put themselves in the shoes of ordinary citizens when crafting policies.

In recent months, I attended a few national dialogues and found them very fruitful as participants from all walks of life were able to engage policymakers on diverse issues close to their hearts.

Suggestions and views on transport, health care and benefits for the pioneer generation given during the sessions have been carefully considered or incorporated into policies.

By holding national conversations or dialogues, the Government has attached greater importance to sentiments on the ground, and this is beneficial to policymakers in their decision-making process.

While I agree that not all feedback will be incorporated into decision-making, it is imperative that this be explained in detail to the participants.

In other words, people desire to know what transpired after their sentiments were relayed to the relevant policymakers. Whether their views can be considered and used during the policy-crafting process is another matter.

Jeffrey Law Lee Beng


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