October 28, 12:44 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 It is "far better" to have an engaged citizenry than a "switched-off" one, former transport minister Raymond Lim said last Friday, at the Nanyang Technological University to launch his book.
Speaking to about 180 participants, he said courage is needed in Singapore today to not only voice popular discontent but also oppose against it "when you know in your hearts that it is right to do so".
Lim said: "Ordinary people are worried that if they speak up in support of an unpopular policy or against a populist view, they are immediately pilloried and flamed on the Net."
"If you concede this civic space, not speaking up for our society will start to fragment as populist voices and special interests will slice up our common welfare."
"Feel good" factor missing
The former minister who left the cabinet after the last General Election in 2011 also talked about rising income inequality as part of the book launch's lecture and question-and-answer session.
Ensuring that no one is left behind is high on the government's agenda, Lim said, pointing to recent budgets aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and the National Day Rally announcements in August.
He said: "This is why even though our economy is up, which is no mean feat in a crisis-strewn decade, yet the 'feel good' factor seems missing'.
Lim, a former reporter and economist, said Singapore's political situation has evolved but cited the dysfunctional system in the United States as a negative example of political paralysis and gridlock, one that cannot agree on how to move forward and resolve problems.
The US recently emerged from a 16-day government shutdown.
On his FB, Lim said that he enjoyed the "session with NTU students at the talk" and was impressed by the students' "thoughtful questions and comments".
His new book is titled Straight Talk: Reflections On Singapore Politics, Economy And Society. The royalties will be donated to a charity, the Gerontological Society of Singapore, which is dedicated to the well-being of our elderly.
Top photo from here
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