Their interest appeared to surprise Mr Lee who noted that most Singaporeans tend to focus more on landing a job after their studies.

However, when probed later, only a few among the 17- to 35-year-olds appeared to take an active interest in current political issues. This was found when Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan, who was moderating the 80-minute dialogue, carried out a little test.

He asked the 150 youth to give a show of hands on whether they watch the parliamentary debates or TV news regularly. Fewer than 10 hands went up.

The outcome led Dr Balakrishnanto wonder why the youth were asking for more political plurality, like more platforms for them to hear views from both the opposition and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).

'What's missing now and why is it missing?' he asked.

Undergraduate Andrew Wong felt he had the answer.

The final-year student at Singapore Management University and president of the Students Association said if youth have a greater sense of political ownership, it could spark more interest among them on political issues, instead of being concerned only about examinations, scholarships or jobs.

But there is a stumbling block because he felt there is a social stigma associated with the opposition. So, is there a need for a credible opposition in Singapore, he asked Mr Lee.

Yes, said the Prime Minister, in order to keep the PAP on its toes and prevent it from going 'soft'.

He also said the Government is on the constant lookout for people with minds of their own, who may not necessarily agree with the ministers but are prepared to argue their case 'doggedly'.

The reason is Singapore is a pragmatic country that prides good ideas over ideologies, he added.

He also assured the youth that Singapore will see more political openness.

'It's necessary as society evolves and environment changes that we adjust our rules and allow a greater degree of expression and flexibility without having a totally chaotic and uncontrollable situation.'

That means doing it in a stable way, he added.

Raffles Junior College student Zhou Penghui, 17, said he has one big worry: How can Singapore unearth its future political leaders?

The search is unending and unrelenting, Mr Lee said, which means combing all segments of Singapore society for people with diverse skills and talents.