Forum: Continued efforts to encourage mediation and foster mutual understanding

We thank Mr V. Balu for his letter “

Step up community efforts to prevent neighbour disputes from turning violent

” (Sept 26). We are saddened by the recent incident in Yishun Central and extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families affected.

We agree with Mr Balu that neighbours should build strong community bonds and be open to dialogue.

Neighbours stay alongside one another. To preserve relationships and harmony in the community, it is important for neighbours to attempt to resolve issues by initiating conversations with one another. To achieve this, we encourage neighbours to reach out to one another to resolve issues amicably.

Residents who are unable to resolve a dispute with their neighbours can seek help from their grassroots leaders through their nearest community club, or apply for mediation at the Community Mediation Centre (CMC). Many neighbours who attempt mediation are able to find common ground and reach a workable joint solution.

To strengthen our ability to bring neighbours together for a discussion at the CMC, we are piloting a new Mediation Direction framework in Tampines Town. Under this framework, authorised officers from the Community Relations Unit, HDB and the CMC may issue directions requiring disputing parties to attend mediation.

We have also enhanced the powers and processes of the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) so that residents with serious cases can obtain quicker relief. 

The CDRT will be empowered to better address specific types of cases such as those involving hoarding or underlying mental health conditions.

We intend to operationalise the enhancements in the coming months.

Residents also need to be aware of acceptable social norms and be understanding towards one another. There are many efforts such as public messaging, community initiatives and exhibitions to help residents be aware of actions that may cause disturbance to others and the importance of practising considerate behaviour.

Government agencies and grassroots organisations will continue to create common spaces and opportunities that bring residents together and foster friendships and trust. It is with a balance of both structured support and acts of consideration that neighbourly problems can be resolved amicably.

Elsie Tjoeng
Director, Community Mediation & MinLaw Services Centre
Ministry of Law

Lee Wei Yang
Director (Policy), Community Relations and Engagement
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth