Need for groups in S'pore to listen, compromise as they engage with one another: Lawrence Wong

A Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park on June 4, 2016. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - It is entirely legitimate that different groups with different lived realities will organise themselves to promote their own interests, as that is part of how society becomes more open and diverse, said Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.

But he cautioned against taking a confrontational or aggressive approach that seeks maximum entitlements and rights vis-a-vis other groups, or tribes, saying that such an attitude will lead to political tribalism, in which groups close ranks and become insular.

This has happened around the world and will quickly erode trust among people.

Instead, it needs to be a two-way process with both sides subscribing to norms of reciprocity and mutual benefit, he said.

"If you're all talking, pushing, no one is listening. I think we are not having a proper conversation," Mr Wong said during a dialogue at the Institute of Policy Studies and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies' Conference on Identity.

"So the calls for engagement, I think can work if we are committed, not just to a process of advocacy, but also a process of engagement, listening, compromise, negotiation, and constantly expanding our common space."

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In the session moderated by former ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Mr Wong also spoke about the Government's approach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues.

Some members of the audience pointed out that some tribes, such as LGBTQ Singaporeans, had no leverage and could not engage on an equal footing with others.

Acknowledging these sentiments, Mr Wong said people have very strong views on sexual orientation and gender identity, and this is the case all over the world.

"But I would say to LGBTQ groups that the attitudes are not static, they are shifting," he added, noting that the Government frequently engages people, including those from LGBTQ and religious groups, about the issue.

"It's very clear (that) sentiment and attitudes are shifting, especially among young people, but also shifting for the whole of society."

This shows that conversations are not futile, he said, adding: "It's not as though things will be static forever.

"As these attitudes and sentiments shift, society will have to think about where the balance might be. And the Government, too, will have to consider what balance would be appropriate for society and what policies we might have to adjust."

During the session, Mr Wong had cited the change in rules to allow singles to buy Housing Board flats as an example of how policies had evolved to reflect the stronger desire for fairness as society matures.

He said that while policies will be adjusted, it would not be possible to accommodate all of the requests of different groups, and stressed that trade-offs would have to be made.

He noted that in the United States, culture wars between different groups have eroded the trust between people.

Ambassador Ong Keng Yong of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 23, 2021. PHOTO: INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES

Urging Singaporeans to keep faith with one another, he said: "When people lose faith with each other, it is very hard to hold a country together. And so what we must ensure is that even with these multiple identities that may take root in Singapore, we should never demonise one another."

On its part, the Government will strive to be a fair and honest broker in conversations between the different tribes, and will listen to all sides of the debate, he pledged.

He said: "We will attempt to understand how attitudes and mindsets are shifting because they will shift over time. It's not a static position.

"And as we do that, where there are policy decisions to be made, we will strive to find the appropriate policy setting. In some instances, we may decide after lengthy deliberation and discussion to make adjustments to our policies."

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