PUBLIC demonstrations are now permitted at Speakers? Corner, but the response has been unenthusiastic.

While room for political expression is growing, Singaporeans are still not fully prepared for these changes.

Perhaps we are too used to following rules, and are not naturally inclined to speak up.

We are politically conservative, if not obedient. We might disagree about or harbour resentment about certain issues, but have no effective means through which we can express ourselves.

We keep our opinions to ourselves, and prefer to remain silent and avoid conflict. It takes two hands to clap.

Firstly, we have to be brave and take a bold step.

I believe that Singaporeans are capable of opening up and airing their views publicly. It is simply a matter of time.

However, they first have to change their mindsets, and the Government has to be willing to listen and be accepting of views which might be contrary to its own, and to amend policies where necessary to benefit the people.

Ms Tan Yi Jun

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