Vivian Balakrishnan: Frank and open national consultation will defuse skeptical mentality

Political observer and SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan commented on the necessity for national consultation to take place now that Singapore is at the crossroads of political, economic and social development. As a society, we seem to have lost our direction. As such, it was important that a new common understanding be established. He added that the recent National Conversation had provided an excellent platform to nurture a debating culture on national issues. The focus should not be on verbal sparring, but on learning how to argue with one another in a constructive manner and to settle perspective differences in a moderated way.