In the 1984 General Elections,there was a swing against the PAP by a 12.5%,and this really set the party thinking as how they are going to win back the ground in the next few General Elections. And I remembered I made a speech in the House in 1985,responding to the Presidential Address,and I did pointed out to the party some of the setbacks,what were the reasons why we had this swing. And I think it must have caught the attention of the Government,of the party. And I don’t know because I spoke a little bit too much that they decided to form the Feedback unit. And they made me the Head of this Feedback Unit.
I took it as a challenge,because I realize it could be a vehicle for me to reach to the ground,to fully understand the various reasons why people are so angry with us then. A 12.5% swing is a big swing. And there were many reasons why the people were very crossed with us. I won’t go through all those reasons.
Coming to the Feedback Unit,I set myself one goal,and that is to give feedback as I receive it. So,I told my committee that was helping me,that I am prepared to err on the side of the people. I don’t know whether my party really like that particular statement I made. But I said:“No,I must be prepared to err on the side of the people.”
So,I sent a lot of this feedback to the various ministries,to the various departments. And of course,some were not too happy because I never doctor the feedback that I gave to them. But they have to respond. I remember on one occasion,one Minister,either he meant it seriously or not,he said:” Have you got any worthwhile feedback to send to me?” I was rather crossed. So,I said:“If you don’t want to receive the feedback,I am going to cut you off.” And I didn’t send him anymore of my feedback. I think he realize that I really meant what I said. And later on,I continue to send him. But that was the point that I was trying to bring to the attention to the ministries that,“Look,you must be prepared to get the feedback as it come.”
And I told the Ministers and I told all those people who have received my feedback. There is one component I cannot bring to their attention,and that is the emotional feel,the manner it was delivered. Because that to me,is very important. I can give you a piece of paper and you just read all the feedback that is given to you,but that emotional feel,that anger in that person who gave you this feedback,that company or that organization who give you feedback. That is a setback I always feel when people just read plain feedback from a newspaper. I don’t know whether it was because of that that later on,all the Ministers started going round all the various constituencies. I am not sure and I don’t want to take the honour. But I guess it could be a beginning of the understanding the ground means that you must go down to the ground. There is no shortcut. You have to go there and interact with the people.
Dear Dr.Tan Cheng Bock,
I didn’t know much about before this president election. I am very happy to know Singapore have a grate talented &committed figure like you.
I followed closely with the media on information about the president candidates. I notices you are the type of leader “shall”make a great development in peoples life.
I am from bedok;i not only decided to vote for you but also convinced my family &friends why I feel you are an excellent leader. You will be a great president in Singapore history.
I will fully support you being you win this election or not;I feel you can do alot for this country and people. There are alot I can learn from you,I hope you will this presidential election and hope can be of service to you to make Singapore a greater nation.
I wish you great victory in wining this election.
Hope that one day we meet…..
my family &friends