[tgs]

SINGAPORE: Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin has said the national conversation on the future of Singapore will involve bloggers, social commentators and members of the opposition.

Mr Tan, who is part of the committee tasked to drive the conversation, was responding to comments on his Facebook page.

Mr Tan said it is important not to neglect the rest of society and groups who may not always speak up, especially on social media.

Some people had asked why the committee driving the conversation did not include opposition party members, while someone said the conversation should avoid turning into a "political football" game.

Also weighing in on the national conversation was Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Goh invited people to contribute to the conversation by focusing on "what's dear" to them.

Meanwhile, Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Lim Swee Say, said Singaporeans do not have to wait for the committee spearheading the national conversation to dictate the outreach channels.

Mr Lim said his grassroots leaders, residents and the labour movement will be generating a series of dialogues among themselves, as many people have different good ideas.

Mr Lim was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a community health screening event on Sunday.

He said that in retrospect, the previous national conversations like Singapore 21 and Remaking Singapore have brought up interesting ideas that have also led to some constructive outcome.

He urged sceptics to join in the conversation as the future of Singapore depends on all Singaporeans coming together.

- CNA/ir