REACH seeks feedback from Singaporeans on key concerns ahead of GE2025

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by REACH, Singapore's national feedback and engagement unit, has sparked speculation that the information gathered will be used to assess public sentiment and determine the ideal timing for the upcoming General Election in 2025. Members of the public have informed TOC that they recently received an SMS from REACH, an agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The message invited recipients to share their reflections on 2024 and their aspirations for Singapore in 2025. As a token of appreciation, 1,200 eligible respondents will be randomly selected to receive a S$5 NTUC FairPrice e-voucher (via SMS) within four weeks after the survey closes on 27 December. The survey questions include a section that provides background on the government's introduction of various support measures and changes to existing policies in 2024. Respondents are asked to indicate their overall satisfaction with these government measures. Separately, a question asked respondents to identify up to three national policies or support measures introduced in 2024 that were most effective for them and their families. It covers a range of areas, including housing policies, digital measures (such as those aimed at combating scams), healthcare, transport, and cost of living. Other questions focus on identifying the key concerns of Singaporeans in 2024, including social issues, cost of living, and housing affordability, while also exploring perceptions of national unity and the factors contributing to it, such as shared values, trust in government, and inclusive policies. Additionally, they invite feedback on major challenges like economic inequality, political polarisation, and geopolitical tensions, encouraging respondents to share their views on these pressing issues. Notably, the survey also gauges the level of confidence in the leadership of the 4G Government and whether respondents feel that the Government cares for Singaporeans.

Earlier Surveys in Jurong West and Beyond Examine Public Confidence and Governance Sentiments

Last month, a member of the public reported door-to-door survey in Jurong West focused on gathering public opinions on governance and national policies using varied question formats, including five-point and ten-point scales, as well as true/false questions. It covered themes such as confidence in public institutions, trust in government leadership and direction, policy communication, and opinions on the Prime Minister’s leadership. The survey also explored reliance on news sources and views on the importance of a strong opposition in Parliament, with participants receiving a S$10 NTUC voucher for their input. In August, members of the public reported another survey conducted via phone, which sought their opinions on various aspects of governance.

Transparency of surveys conducted by government

In 2019, former Workers’ Party MP Leon Perera urged the government to publish results of all publicly funded polls. In response, then-Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Sim Ann clarified that while REACH occasionally shares surveys of public interest, not all surveys conducted by government agencies are tracked or published. WP chief Pritam Singh has also highlighted concerns over the asymmetry of information between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and opposition parties. During a parliamentary speech last year, Singh pointed to classified survey data as one of the resources the PAP leverages to maintain a strategic advantage in governance and communication. As public opinion surveys could inform electoral strategies, critics argue for greater transparency to ensure they genuinely reflect citizen sentiment. The timing and scope of the survey, less than a year before polls must be held, has raised questions about whether these surveys are being used solely for policymaking or also for electoral planning. The next General Election must be held by November 2025, as Parliament must be dissolved by 23 August 2025 due to the constitutional five-year limit on its term. According to the Constitution, a General Election must be held within three months of Parliament’s dissolution. TOC has heard speculation that the formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee could be announced before the first sitting of Parliament in January next year.