Grass-roots journalism
As the streets of Hong Kong are cleared of pro-democracy protesters and one of the biggest news stories of the year comes to a close, story of the week from Singapore has just entered the public domain.
And it’s big.
The government is looking into changing the way grass is managed in public spaces because one citizen has complained that in some parks in the garden city “grass is not evenly cut”, which has affected his or her experience of these parks, reports Channel NewsAsia.
The uneven length is due to the [government] agencies having different schedules for grass cutting, we are told.
Minister at Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Foreign Affairs Grace Fu told CNA: “(The person who raised the issue) felt it is sometimes a little bit strange where certain parts seem to be cut well, not the others, and also because some parts that are not cut frequently enough, it actually affected his experience of the park. So I think that we should take such feedback seriously, and we are looking for areas where we can systematically resolve issues rather than just do it on a case-by-case basis.”
Dr Mumbo’s thoughts and prayers are with Ms Fu in the hope that she can resolve this issue.
You guys are taking the piss out of singapore a bit much these days…every third mumbo post seems to do that….quite strange since dr mumbo just moved to live here and enjoy the fantastic lifestyle it affords expats. What gives?
ReplyHi PC,
Perhaps we have been hard on Singapore – particularly on scam in advertising and the nature of reporting in media – but not always. It is a market I know better than others in Asia, so Singapore tends to get reported on more – both the bad and the good.
This story about uneven grass I genuinely think was worth highlighting, because it shows a focus on issues that really aren’t all that important (unless the length of grass is your thing), while more serious matters – like the treatment of foreign workers, for instance – barely get a mention in the press, other that to report how happy they are a year on after the Singapore Riots (as a survey reported on by CNA found this week).
Cheers,
ReplyRobin – Mumbrella
agree with you Robin. PC is obviously concerned that any media should offer any hint of criticism of Singapore. I’m amazed that
a) NSP bothered even responding to this feedback from the public
b) CNA decided it was newsworthy. But I guess CNA have their hands tied when it comes to what they can report on
NSP haven’t responded to public criticism for the way they tried to intimidate CPF protesters out of Hong Lim Park
ReplyFair enough Robin but there are other real relevant topics that you are not reporting about. Top priority issues like the the Sim Lim drama and the Chinese tour guide are not on your radar at all.
ReplyHave your say