Accord public officers with respect and dignity, says Khaw Boon Wan

SINGAPORE:The Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan on Tuesday (Nov 18) called on Singaporeans to continue to respect public officers.

In a blogpost, Mr Khaw noted that frontline officers "have a challenging job" and "do their best to attend to the needs of Singaporeans". He called for them to be accorded the "respect and dignity they deserve", saying that some officers have been put in difficult situations, or even subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

The Minister highlighted a case in August where a resident shouted and threw objects at one officer after he refused to accept the explanation on a mortgage loan matter.

"Although badly shaken, thankfully, our officers were not hurt," Mr Khaw said, adding that the resident was later charged in court and fined.

On the other end of the scale, the minister mentioned a letter from a resident, Ms Ho Lin Lee, which thanked Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Town Council officers for their prompt assistance to address a leaking pipe issue. He said such affirmation "goes a long way in encouraging our frontline colleagues to serve with excellence".

Public officers "take their job seriously and act professionally", said Mr Khaw. "Let us continue to accord them the respect and dignity they deserve, and together, build a kind and gracious society. Mutual respect is the way to go."