Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information & The Arts, #36-00, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963, Tel: 3757794/5

SPEECH BY MR GOH CHEE WEE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND COMMUNICATIONS, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE SMRT COURTESY CAMPAIGN ON SATURDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 96 AT 10.30 AM AT DHOBY GHAUT MRT STATION

Good morning ladies and gentlemen

In her 31 years of independence, Singapore has made achievements in many areas that we as Singaporeans can be proud of. We live in a clean and green city with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. There is racial harmony, social and political stability, and equal opportunity for all. We have the best airport and seaport and are also rated by international organisations as one of the best countries to invest in. But there is one element that lagged behind our economic and material achievements. That one element is the graciousness among our population.

Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong announced during the launch of this year's National Courtesy Campaign that his ambition is to make Singapore No. 1 in having a courteous people. Indeed, it is important for a densely populated country like Singapore to work towards this goal. Most of us live in HDB estates surrounded by neighbours on all sides. Many of us also travel by public transportation - the buses and MRT, everyday.

Currently, about 850,000 passengers travel on the MRT daily. With the government's efforts to encourage more people to use public transport and as more developments spring up near MRT stations, we can expect this ridership to increase. Trains are bound to get more crowded. While SMRT can do its best to ease this, the users also have to play their part. Little acts of kindness and thoughtfulness by individual Singaporeans will go a long way to make train rides more pleasant.

Just ask the question: how many of us have been peeved by the behaviour of inconsiderate passengers who do not give up their seats to the elderly, or to expectant mothers? It is common to see such passengers sitting snugly in their seats and pretending to be asleep or engrossed with their books, ignoring the person standing right in front of them who is in greater need of the seat.

Another annoying behaviour which one often encounter during peak hours are people who rush their way into the train without letting others alight first. There are also those who stand rigidly at the train doors and force alighting passengers to squeeze their way out. This not only slows down the movement of passengers but may also result in some people not being able to board the train or alight at their destination.

I am aware that the SMRT has also received feedback from the public about parents who let their children play boisterously in the trains thus causing disturbance to others. There are also young teenagers who sit and play on the floor in front of the train doors and obstruct the passageway of other passengers. We have to discourage such behaviour. It will take time to change people's attitude and behaviour but we must try. A gracious Singapore is not an impossible dream.

I am pleased to note that SMRT has been very supportive of the National Courtesy Campaign. Since 1991, the company has been organising courtesy campaigns annually. This year, SMRT has also adopted the National Courtesy Campaign theme "Try a Little Kindness" to address the areas of concern that I have mentioned earlier. The company has also launched its own version of the Small Kindness Movement.

The Small Kindness Movement (SKM) was started by the National Courtesy Council at this year's National Courtesy Campaign. The movement hopes to raise the profile of good deeds among Singaporeans. Initially, SKM groups will be started in uniformed groups in schools. It is hoped that the movement will catch on and be promoted among more and more public and commercial organisations as time goes by.

I commend SMRT for taking the initiative to support the objectives of the Small Kindness Movement. In fact, a search for Courteous MRT Passengers was launched by SMRT in its courtesy campaign last year to show recognition to those who took the effort to show consideration to their fellow commuters. I understand SMRT was so encouraged by the response that it has decided to embark on a dual search for both Courteous MRT Passengers as well as MRT Front Line Staff this year.

I strongly urge all members of the public as well as SMRT staff to support the company's efforts in promoting courtesy on the MRT. Just as the government is making tangible improvements to Singapore's transportation infrastructure, I hope MRT commuters and SMRT staff will also do their part in bringing about a more pleasant travelling environment on the MRT. Making courtesy as a way of life by both the passengers and the SMRT staff will go a long way towards achieving a gracious society in Singapore.

Thank you.