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Empathy, not just logic, helps build solidarity in a crisis

Singapore's system of logic and pragmatism is a strength, but that is not the only language

Janice Heng
Published Mon, May 24, 2021 · 09:50 PM

    IN the face of recent public unhappiness over the Covid-19 situation - or indeed, as its general modus operandi - the government has been quick to explain its decisions, armed with logical arguments and encouragement to consider the greater good.

    But perhaps what citizens seem to want more of, first of all, is to see that the government has not merely heard them, but that it has listened; not just seen their grievances, but understood them too.

    An observation of this disgruntlement was made by former editor of The Straits Times Leslie Fong, in an opinion piece in the newspaper last week.

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