What is The Neutral Movement?

This is a citizen's initiative to change the way politics is practised and to alter the dynamics of social interactions in Singapore. Specifically, it aims to rectify the adversarial nature of competitive politics and bring about a more healthy social atmosphere whereby players from different segments of society can come together to have a meeting of minds in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Its goal is to continuously improve our society by freeing it from the paralysis brought about by intractable acrimony and animosity.

To realize its objectives, the movement is powered by three elements in its foundation:

(1) Five fundamental societal values

(2) A set of ground rules for dialogue and interaction

(3) An ideology of non-ideology

Five Fundamental Values

NEUTRAL stands for Nurturing Empathy, Understanding, Trust, Respect And Love. So, the whole point of the movement is to promote these values as our guide in promoting cooperation and collaboration in our daily social and political lives. When so guided, it is believed that our behaviour will become much more conducive to facilitating the kind of productive social interaction needed for real progress in our country.

Empathy is the ability to see things from the perspective of others.

Understanding includes both the practical knowledge of life and its emotional experiences.

Trust is the vital glue that makes meaningful social interaction possible.

Respect, whether self-respect or mutual respect, allows civil and objective dialogue to take place.

And Love is the spontaneous inclination to always work for the welfare of others.

"Neutral" also represents our underlying neutrality to fixed political or philosophical allegiances. We are not bound by our previous beliefs and stands, but retain a flexible ability to judge each new issue with fresh eyes and independent judgement.

The Bridge Of Dialogue - the ground rules of interaction

The Bridge Of Dialogue (BOD) is a virtual structure which we voluntarily ascend when we want to engage in useful discussions with our fellow citizens. It has five ground rules:

1. Be ready to set aside your old beliefs and prejudices.
2. Have an open mind.
3. Seek a common purpose.
4. Be ready to contribute.
5. Be ready to learn.

If we adhere to these principles when we hold discussions with others, it will be more likely to be fruitful. "BOD" also stands for "benefit of doubt" which I think we should give to others generously.

The Ideology of Non-Ideology

Perhaps, the most important legacy of Mr Lee Kuan Yew is his basic belief in "what works". This is the rather practical and empirical approach to problem-solving. For Mr Lee, dogmatic adherence to the ideologies of anarchism, absolutism, liberalism, conservatism and socialism for their own sakes is not workable as they are all flawed in their own ways. In my opinion, his approach is logically irreproachable for if one does not believe in "what works", then one is left with the absurd deduction that one believes in "what doesn't work"!

Of course, it makes sense only if what constitutes "what works" is being properly defined. So, let me define it as: a solution is considered to have worked if it resulted in maximum well-being of the people without compromising their autonomy in preserving the classical virtues that they have inherited from the civilized history of mankind.

Join The Neutral Movement

With our general election just round the corner, are we preparing to do battle again with our political foes in our usual acrimonious belligerence or should we all agree to a new attitude towards our society and towards our politics? SG 50 presents a rare psychological opportunity for us to break free from the past and venture forward bravely in good faith. Singapore is a small country, but it can also be a big kampong and it is up to us to retain our kampong spirit on a national scale.

Join me and let's walk up the Bridge Of Dialogue together!