President Nathan signals more robust debate in Lion City

"We should not be afraid to debate major issues honestly, logically and robustly," new President S. R. Nathan said at the opening of parliament last night.

But in his policy address, prepared by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's office, Mr Nathan cautioned against allowing debate to divide the community.

"After all the debate and discussion, we must build a consensus and move forward as one nation," said Mr Nathan, who became Singapore's sixth president last month.

While by no means a radical, Mr Goh is widely seen as more liberal than his predecessor, Mr Lee, 76, who served as prime minister from 1959 until 1990 and who, as Senior Minister, still carries much clout.

Over the past six months, Mr Goh has repeatedly cited a need to strengthen what he calls the "heartware" of Singapore.

Singaporeans have repeatedly scored badly in international tables for creativity and thinking, which critics have blamed on Singapore being perceived as a nanny state.

This lack of innovation among ordinary citizens has frustrated government efforts to transform Singapore into a knowledged-based economy for the new millennium and breed a new generation of hi-tech entrepreneurs.

School syllabuses are being changed to foster creative thinking and logic, rather than rote learning. Instead of just pushing science and finance, the arts are also being encouraged.

Public feedback sessions on government policy are being held periodically, although in carefully controlled conditions with participation limited.

Mr Nathan said: "We are systematically opening more avenues for citizens to participate in the nation's affairs.

"This will not only improve policies but also give people a stake in their success."

The president said "people development" would be a vital part of the government's programme during parliament's coming term.