Palette Politics

The stakes of consultations for the repainting of HDB flat exteriors bubbled to the surface during a public spat at an HDB estate in Tiong Bahru in May. Some residents expressed anger over a block in Boon Tiong Road being repainted a “gaudy” purple without a vote. According to experts, this clamour around flat colours reflects a broader trend towards participatory governance.

Referring to the backlash sparked by the Tiong Bahru purple-paint episode, NTU lecturer Felix Tan says: “I believe that this episode demonstrates how important participatory governance is to Singaporeans.” The public policy lecturer adds: “There is a general expectation that citizens – and residents – should be given the opportunity to have a voice in such matters.”

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