I start by acknowledging that those tasked with advising on and implementing the rules are faced with an impossible task. They have to:

(a) constantly take into account new and often contradictory information (asymptomatic spread? To mask up or not?);

(b) balance irreconcilable interests (how can we contain the spread, with minimal impact to SMEs and the economy? The blanket is too short!); and

(c) manage the groundswell of voices who refuse to acknowledge that this IS the new normal, and chafe at any restrictions on personal freedom ("It's my own problem if I get it, I'm sure I won't die from it!").

But I look at an article like this, and I wonder: can you blame folks who are sick and tired of the restrictions, who are angry and frustrated, who are tempted to lash out in any possible way to assert their sense of self and autonomy?

I mean, I'm a lawyer. I interpret rules for a living. And even I get bewildered, at times, about what is or is not allowed. It doesn't help when:

(a) the information is spread out all over the place (MOH? MOM? MTI? IMDA? And not just in the Ministry websites, but also in microsites);

(b) some relevant information is not picked up by the mainstream media (for example, I still don't see a single mainstream article highlighting the fact that in phase 1, essential workers are allowed to have grandparents come over for childcare); and

(c) some information is downright inconsistent (see, for example, my observations on the MOH FAQ vs. the regulations: [link]).

I understand that our civil servants are overworked and in full-blown crisis management mode. But wouldn't there be value in having a dedicated working group (perhaps spearheaded by MCI) set up to manage the communication and dissemination of the ever-changing rules? If such a group has already been set up – I’m sorry, but it’s just not working for me.

It was serendipitous that I was just having a chat with Oliver and Malcolm about the importance of crisis communications, and how many local organisations do not seem to see the value in it. For companies, that is often a matter of PR. But at the Governmental level, it can be, quite literally, a matter of life and death (for individuals and companies).

Let’s discuss. If you are of the view that communications are already being handled in the best possible way, and that there are intrinsic or structural difficulties I am unaware of, do share!