Prompt replies only for published letters?

09 Apr 2005, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Low Fatt Mun 

Prompt replies only for published letters?

I browse The Straits Times Forum page daily to get information on current topics and also to understand the views of others. Generally, replies from the authorities are very prompt whenever there are letters that require answers. I wrote a letter to the Land Transport Authority on March 4, which was later forwarded to the Home Affairs Ministry for a reply. To date, I have yet to receive one. Recently, I also sent an e-mail to the Health Ministry regarding aspects of service and procedures. Up to now, I am still waiting for a reply. 

Are prompt replies from the Government given only when letters are published in newspapers, and answers to direct feedback given at a time the authorities deem fit? 

If we were given fixed periods to respond to the authorities, I am suretimelines can be set for them to do likewise. 

Perhaps I should just write to the newspapers to elicit prompt responses,and share the answers with others, rather than write directly to the authorities.

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Reply given before letter was published 

In the letter, 'Prompt replies only for published letters?' (ST, April 9), Mr Low Fatt Mun said that he had recently sent an e-mail to the Health Ministry regarding aspects of service and procedures, but was still waiting for a reply. 

The ministry would like to clarify that from our records, he had raised the matter with us on April 1, and we replied on April 6. 

Mr Low acknowledged our reply on the same day. 

The ministry has in place guidelines to ensure that all public queries, published in the newspapers or through direct feedback, are attended to in a timely manner. We strive to give a reply within three to seven working days. 

If we require more time to respond, we will inform the inquirer accordingly so that he will not be kept waiting. 

We thank Mr Low for his feedback.