On March I, a reader's letter published in Lianhe Zaobao's Forum page with the headline "F

eedback from Readers Taken Seriously" caught my eyes. The author cited a number of suggestions he made which received 【C1】______ responses from the authorities and quick follow-up actions to back his observation. His own experiences 【C2】______ him to conclude that: "This is a good 【C3】______ of the democratic system at work in Singapore." Newspaper provides avenues for people to air their views and these are taken seriously by the authority 【C4】______ act promptly to find solutions 【C5】______ problems. 【C6】______ first glance, the letter appears only to affirm the positive and effective communication between government departments and the people. 【C7】______ should not be overlooked, however, is that underpinning this virtuous circle is the 【C8】______ of the media. To begin with, the people must have faith in the media for them to 【C9】______ up problems and issues in the belief that when their concerns are highlighted in the press, the authorities will 【C10】______ the situation. This is evidence of the credibility that the press enjoys among people. Similarly, the government, well 【C11】______ of the influence the newspapers have over its readers, pays close attention to reports, comments and views in the press. And ministries or departments will investigate and 【C12】______ with problems that come under their purview in a speedy manner. This shows that government 【C13】______ the media and believes the concerns expressed by the man in the street are genuine. It is the duty of the media to keep the people 【C14】______ of government policies and major events as well as provide 【C15】______ feedback to the government on the problems and hardships the people face. The media 【C16】______ as a bridge between the government and the people and should seek to make each aware of the concerns of the other and establish an 【C17】______ channel of communication between them. This is also the process 【C18】______ which the media develops its credibility. To win the trust of the people and strengthen its hand, the government should keep 【C19】______ of the changing needs of the people and help them overcome problems. An open and democratic government should respect the fight of the people to have 【C20】______ to information. It should, for example, explain to them the rationale for changing an important policy. And the information should be timely and comprehensive.

【C1】

A．slow

B．swift

C．mild

D．emotional