The proposed redevelopment of Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks has raised significant concerns regarding the transparency of the government’s planning process and the true cost of sacrificing green spaces. Residents and nature advocates argue that the decision to clear large swathes of secondary forest—areas that provide essential cooling and biodiversity benefits—should not be treated as a foregone conclusion. Many are calling for a more rigorous evaluation of alternative brownfield sites and a clearer justification for why greenfield development is being prioritized over the intensification of existing urban areas. The public's frustration stems from a perceived lack of early engagement, with many feeling that their feedback is being sought only after the conceptual plans have already been solidified.
Accountability is also being demanded regarding the recent layoffs at GovTech. While the agency frames the retrenchments as a strategic transformation, the move has unsettled the public, as layoffs in the civil service are historically rare. Critics are questioning whether the government was adequately consulted on the timing and scale of these job losses and whether the promised retraining programs will truly be sufficient to transition workers into new roles. There is a growing call for the government to provide more detailed, plain-language explanations for these major decisions, ensuring that the public can meaningfully participate in the debates that shape the future of their environment and their workforce.