SINGAPORE — Members of the writing fraternity, some of whom had boycotted events and resigned from posts in protest against the National Library Board’s (NLB) decision to pulp two children’s titles, applauded the announcement yesterday that the books would be reinstated.

And at least two writers — Mr Adrian Tan and Mr Felix Cheong — who had pulled out of an NLB panel discussion — have also come out to say they would consider rejoining future NLB events.

Noting that he is happy to see a compromise being reached, Mr Tan said: “I hope public institutions will take a less rigid and more consultative attitude in future. I’m heartened that the NLB listened to feedback from writers, readers and public figures to reverse its decisions to destroy (the) books.”

Mr Cheong suggested that the NLB, in future, “can take into consideration an open and transparent review process, especially in regards to community feedback, rather than hiding behind vague, politically-correct terms like ‘pro-family’ and ‘family norms’”.

Some writers who had pulled out of NLB-related activities, however, such as playwright and novelist Ovidia Yu, indicated they will not participate in future events organised by the statutory board.

“I appreciate very much Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim speaking up with a solution. But I don’t want to go back to supporting organisations that don’t support books and writers,” said Ms Yu, who had resigned from the steering committee of the Singapore Writers Festival.

Meanwhile, some groups which had supported the NLB’s move expressed their disappointment.

Ms Carrie Yu, a member of We are against Pinkdot in Singapore, wrote in a Facebook post yesterday that the group is “extremely disappointed” that the minister has “caved in to the pressure tactics of the LGBT (lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender) lobby”.

Another Facebook group, Singaporeans United For Family, which garnered more than 25,000 signatures to support NLB’s withdrawal of the books, took a more moderate stance, saying it respects NLB’s right to balance the different interests at stake. “We call upon all sectors of society to lay aside their differences and take steps to rebuild connections with the NLB.” TAN SHI WEI