SINGAPORE, May 17 -- A plan to repaint public housing flats in a heritage neighbourhood in Singapore has stirred rare public pushback, prompting authorities to let residents vote on the final colour scheme.

In Malaysia, it's common for high-rise residents to be consulted or vote on building upgrades - but in Singapore, such decisions are usually left to town councils and grassroots leaders.

Residents of 14 Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks in Tiong Bahru were caught off guard when they saw their ageing off-white and orange buildings getting a dramatic purple makeover.

One floor of Block 9A Boon Tiong Road was already painted in several shades of purple, including a dark plum that residents described as "gaudy", The Straits Tim...