Hey all
I'm new to SG forums! Great to see an active community posting
their thoughts and opinions so candidly! Who said freedom of speech
is dead in Singapore?
Just though I'd post some thoughts that have been burning in my
mind the past few years.
I'm a Singaporean, born and bred and I'm damn proud of
Singapore. Politically, I am happy with the way the government has
tried to raise the quality of life for its citizens and create a
sustainable economy. Is it a perfect government? Definitely not!
Has it made mistakes? Of course! Can it go easier on the
opposition? Maybe.
But I'd question the views of some who would like Singapore to
be a democracy more like the US and similar western countries. Does
a Confucian culture like ours really suit a western style
democracy?
One only has to look at Taiwan and maybe the Philippines to see
that a western democracy may not work in Singapore. Can a small
country and resource-less country like S'pore really prosper
without the ability to plan ahead due to ever changing governments?
Can it attract FDI with a unstable political climate?
Why not focus on the good the government has done for Singapore?
We have transformed ourselves from a third world nation to a first
in a lifetime. With the majority of country having themselves and
their offspring alleviated in their quality of life. Do we
actually understand the enormity of that accomplishment?
Why not focus on the bigger picture when there is a policy you
disagree with? ERP went up? Yes, but road tax went down. So the
government does not charge you for ownership, but for usage
instead. Sounds wise for a country with small land size and
increasing car ownership.
Whew! I do think Singaporeans do sometimes forget how blessed we
are to have a government that tries its best. I look forward to
hearing your replies.
NB: the author does not work in the civil service and is not
propogating a biased view of the Singapore government. He just
really is proud of Singapore. : )
Yes. Singapore is a wonderful place to live. 