I agree that democracy is not perfect as people running the
system can hijack democracy to suit their own political ends.
Singapore started as a Westminister democracy but look at what
happened to its democratic instituions e.g. election, freedoms of
speech, doings of many things in the name of democracy (jacking up
costs to pay high salaries to civil servants and ministers with
only self-approval) etc.
If Singapore has succeeded only in the manner as it has pursued by
taxing double on land (paid for by public fund and charged back to
people at full market values) and triple taxing on vehicles
(excise, COE, ERP) costing citizens averagely S$500,000 - S$800,000
all the working-class citizens will die of economic depravation. Is
this kind of society where 90% of citizens are bonded or enslaved
to their highest mortgage debt called a success in the true sense
of success.
Well leaders have claimed using their controlled press and
publicity machinery that they have succeeded. Not quite if there is
a genuine election yet. Right now people cannot vote (only 42 %
have voted) due to control of election participation under GRC and
electoral boundary redrawing with all seats going to one-party to
perpetuate one-party rule.
Democracy has given the advanced countries good lives with citizens
actively checking on government leaders and implementation of
policies including many Asian countries like Japan, Korea etc. Even
Mahathir admitted that other than democracy there is no political
system that will give proper check and balances. Theocracy is one
that will be led by only a few as well who reads or knows the
religious texts.
Unfortunately it is liable to abuse and tweaking to suit one-party
or autocratic rule. If duly recognized and safeguards against
current wrong doings and shortcomings introduced, demoracy should
continue to do well for Singapore and the rest of the world.
