Most cults are not evil in the way that they teach people to do
evil things. There are exceptions, of which are Doomsday cults
which actually does insane things like mass suicide and
murder/violence on other people. This is because they trust the
cult leader too much and are brainwashed to believe in certain
things.
Many people in cult are brainwashed and led to deviant or harmful
practices and also lead the followers to psychological dependency
on certain cult masters/figures. They may even be led to
insanity.
Singapore is quite a secular country and allows cults to thrive
unless they disobey Singapore laws -- for example, Jehovah Witness
is banned because they cannot take part in NS.
I will not point out what 'cults' are in Singapore because this is
a sensitive issue.
The definition of a cult (www.dictionary.com):
1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be
extremist or false, with its followers often living in an
unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian,
charismatic leader.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
3. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a
person, principle, or thing.
4. The object of such devotion.
