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Thirty-six
years down the path of independence the Republic of Singapore -
measuring a mere 580 square kilometres - has turned from a colonial
backwater to a fast-paced ultra-modern city.
It is proudly one of Southeast Asia's most easily accessible cities,
with its downtown areas carefully crafted with towering skyscrapers,
gleaming shopping malls and well-planned facilities. Today, Singapore's
multicultural population numbers 2.8 million, consisting of 76 percent
Chinese, 15 percent Malay, and 6.5 percent Indian.
The administrative government of Singapore has initiated considerable
change and development over the years.
Interestingly however, the forces governing Singapore have made
sure that the island is not overwhelmed by its vast developments.
The abundance of nature reserves, parks and green lungs are immediately
apparent.
The efforts put into the administration and development of Singapore
over the past thirty years have been remarkable, considering the
Republic's lack of any noteworthy natural resources. Its early prosperity
was based on a policy of intense free trade, established in 1819
when Sir Stamford Raffles founded the island as a British trading
post.
The government has been able to channel the mass industrialization
to bolster its economy, and today Singapore is the world's busiest
port, second only to Rotterdam. Singapore's government has also
cleverly steered it out of inflation, with only minimal unemployment;
equipped it with a super-efficient infrastructure, and an average
per capita income of over US$12,000.
Nevertheless, this feat was and is not achieved without some considerable
compromise. There is an unwritten understanding between its government
and people that stipulates the loss of a certain amount of personal
freedom, in return for the comfort and affluence that would have
been unimaginable thirty years ago.
Singapore's former prime minister and now senior minister, Lee Kuan
Yew, has been known to voice the sentiment that, "When you are hungry,
when you lack basic services, freedom, human rights and democracy
do not add up to much."
Indeed Singaporeans rarely go hungry and cold, yet neglecting to
flush a public toilet, chewing gum, jaywalking, eating on the subway,
and vandalism really do carry sizeable fines and heavy punishments.
Regardless, the government of Singapore rarely has the need to mete
out these punishments and fines, as Singaporeans have learned not
to break the law.
This alone obviously shows the population's trust in the leadership
and wisdom of its government, and people appear content to be under
the rule of a paternalistic form of government often described as
soft authoritarianism. Hence, Singaporeans have come to be known
for their unquestioning subservience to their government.
This statement does indeed hold its truth, as the past has shown
Singaporeans that following their government's lead, brings certain
bountiful benefits. They take great pride in their country, a clean,
safe place to visit, with amenities second to none and smoke-free
and hygienic public places.
The nation's youth hardly remember a time before the comforts of
Singapore's advanced improvements. But as they in turn grow, public
life should become increasingly, more liberal and democratic. But
whatever the view or opinion on Singapore's government, Singaporeans
today feel that there is more economic relevance in the seven million
annual visitors to Singapore, than the opinions of others.
Singapore's government is strict on drug laws, with the death penalty
applied for drug trafficking. It is also against the entry of firearms,
controlled drugs, endangered species of wildlife, chewing gum and
cigarette lighters in the shape of a firearm. Smoking in public
buses, the MRT, taxis, lifts and air-conditioned places is also
deemed against the law; with fines up to S$1,000. The government
is also adamant that littering is an offence and carries penalties
of a fine of S$1,000 or more; and also a stint of corrective work
order.
Whatever steps the government takes to uphold security and boost
morality, Singapore is indeed a safe city and country, even for
roaming about in the day or at night. |
