Political silence explained (This article is penned in response to the discussion generated by the local paper, Project Eyeball under the title "Apathetic or indifferent? Singaporeans are simply apolitical!" 15.06.01) I believe that the Singaporeans today are transforming into a new breed of citizens, a new generation which we have never experienced before, something I would call the post 20th century thinking. It is definitely bias to state that Singaporeans are dead and nonchalent when we speak of local politics. Most of my friends, whose age ranges between 18 to 23 are more than aware of the stagnant political scene in Singapore. Why then, you would ask, is there the deafening silence, no rallies supporting JBJ and the likes of him? For one, most of us, I would believe, feel that there is not much to lament about Singapore. THough the PAP has been the domineering faction since the 1950s and have imposed certain rules and regulations within the country, you have to admit that with their style and method, they managed to make this initially politically distinguished society politically stable. And only with political stability will there be any chance of economic prosperity. Look at nations like Indonesia. It is in political turmoil because of its initial governing system which has been saturated with corruption and bribery so much that after a change of 2 governments, the crisis still remains, much unsolved and there isn't much of any economic prosperity left, to talk of. (Esp with the flee of the rich Indonesian-Chinese capitalists and most of their funds in 1997) Without the political stability within Singapore, there wouldn't be a flourishing trade industry. Neither will big Milan and New York established fashion houses make their entrance into mini Singapore, thereby making Orchard Rd the heart of the brands. None of the teenagers that stroll along Orchard Road would be able to have the luxury of donning expensive designer clothes and shoes without the much needed economic prosperity which comes with the stable political scene that the government had provided. Let's take to an issue closer to home. (with thanks to Cambridge and their list of "compulsory A level history topics) When the British had decided to move into Malaya in 1874, there were many factors which induced them to use Malaya (which then included Singapore) as their major base in Asia. Amongst the many reasons were the protest of the British merchants who clamoured for intervention for fear that other countries might secure Malaya for themselves in the "scramble for Asia" quest since Malaya had much natural resources and most importantly, the need for political stability. For the uninitiated, the British had long been in Malaya, except that these traders were trading in their own names and beneifits, not for Her Majesty, the Queen. Britain decided finally to put their foot in Malaya and step up intervention within the land so as to protect the investment they had in Malaya. They reckoned that it is only with political stability (which the Brits believed they are the only ones who can provide to Malaya) that their economic investments can thrive. So, history has once again proven that with political stability would come economic prosperity, as relevant to the Singapore society today. Thus, I do not see much reason to contend with the need for political awakening here because I am perfectly satisfied with what I see the government having planned and laid out for me. They provided me a good education system, as stressful as it might be (look, even the US is modelling its new Maths system based on the one concocted by MOE, doesn't that say something?) provided my family and I, my countrymen a warm shelter and access to jobs which, thank god, mostly have a non-discriminatory policy against women and races, thanks to a watchful government (think about the ads that appeared in Straits Times some time ago and the prompt action taken). Shelter, food and education all provided with the package. Not exactly true followers of Maslow's hierarchy, but it'll do. I would rather stick with the PAP, cast my vote for it, for it is this party which has given me all that I want and are going to give me what I can see for the moment. With a clear vision in the bag, having already drawn up a blueprint for the future, groomed leaders to look ahead to plan well for a country that has to survive against the odds especially without natural resources, they have done well enough for me to place my ticket to a better future with them. An opposition party would provide some initial excitement, yes I would agree but have they been able to promise more than the liberty of speech? Have they been able to tell us what they would do for the needy or types of tax cuts they'll give other than forcing down our throats with what they feel is the need of the moment (which currently is the censorship of the press)? Do you really think the present opposition parties would have enough funds to continue Singapore as the way it is? Not that I am not adventurous enough to venture out of PAP's caretaking but the opposition parties must convince me well enough, that they think more for the well being of the average Singapore than just to attain political freedom. So what if we can air our grievances like the Brits in Hyde Park? Can our carefully scripted, emotionally-charged speeches then buy us bread and butter and even a shelter? Wouldn't you then want to exchange all the political grievances for food and shelter? After all, what all of us want, is to have a place where our offsprings and their offsprings can live in peace and harmony, where all they have to worry is about how to make more money for a comfortable life and not how to make money to live. I agree that that the PAP is not the best thing that can happen to Singapore because of their many draconian rules and regulations but when you compare it across the nation, across the world, it is the best that you can get on Planet Earth. One cannot expect to get everything and one has to be contented somewhere. The basic rule of give and take applies : Take package A which comes with food, shelter, education, money and basically a comfortable life and give up item A- political freedom. A fair trade I would say. I opt to be politically silent not because I am afraid of the ISD but because I am satisfied with what the PAP has offered to us, the average Singaporean. Kai 2001 |