It discourages me immensely whenever I read comments from our politicians that conveys Singapore’s “vulnerability”. Just today I read our Prime Minister’s comments that the aspirations of Singapore would “disappear like Cinderella’s coach at midnight” were it not for the strength of our military defense.
Revoltingly ugly analogy aside, he is right of course. Our military has an important role in the security of our nation, and taking it for granted is a sure way to lose everything we have.
It wasn’t too long ago when Minister Mentor - the Prime Minister’s father - reiterated his opinion on how Singapore would lose everything in 5 years if we were dealt a dose of bad government.
Again, it’s highly possible of course. Anyone would be a fool to dispute these broad sweeping and ill-defined (how “bad” is bad government?) statements.
But what of us? The Singapore people? The ones who slog it out day after day. The hawker, the taxi driver, the road sweeper, the Shenton Way executive. Did we not do our part to build Singapore? Was our success solely the work of good government? Surely the people of Singapore had something to do with it.
Let’s get this straight. While many of us did not elect the current government, we chose the current government. We allowed the walkovers. We entrusted them with the running of the nation, and continue to do so. They’ve done a decent job, and we recognise that.
So dear politicians, please remember that we hired you. We pay your wages, even though we think they’re a little over the top. We have given you the opportunity to serve us.
You’ve done a fine job.
I speak for myself, because I’m not sure the rest of the Singaporeans mind, when I ask that our politicians be a little less condescending. I am grateful for what we’ve achieved and for good governance, but I hope this National Day that the men and women in white put aside the wall that divides government and people, acknowledging that they are citizen first and politician second.
That the people of Singapore will outlast political parties. That we are made of sterner stuff than our own government has given us credit for.
Surviving the Asian financial crisis? That was us. SARS? We were there too.
Our largest vulnerability isn’t racial tension, terrorism or bad government. It’s our dependence on the government for everything. What we should do with our lives (life sciences, engineering etc), how many children we should have and whether we should outsource their upbringing.
We need to realise that we, the citizens of Singapore, are one united people. Our government - our representative servant-citizens - ought to help us see that we aren’t a flaccid, spineless people, even if it means we become less dependent on them.
I wish so much for the you to realise that you have strength within yourself, Singapore. To persevere, to survive, to change the world for the better.
Happy birthday.
Nicely put.
The perceived vulnerability is of their own making.
We ,the citizen of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people(but not action party).
regardless of race, language or religion.
To build a DEMOCRATIC Society Based on Justice and Equality
so as to achieve HAPPINESS, prosperity and PROGRESS
For our nation (citizens).
This is our citizen responsibility. If required, we will make a choice that is beneficial to all citizens and not to the selected few.
I like your post it is to the point and we are not as "label" as they think.We Singaporean professionals/ workers are in high demand in many places due to our ,ability to adapt, meticulous nature ,work ethics and previous work experiences with us:) (at least that what my friends told me)
Hear, hear!
Well put,
Also nowhere in South East Asia do Authoritarian Governments work well , you need opposition parties to make the governments think and stay on top , and good performers , not massive pay packets. Corruption comes in more ways than the PAP would like to admit , one day everybody will know .Singaporeans are used by their government , when you look at it as a whole , very little is done for the average Singaporean , just work until he dies . The only thing I hear ministers talk about is GDP , not people.
A lot to learn in SE Asia , China has made more progress
well it is always a trade off. if you want better life you have to work for it. at least here in singapore you reap what you work for. not like in some other countries the leaders just think of how to enrich themselves. you have good education, good amenities, good transport system, all these do not come with nothing or just drop from the sky. it come at a cost and so why you need opposition parties just to throw spanners in the work.