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Where the people recognise and grow their power
Many Singaporeans males resent the idea of National Service (NS), Jehovah Witnesses are jailed for gathering in public and in Detention Barracks for 3 years should they declare their religious status before entering army, there is a lack of choices in the parties we have in Singapore with a one party rule situation, the charging of ERP has risen and more charging gates are constructed against wishes of Singaporeans, bus fares hikes up against to the dismay of the citizens.These are just some issues that bothers Singaporeans. But why is it that despite being in a Democratic state where people supposely have the power to decide what they want to do, so many situations seem to be against the interests of Singaporeans?
One reason is that Singaporeans fail to recognise the power they possess. It is understandable that Singaporeans feel powerless against a government that has proven its prowess through its ability to bring about transformation to turn a kampung to a city and reach into all the nooks and crannies in our lives, where Singaporeans even begin to be aware that they have no privacy under the watchful eyes of the government as plentiful information about just about any Singapore citizen could be accessed via the government’s database.
Therefore, despite the resentment over these issues that trouble Singaporeans, PAP continue to receive majority votes over the years, receiving the support of the people. It could be due to the fact that the opposition in Singapore really have nothing much to offer in comparison to the PAP. And looking at the Opposition party that was never in control and never given the chance to be in the limelight, it is natural for Singaporeans to want to continue voting for something that they knew could give some results rather than to go for something on the experimental side. The fear of losing what they have and the hope that the dominant PAP could provide better explains the continual support received by the PAP.
However, looking at the issues and the way PAP functions, it is not likely they would evolve quick enough to solve all the issues Singaporeans face and do things a different way. Perhaps, it is really time for Singaporeans to be more proactive and show their need to be babysitted less in this nanny state. One good way to start is to get more politically involved. Many Singaporeans have gotten so passive they simply let the government do anything they want and Singaporeans would only complain and then struggle with the situation imposed upon them. Should Singaporeans voice out loud and persistently to air their views and ask for what they want, how long can the government ignore the voices of the people? If it is so loud that it and persistent that it becomes international and get our global neighbours attention, can they or would they sweep it under the carpet and still maintain their global reputation?
Yes, the above is written knowing that Singapore is the only country in the world with a Speaker’s corner where you need to register with a police in a nearby police station and get an approval before you can speak. Still, that does not mean our voices cannot be heard. It is noted that internet forums have been increasingly popular for people to air their views and in this era of IT, the impact of the internet is not to be trifled with. For if there is a will, there is a way.
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Works Cited:
Sernau, Scott. Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability. Boston: Pearson 2006
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