So are Singaporeans real coward and not ready to stand up for themselves?
Years of brain washing and intimidation have rendered us unable to speak up for ourselves even though we are been tossed left and right.
Many of my foreigner friends could not believe our government is able to pass down controversial legislations uninterrupted by anyone. There is a lack of power in the masses as our people tend to think for themselves or how to get the next pay check than gather together in defiance of the authorities.
We rather write letters to the forum than come out in person to protest. If the same thing happens in their country, the people will unite and rise up in protest.
The use of the divide-and-rule governance style is so successful here that our people rather think of ways to emigrate to be second-class citizens in another country than stay behind and fight for a better Singapore.
However, lately, I am beginning to see signs of hope in our country as people begin to stand up for their rights in our autocratic society.
The NTUC sales executives are bringing their employer to court for some CPF mismanagement.
The family of the late Dinesh is speaking up in court for his ill-fated death in prison. We have thousands turning up for our two population white paper protests.
Its slow for sure but every small step we take in the name of democracy and freedom is worth it. There is hope for our country... dont give up yet.
Gilbert Goh
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/goh.gilbert/posts/10152208624908975