2013 has been yet another significant year in global politics. From the death of an apartheid hero to the turmoil in North Korea to the ouster or Julia Gillard, socio-political change worldwide has never happened so quickly so extensively. Within Singapore, it is quite to see that another year with the PAP in power means another year of hell and repression for the average Singaporean. Let us reflect on some of the events happening over the course of 2013.
MDA’s internet regulation – PAP living in denial?
With the need to put a $50,000 bond - rather than mere registration of the site’s owners - it is exceedingly clear that the MDA rules impose substantial restriction on many sites ability to operate. Further analysis of the minister’s words would reveal that such actions are a bid to shape public opinion through the media and block any views not in line with the government’s views. Given that the print media has been in decline, it is quite sad to see that Singaporeans lack the ability to gain independent views in today’s connected world.
In my opinion, this move is largely ineffectual given that Singaporeans online have grown extremely skeptical of the PAP government and their messages. Any attempt to crack down on internet sites would be likely to be met with backlash for the PAP as Singaporeans become increasingly resentful against the men in white.
Population white paper – backstabbing Singaporeans?
Despite promises to reduce foreigner intake with crocodile tears at the 2011 general elections, the poorly-written population white paper was passed without any proper consultation despite its importance as well as it being pushed through using the PAP party whip. In conjunction with the practice of giving scholarships to foreigners as well as the lack of support for locals, we see the PAP government (yet again) putting the rights of foreigners above the rights of locals without caring for their welfare. Considering their previous promises, we now know that the PAP cannot be trusted on their electoral promises and must be voted out.
2013 LTA master plan – compromising our space for foreigners?
Singapore was doing fine with a population of 4.0 million back in 2000 with no shortage of space whatsoever, so where did the sudden emphasis that land is a “scarce resource” come from? Surely but subtly, the plans are in conjunction with the population white paper where there needs to be more space for foreigners. It is absolutely absurd that the most basic of cars now cost approximately $2000 a month to lease not mentioning a 40% down-payment; unless the ministers are willing to give up their limousines for public transport, we should not expect those with businesses and families to do so. Clearly, we are not willing to give up our space to accommodate foreigners.
AIM/ Bukit Brown/NS – affirming their stubbornness?
Both cases are different, but the underlying principles are basically the same: A substantial number of Singaporeans view these issues as a major cause of concern, yet the PAP government has chosen to remain quiet and vague about it and not provide any concrete action. Granted that democracy may not equate to getting ones way, the inaction in the backdrop of substantial public policy concerns here may mean that the PAP has lost its connect with the public. Their insistence of pushing through with their stand may mean that the electorate would need to bring them down by voting in oppositions for the good of Singapore.
Concluding remarks?
From personal space which transcends both the physical and beyond, Singaporeans have seen another year of repression from the PAP. I may not like the worker’s party, but if there is a single event which sums up the fate of the PAP it would be the case of the loss of the Punggol east by-election where the PAP lost by a huge margin while the PAP are still living in denial, claiming it to be because of “local issues”. This will certainly not be the first and Singaporeans can express their vengeance come 2016!
Joseph Kheng-Liang Tan
*The author is a 21 year-old polytechnic graduate who is currently pursuing his law degree in Australia.