Goodbye, Singapore

Lest the attack dogs of the internet brigades begin judging me, I must say that I write these words with a heavy heart and tears of sadness. I too did my time in NS. I worked my butt off for three degrees overseas (two postgraduate degrees), in the expectation that I would return to make a difference, for the better, to Singapore. I was prepared to compromise on many things about Singapore that I did not like, such as the cost of housing. I acknowledge the great accomplishments in nation-building during the 1970s and 1980s. I have nothing against foreigners – my brother-in-law and girlfriend are both foreigners.

But things have developed to the point that I can no longer feel any remaining shred of pride in being Singaporean. The absurdity behind the FTs policy has increased to the extent that I do not see a long-term future for myself and for those whom I love. The cost of living continues to increase, even whilst wages remain stagnant. Job stability in Singapore is now a chimera. The healthcare sector is first-class – but only for the elites who have the money. The number of destitute senior citizens– either homeless on the streets, or engaged in break-backing labour – is testimony to what Singapore has become – a heartless, soulless, uncaring society where the only denominator is money.

Meanwhile, the materialistic obsession with bling takes place at the expense of spiritual harmony and genuine happiness. What heritage we ever had has gone the way of Bukit Brown. Let’s face it, Singapore is promoting itself as a collective prostitute to the world. Pay money, and Singapore will spread her legs. Equally unacceptable is the behavior of the pro-government internet brigade. Too many times have I seen attempts at constructive criticism by concerned Singaporeans result in explicit cyber-harassment and bullying by a bunch of arrogant, socially ungracious Neanderthals who mindlessly chant ‘government is good, government is good’. Will you mindless fools say the same thing when it is your turn to be jobless and your elderly relatives are on the streets?