Freeing up Singapore
How fast to go?
Economic needs are interceding in this liberal-conservative debate; allowing gays in civil service, bar-top dancing and 24-hour clubs, even chewing gum. By Seah Chiang Nee
Updated Jul 9, 2003

With its export-dependent economy in decline, Singapore seems to be moving a little faster in loosening up on social and entertainment restrictions - but a lot slower on political decontrol.

This point has emerged from recent proposals from Remaking Singapore committees and the government's reactions to them. The general policy is still to make haste slowly.

Two developments are exerting pressure for faster change.

One is the continuing spate of retrenchments, the rising unemployment among well-educated youths, being carefully watched for its possible social impact.

While public disorder is ruled out (Singapore isn't that sort of society) there are other concerns.

One is already happening, a greater exodus of skilled Singaporeans for greener pastures and a fall in the number of talented foreigners Singapore needs.

For Singapore's new economy - high-tech services and entrepreneurship - to succeed, the Republic needs to retain - and attract - all the talent it can.

That calls for a restructured city that gives the new generation the sort of lifestyles they want. If it can't, there are lots of countries that can.

This was why the government has quietly allowed the hiring of homosexuals by the civil service.

It was described as part of a broader effort to shake the city-state's repressive reputation and foster the kind of lifestyles in cities whose dynamism Singapore would like to emulate.

Instead of announcing it to Singaporeans, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong divulged the policy change during an interview with Time magazine, attesting to its sensitivity here.

Homosexuality is strongly condemned by all Singapore's main-stream religions. "In the past, if we know you're gay, we would not employ you, but we just changed this quietly," Goh said.
Singapore has a vibrant gay and lesbian community.

But gay sex is illegal and the government says it will continue not to recognise any organisation for homosexuals.

But in recent years, the authorities had kept an eye closed to the proliferation of bars and saunas catering to the gay community. Among them, there is a large talent pool among gays that may be lost if turned away.

In other developments:-
* The government agrees to let Wrigley Co sell its sugar-free chewing gum without a prescription.
* Police has finally given bar-top dancing the green light. In fact, now pub owners do not even need a licence for dancing.
* The authorities will also permit 24-hour entertainment outlets in areas that do not disturb residents.

Political opening up is, however, much slower. The government has, however, encouraged people to speak out but they have to stand by and defend their positions.

Since the issue is largely intangible, critics don't see any real progress, except for one - allowing a railway station to be built in Potong Pasir, long time stronghold of opposition MP, Mr. Chiam See Tong.

For the moment, public clamour for greater political freedom has quietened down as a result of economic hardship.

Overshadowed by weightier bread-and-butter concerns, politics in Singapore has taken a back seat.

Many of the outspoken youths are struggling to find - or keep - jobs and the whole society is trying to find its feet. As a result, the entire political scene has been rather restrained for many months.

Even the Internet forums - traditionally platforms for virulent attacks on the Government - are quieter, less combative than before.

There are, of course, continuing complaints of job losses, price increases and "poor" public services, but it is done with less rhetoric and more serious discussion.

This is ironic. Where in most societies suffering from severe hardship, political agitation usually becomes shriller; in Singapore, it is the opposite.

The reason is that Singapore has no safety net for the jobless. In a small city, he can't live off the land. That means politics becomes a luxury he can't afford. From Day One, he has to look for others ways to survive.

That is not the entire truth, though.

Political agitation in Singapore is considered dangerous and debate useless, people believe, because the government won't listen and it can't change anything.

The sort of mass street demonstration in Hong Kong, where 500,000 people protested against a security law would never have been permitted in Singapore.

On the gradual erosion of the Speakers' Corner (down to 4 speakers a week), Chandra Mohan, a local lawyer and politician who had pushed for its opening, said its failure "shows that Singaporeans are just a resigned lot who feel that nothing can be done."

A big reason is the tough restrictions on its use, including a ban on microphones and music and a requirement for speakers to register in advance and inform the police of their intended topic.

But some winds of change are blowing.

A government-appointed committee has just recommended that Singapore relax its strict rules on political debate, censorship, public meetings and the arts.

It called for the authorities in the tightly regulated city to show a "light and transparent touch."

"It is timely to calibrate the government's approach towards public expression to promote a more creative and innovative society and culture," the committee recommended.

However it emphasised that law and order concerns remained valid. "We need to find a new balance that maintains law and order and yet not stifle the creativity of our people," it added.

Headed by acting manpower minister Ng Eng Hen, the group focused on social safety nets, personal expression, censorship and promoting arts and sports.

The committee said the government should relax rules on the granting of licenses for public activities. It suggested a "green lane" for events that will be given automatic licensing and a "red lane" for those that need greater scrutiny.

One uncovered area is the call for a level playing field for opposition parties during election, including HDB refurbishing and reversion to single constituencies.

Censorship

The government may move a little faster on censorship of movies and the arts. The committee called for the designation of "spaces" where artists can perform without needing a public entertainment license.

In this area, the authorities should no longer need to vet all play scripts before they are staged.

Currently, public events ranging from political rallies to art exhibits cannot be held unless a public entertainment license is obtained from the police.

For plays, clear guidelines on what is objectionable should be spelled out rather than having the scripts vetted beforehand.

Censorship rules are likely to be eased for television, the movies - and what people read. A reporter, quoting sources, said the Committee would say "Yes" to Cosmopolitan and "Yes" Sex And The City (both banned) and "No" to Playboy.

There may be greater leeway for racier shows on late-night television after children have gone to bed. Sale of books and lifestyle magazines that are considered sensitive will be allowed, but with warning labels.

"In general, censorship will be guided by how fast and how far Singaporeans are ready to go.
Seah Chiang Nee