Politics
So much fear
It’s unbelievable that in a 1st World cit, people are so afraid to speak out against the government, weblog.
Jun 12, 2008

Singapore Chicken
Many Singaporeans are very scared to speak out against the Government publicly. What is frightening and threatening them?

As an example, during last year's Chinese New Year reunion dinner, the men were discussing about certain government policies. I mean we meet once a year to talk about such things or anything in fact.

My dear sister cautioned us not to speak so loud because we could get arrested. She is a grassroots leader.

My sister typifies an average Singaporean's fear to criticise Government ministers publicly.

I asked her how so? I mean who is going to arrest us, the police or ISD? She was bombarded by the guys at the table for being so naive and stereotyped. And believe me, she is the stereotype of most Singaporeans I know.

Even though voting is guaranteed to be secret many foolish civil servants, and even businessmen, are worried about being found out, if they vote against the ruling party.

This is because ballot papers are numbered. The numbering trick, whether intentional or not, is scaring the hell out of many chicken heart Singaporeans.

And this even though the elections here are the cleanest in the world and voting secrecy is guaranteed.

So, if you see any Singaporeans visiting your country, you are most welcome to enquire from them about their general election chicken outs.

Singaporeans know our Prime Ministers, past and present, have successfully sued various newspapers and opposition party members. Are most Singaporeans afraid to be sued by PM Lee or other ministers too?

Or is it the ISA law that scares them. Government can use Internal Security Act to imprison any person without trial or court order.

I think these are the reasons Singaporeans are so scared to offend their Prime Minister and government.

I know it’s hard to believe that in a first world city people could be like that. But it's true.

http://singaporestory.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!4647170575ACB8C!762.entry