From my own personal perspective, the entire fiasco of not allowing professional and experienced(peace-loving of course!) civil society representatives into Singapore for the IMF/World Bank Meeting can be sum up in a simple phrase: Chain Reaction

The Singapore Government is basically fearful of the chain reaction that may occur in the psychology of Singaporeans, especially young Singaporeans, in the aftermath of allowing demostrations on the streets of Singapore.

Singaporeans, have fortunately or unfortunately been brought up in a peaceful, quiet and obedient society, whereby all forms of civil disobedience is considered taboo. Contrast Singapore with mature democracies like South Korea and Taiwan.

Thus, it is of utmost importance to the government that the oppressed populace does not come into direct contact with displays of civil disobedience as this may very well trigger of the rebellious nature in Singaporeans, expressing their opinions and viewpoints in a democratic and acceptable manner; in the form of demostrations, sit-in, vigil sessions. To be fair to the government, they are insulating Singaporeans from "negative and dark" behaviour, behaviour that may in the middle to long term, threaten the PAP's stranglehold on power.


Remember what MM Lee said when Singapore first became independent? Flashback to 1965.

"Now I LEE KUAN YEW Prime Minister of Singapore, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE on behalf of the people and the Government of Singapore that as from today the ninth day of August in the year one thousand nine hundred and sixty-five Singapore shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation, founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society. "

Singaporeans, especially young Singaporeans (after seeing what civil disobedience is all about) who are constantly seeking outlets to express their views and opinions might be more inclined to try to use methods of civil disobedience to make their views heard; which is consistent with democratic practices. This type of behaviour will be replicate among the entire population, leading to a chain reaction, often serving as agents of change.

This is something that the government will not want to see happening. This is a first step towards the re-politicisation of Singaporeans, and eventual politcal re-awakening and political maturity among the populace. Constantly, over the past 41 years, through the mass media and other forms of restrictions, the PAP has been trying to prevent or strangle such movements at its source. By allowing acts of civil disobedience to occur on the streets of Singapore, the policy of de-politicising Singaporeans might possibly backfire against the PAP in the future, and it constitute damaging party interests.

Sometimes, I do wonder as the people's representatives, which is of higher and urgent priority to the PAP government; national interests or party interests?

Thus, I boldly put this across: The Singapore government's grip on power is so so tight and complete that any indication of a possible tentacle being knocked of is being met with maximum fear and government reaction, to the extent of damaging its international standing, all in the name of holding on to power and providing the best for all Singaporeans.

Is this the kind of government that you have voted for? Is this the kind of government which claimed that they are of 1st World standards?

You decide !