how do Singaporeans feel about the fact that their country is quite authoritarian?

Question

I'm not trying to be disrespectful or rude. I'm just curious.

From what I undertand, Singapore is quite an authoritarian country. Its government has a great deal of control over its society and how they behave.

I am wondering how everyday Singaporeans feel about this? Does it bother them? Do they wish that they had more freedoms? Or are they happy with the way things are because despite the lack of freedoms, they are a very prosperous, wealthy nation?

Answer 1

singapore is not as aithoritarian as it is projected in the media.
if 'skippy' had read about singapore's turbulent past & geographic surroundings, then you will understand why the government wants to be in control of certain issues like religions, racial harmony, media, freedom of speech, etc.
however, i'm not saying that i'm totally agreeing with ALL the policies, like the gay issues, freedom of speech (non-racial/ religions), etc. but beinga a singaporean, i have to act upon self-restraint, not because i'm afraid, but because there are majority that needed more education on such issues.

but undeniably,
1) it is a relatively safe country for children to grow up in
2) all children are educated, & can make choices in their future endeavors
3) law & order/ no corruption in government sectors
4) the government is far-sighted on singapore's economic progress- heavy subsidies on re-education/ courses
5) programs to help the sick, poor, disabled, ex- convicts, etc

singapore is an asian country with asian values. it is different from american/ western values. it is more conservative. we can't afford to 'rock the boat' of our peace by having too many point of views. we are juat a small country, & what we want is working hard for our family, have money, re-skill ourselves, sleep in peace & enjoy our life.
how many countries you can find in asia that ALL their children can get an education? not many.
what we don't want is unnecessary fights on issues like religions/ races/ communism that was defeated by the previous generation.
our new revolution is to make sure that we prosper & root out terrorism.
we acquired wealth not by the government. we acquired wealth through hard work, IQ & EQ.it is not to say that we are just zombies, taking orders from the government. we do speak our mind, but not with banners & strikes. and our government reponded.

does it mean to the western world that it is 'freedom' only when everything is 'free'? like smoking pot, ridicule your political leaders? Jerry Springer shows? explicit songs? rampant bigotry? government hand outs/ social security?
(and i know many americans are not guilty of those that i mentioned, however, it's the media projection of u.s of a)

i believe, there's pros & cons in every country. which country is perfect?

Answer 2

I am from UK living in Singapore. Been here for nearly 10 years. I don't feel repressed or lacking of any freedom here. As with living anywhere there will definitely be issues which you will agree and disagree with.

Media will certainly almost bring out the worse in most countries. Like all the insane shootings in the US, racism in Australia and UK. But if you live there, you see a different side to life. Singapore has always been seen as an authoritarian state. Does that really mean we live in a regime like that of Iraq under Saddam Hussien rule? Of course not, the Singapore government have done a good job in keeping the nation and its people prosperous and moving forward.

Answer 3

Singaporeans are truly magnificent human beings. I stay in Australia(QLD) We had a end over in Singapore (On our thanks to Europe in 2003) The airport replaced into suitable; carp, vegetation, seats, hospitality. the individuals were truly magnificent; like they continuously want to grant you a hand. Why do you want to carry close this? Are you going there for vacation journeys? in case you do, you'll savour it.

Answer 4

In life, we need to create a balance. Certainly, human enjoy freedom, but not the type of freedom where students can brought firearm to school and start shooting down his school-mates and teachers.

Answer 5

Singaporeans don't feel. They just tell you that they are feeling whatever the government tells them to feel.