Hardly a climate of fear
Steven, I don’t know you, but I disagree that Singaporeans live in a climate of fear. I don’t think anyone fears for their very life if and when we speak out politically. I’ve run a personal weblog with mildly political opinions (okay, I may be understating it a bit) for over four years now, and I’ve never felt that the authorities would come and execute me summarily (or extra-judiciously). I think you’re overstating things somewhat.
Living in a climate of paranoia and self-censorship, however…
Update: I would use a similar response to this post, What We Fight For. Yes, I agree that Singapore is … authoritarian? Autocratic? However, the government’s need to continue being business-friendly to the developed world means that the police / government doesn’t send thugs out to shoot us when we dare express a political opinion. I take issue with LHM’s statement, “America has always stood for liberty, freedom and democracy throughout the world,” because America has always been selective about the application of its beliefs. It would be either completely hyprocritical or naive to argue otherwise. Governments do not operate to further an ideal; they are (for the most part) pragmatic.
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Agreed. I never feared the police. The PAP’s lawyers, however, did cause me some concern.
Hi Andrea,
the article you refer to was one issued by reuters, reporting on a statement made by the soon to be, ’second in command’ Mr Wong. His statement was issued in order to counter the Amnesty International report.
If you read the report of what occurred last year 2004, with regards to detention without trial in Singapore and the use of defamation suits. Then trying to argue that Singapore has a respectable level of freedom of expression is rather redundant.
Steven, I am perfectly aware of Singapore’s ISA and use of defamation lawsuits. I did do a lot of research back when the 20-something men were detained regarding the possible bomb plot, and I did work for a magazine (where I did the research) that was forced to apologise unreservedly to the Lees under threat of a defamation lawsuit. I may not be an expert, but I am aware of what happened and what continues to happen.
I never once said Singapore protects freedom of expression, I believe my statement about paranoia and self-censorship more than adequately expresses (ha!) that. I just think it is an exaggeration to say Singapore operates under a climate of fear.
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