When Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched five satelites for Singapore two months back, the world doubted Singapore's technical competency..
The 720 sq km island state of Singapore is doing well with a per capita GDP of $55,000 (2013), but can it sustain this growth in the long run when democratic dissent and expression is curtailed ?
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| Lee Kuan Yew - benevolent ruler (dictator) |
In the quest to raise Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew sacrificed all personal liberty of Singaporeans at the altar of "material prosperity" for 31 long years !! There was no way for public to express dissent or protest.. he ruled Singapore with an iron fist over these years from 1959 to 1992.
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| Lee Kuan Yew, respected globally (?) |
Some of the very positive vibes on Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew ..
But, if people's voice and dissent is suppressed, it can have devastating repercussions, as the future will reveal .. It is the collective will and trust of the people that can take a nation forward, not the truants of a strong willed individual ..
Would Singapore have transformed differently if Singapore had
transcended to a true democracy in 1959 on attaining freedom from
British, than a pseudo-democracy under a disciplined, strict and
'benevolent' strong-willed person like Lee Kuan Yew ?
In another 20 years time, would Singapore have the same vibrancy and growth under a strict, "not a whimsical" rule initiated by Lee, over a liberal democracy ?
Only time can tell ! My gut feeling is like it appeared bright in 50 years, it will disappear, like other dictatorial regimes, in another 50 years .. But, let's hope not !
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| What could happen if democracy is curtailed ? |
In another 20 years time, would Singapore have the same vibrancy and growth under a strict, "not a whimsical" rule initiated by Lee, over a liberal democracy ?
Only time can tell ! My gut feeling is like it appeared bright in 50 years, it will disappear, like other dictatorial regimes, in another 50 years .. But, let's hope not !
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