audrey’s Weblog

Democracy in Singapore is said to be unique. The Singapore government has been described by the West as being authoritarian and undemocratic, yet has achieved economic success of democratic capitalist states.[1] Singapore has a democratically elected government, but has been ruled by a single party – the People’s Action Party (PAP) for the past 49 years. The PAP has implemented a form of ‘Asian Democracy’ which combines a particular set of traditional values it claims is unique to Asia. [2]

This set of traditional values came in the form of Confucianism, which the government used to establish an ideological/morality system. This can be seen in the political behaviour of Singaporeans. For example, the absence of democracy is interpreted as a consequence of the Confucianism, and the government’s ‘mandate from heaven’ can only be legitimately overthrown when it transgresses beyond the limits of tolerance and forfeits the mandate to govern. [3] Also as part of Confucianism, the government aims to seek order, but also feels the responsibility of a parent to dutifully guide and protect its citizens. [4] With this emphasis, Confucian Ethics was introduced as a course in moral education in 1982. However, it was phased out in 1990, along with religious knowledge, in fear that it might contribute to inter-religious conflicts.

The government also practices ‘soft authoritarianism’, with its influence on Confucian values that champion a strong but moral state, regarding the needs of society as a whole as significant. This can be seen in the mass media for example, where biased reports against national interests are disallowed. Outright criticism of the government can lead to criminalization. There are also heavy fines for littering, graffiti and strict housing laws. In fact, there are many who attribute Singapore’s economic success to this authoritarianism. Democracy practiced in Singapore is hence different from liberal democracy, as it does not emphasize individual rights to as great an extent. There have been attempts to greater hear the voices of the individual; with the relaxing of rules of the speakers corner for example. However, its effects have yet to be seen.

Despite the controls of the Singapore government, most Singaporeans are satisfied. Political freedom is not important enough to make up for the advantages of the Singaporean system. Living in Singapore, in fact, is equated with having an excellent housing programme, good economic and employment opportunities and an almost crime-free environment. [5] Having been spoon-fed and guided by the government, Singaporeans are content with the status quo. In a recent news interview, a man was asked how he was affected by the milk products contaminated with melamine. He replied that as long as he bought groceries from the larger supermarkets, there should not be a problem as the government would take care of everything. This is just one typical example of how Singaporeans are dependent on their government.

To conclude, Singapore is a democratically elected government with a different form of democracy, practicing soft authoritarianism with Confucian influences. Democracy is a system of governance based on popular vote and participation. In the beginning, economic progress was used to legitimize politics. Singapore has reached a certain stage in development, and I believe public discussion can be made a feature of Singapore’s society.  The will of the public is also required for the society to become more democratic.