Singapore dissidents

I was serfing the internet the other night and I happened to serf past several blogs on the topic of Singapore dissidents. Being a political science students in the past, I could not help but went on to read what was the content.

I was rather shocked to see these "opposing" views being expressed in the blogs. After 42 years of nation building, one can easily see the economic development and progress Singapore has made. However, there seems to have much greivences on the speed of political development and the extent of freedom in Singapore.

After traveling to many parts of the world and working & staying in Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan and now Hong Kong, I can truly say that Singapore is one of the best developed country in the world and one of the best place to live. Given the fact that Singapore is only a small red dot with no natural resources, its achievement is really remarkable.

Yes, there may be others who prefers to increase the pace of political development in Singapore. However, one of key element for democracy is the requirement of large middle class and literate population as well as certain standard of civic behavouirs among the population. Are we ready for Western style democracy? I don't think so...

Stability and economic development comes with a price. Some would argue that the recent NKF episode has tarnished the image of Singapore system. However, this was only one of the few isolated incident. Which country can be really free from corruption?

The human mind is the most dangerous if not guided properly. Many of the dissidents have their own views and strong beliefs. However, the danger of having extreme views are that it might clutthered the mind so much that one is not able to see the big picture and the greater interest at large.

The Singapore system is evolving and changing slowly but surely...Ultimately, it will be there!