I believe in the growing importance of international law over the sovereignty of domestic law over the next few decades, especially where domestic legislation clashes with international norms. It may or may not be palatable to individual tastes, but the trend cannot be ignored.
We have to recognise this wave and be ready to ride with it. The element and idea of humanitarian intervention in states which oppress and maim their population is already becoming acceptable as an unofficial norm in international security polity.
The faster we recognise the growing relative importance of international influence and that our little state survives on remaining relevant and ensuring our reputation is not besmirched in the global arena by petty domestic politics and agendas, will benefit Singapore further in this uncertain world.
The challenge today and tomorrow is to strike a balance between ensuring our sovereignty is not bled away too quickly, and respecting the fact that the international arena does not forgive states who refuse to toe the line. Economics may not be such a straight rule anymore..
