U.S. Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Pra
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March 11, 2008
Singapore is a parliamentary republic in which the People's Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, overwhelmingly dominates politics. The population was approximately 4.6 million, with foreign workers accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total. Opposition parties exist, parliamentary elections take place at regular, constitutionally mandated intervals (most recently in May 2006), and the voting and vote-counting systems are fair and free from tampering; however, the PAP placed formidable obstacles in the path of political opponents. The PAP held 82 of 84 elected parliamentary seats and all ministerial positions. The civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government has broad powers to limit citizens' rights and to handicap political opposition, which it used. Caning is an allowable punishment for numerous offenses. The following human rights problems were reported: preventive detention, executive influence over the judiciary, infringement of citizens' privacy rights, restriction of speech and press freedom and the practice of self-censorship by journalists, restriction of freedom of assembly and association, limited restriction of freedom of religion, and some trafficking in persons.
Living in Singapore one can attest to the accuracy of the US State Department's assessment.
This begs the question whether we have honorable leaders in power when they stand accused of such low-down tactics to stay in power.
It begs questions whether the government uses power to further party interests instead of the majority of the citizen's long term and short term interests. It begs questions on accountability, transparency and nepotism.
It begs questions on whether the preferences of certain groups are placed over and above the preferences of the other groups.
When thinking people look at how dishonorable people are in power, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. -
Sounds familiar.
This is a textbook case.
Goodness. Seems like we hit all the right chords.
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Everyone knows that Singapore is a democratic facade, nothing new in that.
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Btw.... most S'porean care more about the rising cost of living than what the US State Department is writing about.
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What human right in Singapore, it is PAP's right in sinkapore, or rather the leegime's right in Singapore.
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Originally posted by AndrewPKYap: March 11, 2008
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The government has broad powers to limit citizens' rights and to handicap political opposition, which it used. Caning is an allowable punishment for numerous offenses. The following human rights problems were reported: preventive detention, executive influence over the judiciary, infringement of citizens' privacy rights, restriction of speech and press freedom and the practice of self-censorship by journalists, restriction of freedom of assembly and association, limited restriction of freedom of religion, and some trafficking in persons.
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This begs the question whether we have honorable leaders in power when they stand accused of such low-down tactics to stay in power.
...............................What privacy the govt tap into people mind like they were grocery store.
Labeling unwanted person as crazy is also a Singapore trait. O yea uniquely Singapore.....
The only religion in Singapore is to worship the LKY family alone above all other names.
I've found the lowest of men to be ruling in Singapore err but I don't get overseas much.