Why are SgForumers Shy To Singapore Politics ?
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Why are SgForumers disinterested in the Political Future of our Singapore?
From the various topics posted in this SgForums, the trivial and the non-sensical seems to score the most hits, and also attracts the greatest number of replies:
From the “Politics Forum”, the dangerously comical hypothesis of “Singapore Going to War with Malaysia” scores a visit hit list of over 14,240 clicks, and took on a response from 1,163 visitors to the site.
From the “Food Forum”, the trivial “Food Game” drew the attention of 2,559 and up to 259 participants at the last count.
Other sassy topics – “Oops I accidentally touched her breast ….” from the “Bar” also attracted similar large visit to the site of 2,386, and responses from 107 members of this SgForums.
Political Topics related to Singapore seems not to draw any interests – with the subject “The GRC Election System a Fair Representation of the People?” scoring 15 visits to the site, and zero response.
Is this apathy due to a ‘de facto’ situation in Singapore?
Or is this apathy to the Political Life of Singapore due to the fact that Singaporeans accept that Politics is best left to Politicians?
This “apathetic and non-interference thinking” is largely encouraged by the Ruling Party in Singapore, thus giving them a free hand to manipulate and numb the Singaporean mind further towards Politics and the Future Governance of Singapore.
Then again, is this Singaporean attitude of disinterest towards Politics a reflection of apathy, or is this simply a display of a lack of political education of the general Singapore Population to their Political Rights as guaranteed by the Singapore Constitution.
How many Singaporeans will dare think differently on issues, or even dare to look at the “other side of the coin” with an open mind?
How many dare to think and write their thoughts clearly and cut through issues with an honest eye?
How many truly believe that Politics is best left to Politicians? -
Singaporean arent not interested in politics , however they are not open on politics. eg Military discussion are hot , when straight political questions are cold ,however if u notics , in the military discussion , inevitablely some politics were discussed and with someone there to start the ball rolling , military stuff containing politics are hot too.
Sex is always more attractive than political topics ....so dun expect political topics to outnumber the one on SEX. For my case , Sex is always a more interesting topic then ...politics.
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i find that politics arent to be tuck to the politicians.
Obviously we vote the politician to work on politics in our behalf , however by voting for the politician, we are somehow involve in politics.
But to be frank . Most youngers nowadays arent at all interested in politics or current affairs. I believe they will, when they grow up. Im 15 yr old and im currently the onli person in class to be involve in political cum military discussion , btw it realli benefits my Social studies and history in sch. -
Cause the government is so totalitarian that there's no point debating anything, since we have no say anyway.
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hmm. . .lets see.a toltaritarian gov means a gov which control all aspects of life, including religion, schools and buisnesses.I don't see religion , buisnesses and schools being controlled.So it can hardly be defined as totalitarian
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It is a laugh if the paranoid Singapore Government is not controlling Religion, Business and Schools in the present Singapore context.Originally posted by CenturionMBT:hmm. . .lets see.a toltaritarian gov means a gov which control all aspects of life, including religion, schools and buisnesses.I don't see religion , buisnesses and schools being controlled.So it can hardly be defined as totalitarian
You are partially right in that at least the Government is not involved in the business of spreading any particular Religions.
However, it has started the "Religion of Money-theism" with its demand made on Singaporeans toward excellence, and its campaign to wipe out corruption by paying Private Wages in the Domain of Government and Public Service – instead of instilling the culture of National Service in all aspects of Singaporean Life.
“Our Government does not control Religion?”
There is a multitude of Laws to govern the Practices of Religion and to ensure Religious Harmony, with the last resort being the Internal Security Act that is dubiously used at times against credible vocal and politically active Singaporeans - even from the Church.
“Our Government does not control businesses?”
There are multiple groups of Government Linked Companies (GLC) that pervades into every aspect of Singaporean civil life, and which overwhelms private enterprise at the basic level. There is a multitude of legislations that control business practices and the type of business that private enterprise can involve itself with. The current saga in the control of NatSteel is one of Private Money versus the preferred Government approved Personalities to take over this GLC in the supposed divestment of GLCs.
“Our Government does not control Schools?”
Try opening a Private School and not run afoul of legislations that controls and monitor the activities of education.
How do you explain the fact that there are so many PAP linked Kindergarten Schools built and located at the void decks of HDB Flats; and yet there is a dearth of similar Opposition Party run Kindergarten in the HDB Heartlands of Opposition Controlled Constituencies?
The official reason given - in obstructing the setting up of Kindergartens to be operated by Opposition Parties - is that such educational facilities operated by the Opposition Parties will run counter to the educational policies set by the Ruling Political Party.
The Ruling Politicians have politicized education at the kindergarten levels; yet the irony of it all is that when Students reach University or Tertiary Level of education, the same students are systematically de-politicized – all “activities with political overtones” conducted by tertiary level students, are closely monitored and systematically controlled.
The Government still does not control Religion, Businesses and Schools? -
yeah... totalitarian doesnt begin to describe it... the government is trying to turn everyone into a math n science genius. the school system teaches kids to become mindless robots who conform to wadeva assinine rule the MOE or school wants to come up with.
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Mi too... sex no 1, politics..no ....???Originally posted by foxtrout8:Singaporean arent not interested in politics , however they are not open on politics. eg Military discussion are hot , when straight political questions are cold ,however if u notics , in the military discussion , inevitablely some politics were discussed and with someone there to start the ball rolling , military stuff containing politics are hot too.
Sex is always more attractive than political topics ....so dun expect political topics to outnumber the one on SEX. For my case , Sex is always a more interesting topic then ...politics. 
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lolX
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im into politics
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Because most people are apolitcal. Thats largely due to the local media
anyway even though i do not browse the topics here, i get my info on *alternative* views from other forums, websites -
Sad to say Singaporeans have been brainwashed since independance day....Originally posted by Atobe:Why are SgForumers disinterested in the Political Future of our Singapore?
From the various topics posted in this SgForums, the trivial and the non-sensical seems to score the most hits, and also attracts the greatest number of replies:
From the “Politics Forum”, the dangerously comical hypothesis of “Singapore Going to War with Malaysia” scores a visit hit list of over 14,240 clicks, and took on a response from 1,163 visitors to the site.
From the “Food Forum”, the trivial “Food Game” drew the attention of 2,559 and up to 259 participants at the last count.
Other sassy topics – “Oops I accidentally touched her breast ….” from the “Bar” also attracted similar large visit to the site of 2,386, and responses from 107 members of this SgForums.
Political Topics related to Singapore seems not to draw any interests – with the subject “The GRC Election System a Fair Representation of the People?” scoring 15 visits to the site, and zero response.
Is this apathy due to a ‘de facto’ situation in Singapore?
Or is this apathy to the Political Life of Singapore due to the fact that Singaporeans accept that Politics is best left to Politicians?
This “apathetic and non-interference thinking” is largely encouraged by the Ruling Party in Singapore, thus giving them a free hand to manipulate and numb the Singaporean mind further towards Politics and the Future Governance of Singapore.
Then again, is this Singaporean attitude of disinterest towards Politics a reflection of apathy, or is this simply a display of a lack of political education of the general Singapore Population to their Political Rights as guaranteed by the Singapore Constitution.
How many Singaporeans will dare think differently on issues, or even dare to look at the “other side of the coin” with an open mind?
How many dare to think and write their thoughts clearly and cut through issues with an honest eye?
How many truly believe that Politics is best left to Politicians? -
I find it odd that a forum hoping to start a thread about localOriginally posted by windjammer:Sad to say Singaporeans have been brainwashed since independance day....
politics ended up with another crisising Singaporean neing "brainwashed" ?
Frankly I find odd that some are more easily being "brainwashed"
by rumours and slanders made on the internet by unknown
source. This thread starter seems is a very good example of
a rumour-mongler.
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and Atobe, no offence meant to you in this post, hopefully none taken, i don't mind a moderate opposition to the gov't like your's, just don't give Singaporeans any more Chee Soon Juans. . .Originally posted by Atobe:Why are SgForumers disinterested in the Political Future of our Singapore?
A very sweeping statement don't you think?? What about those of us who come here???
From the various topics posted in this SgForums, the trivial and the non-sensical seems to score the most hits, and also attracts the greatest number of replies:
From the “Politics Forum”, the dangerously comical hypothesis of “Singapore Going to War with Malaysia” scores a visit hit list of over 14,240 clicks, and took on a response from 1,163 visitors to the site. Topics of a military nature will naturally have a higher readership and response considering the age of many forumites here
From the “Food Forum”, the trivial “Food Game” drew the attention of 2,559 and up to 259 participants at the last count.
Other sassy topics – “Oops I accidentally touched her breast ….” from the “Bar” also attracted similar large visit to the site of 2,386, and responses from 107 members of this SgForums. Understand that many at Sgforums are avid internet surfers and come here for a bout of relaxation or friendly local chat, why take on something as heavy going as politics?
Political Topics related to Singapore seems not to draw any interests – with the subject “The GRC Election System a Fair Representation of the People?” scoring 15 visits to the site, and zero response. I commend your effort at compiling such details, but would frown on your comments pointing at those who visit what you consider to be sassy and trivial topics. . .
Is this apathy due to a ‘de facto’ situation in Singapore?
Or is this apathy to the Political Life of Singapore due to the fact that Singaporeans accept that Politics is best left to Politicians?
This “apathetic and non-interference thinking” is largely encouraged by the Ruling Party in Singapore, thus giving them a free hand to manipulate and numb the Singaporean mind further towards Politics and the Future Governance of Singapore. How do they numb the Singaporean mind when people like you can post freely your opinions at such a forum frequented by so many singaporeans?? (NO offence!!)
Then again, is this Singaporean attitude of disinterest towards Politics a reflection of apathy, or is this simply a display of a lack of political education of the general Singapore Population to their Political Rights as guaranteed by the Singapore Constitution. another anti-PAP singaporean. . . seems to me like we have alot of those these days. . . what sort of Singapore would you prefer? A dictatorship something like in 'certain arab countries' or the other extreme where you can do what you like for eg. in US? If you are aiming for a society like that in the US, I would like to ask if the Singaporean population is mature enough to live in such a society? I know of a russian defector, many years ago who commented that Singaporeans don't appreciate alot of things the gov't does. . . little things like your CPF will mean alot to you when you are old and can't work, btw, the retirement age in the US is over 70, that retirement age was set long ago when most people died before hitting 70. . . , the US gov't dun want to pay too much retirement benefits. . ., is that a better deal for you??? oh yah, and now in the US you have an option of a fixed deposit set aside for old age, it is not taxed and some employers do contribute to such a fund for employees, sound like Singapore's CPF eh?
How many Singaporeans will dare think differently on issues, or even dare to look at the “other side of the coin” with an open mind?
How many dare to think and write their thoughts clearly and cut through issues with an honest eye? Chee Soon Juan, although I for one definitely DO NOT support any of his 'honest' thoughts and written work.
How many truly believe that Politics is best left to Politicians? I don't and I agree with you mainly on one point, that Singaporeans should take an active interest in the politics of their country, But i do not think that the gov't has 'discouraged' in any form, Singaporeans from taking on such an interest. . . Note that the crowd who visit 'Chit Chat', 'Food' and 'Politics' differ to some extent and that people who do visit Sgforums do so for different reasons.
and I'm 14 (this year anyway) and yah, I'm the only one in class visiting such forums (I think) . . .and to foxtrout8, dunno why this hasn't helped my history and social studies. . . classmates, most of whom mug the whole day and some even A and O level textbook (note: we were in sec 2 this year), do better than me. . . -
hehheh 15yrs old and do you visit the bar for the sex topics?? I never went there, although I errrm. . . sometimes visit sggirls.com , and I'm 14. . . oopsOriginally posted by foxtrout8:i find that politics arent to be tuck to the politicians.
Obviously we vote the politician to work on politics in our behalf , however by voting for the politician, we are somehow involve in politics.
But to be frank . Most youngers nowadays arent at all interested in politics or current affairs. I believe they will, when they grow up. Im 15 yr old and im currently the onli person in class to be involve in political cum military discussion , btw it realli benefits my Social studies and history in sch. (well, good thing is i dun see the r- rated ones) note: trying to justify myself, pls ignore. . . -
hahahahhahaOriginally posted by laser51088:hehheh 15yrs old and do you visit the bar for the sex topics?? I never went there, although I errrm. . . sometimes visit sggirls.com , and I'm 14. . . oops (well, good thing is i dun see the r- rated ones) note: trying to justify myself, pls ignore. . . -
Laser51088, points taken and understood, but I would like to offer the following for consideration:Originally posted by laser51088:and Atobe, no offence meant to you in this post, hopefully none taken, i don't mind a moderate opposition to the gov't like your's, just don't give Singaporeans any more Chee Soon Juans. . .
The compilation of the ‘hit-list’ on issues in the various forum topics certainly confirm the interests shown on subjects on the fun side to the heavy side of issues discussed.
Was my comment too broad a “sweep with my stroke of the brush”?
I donÂ’t think so, not from the hit list of the popular issues and the heavy political topics that seem to carry a loaded gun.
As was posted in my opening topic, the disinterest of political issues - that affect the manner in which politics are settled in Singapore (GRC based Election System) - maybe caused by real apathy towards politics, or simply that the majority forum participants are not familiar with the significance of this topic – meaning not educated to the GRC process.
How does the Government numb the minds of Singaporeans?
Quote from SM Lee “ Fill the stomach and numb the mind” – so that Singaporeans will not be so easily influenced by Communist agitators – circa 1950’s.
This fear of Singaporeans being politically active is pervasive, so much so that any Student Activities at Secondary or Tertiary Education Institutions will be and must be closely monitored.
In Singapore, one must obtain a license from the Police for any public events with social and political overtones; and before the Police will issue a license, prior approval will be given from the “higher authority” within the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Have you not heard of the ‘Fear Factor” that numb the Singapore Mind and prevent people from even making contributions to Opposition Parties?
Punitive compensations are imposed by the Courts of Law for any suit brought by the Members of the Ruling Party against any Member of the Opposition Party, while the opposite holds true if a suit is leveled in the other direction. The compensation amount is way beyond the norm of other countries in the Commonwealth – which Singapore is member of; and such punitive amount is to numb the enthusiasm of any Singaporeans who dare enter the Political Realm.
The other efforts to numb the Singaporean mind, is the involvement of Singaporean heartlanders to the mundane issues of their immediate community, and take his attention from the Main Political Issues that affect Singapore.
Their active participation in the political process is limited to voting for the upgrading of your neighborhood, but there will be no Referendum Voting for the increase of GST – which will go up by 33.3333 PERCENT, when it is increased from 3% to 4%. The numbed Singaporean mind have been persuaded to accept this REASONABLE increase, and generosity of the Government in making it a 2-step increase instead of shooting for a GST of 5% - which will be a shocking 60 percent increase from 3% !!!
A fine political system and Government Rule would be that of Korea in 2002, where an unknown citizen can be elected to be a President, and where the ENTIRE Government machinery RESPECT the PeopleÂ’s Choice, and obey the command of the ELECTED leader.
In Singapore’s experience with the Elected Presidency, when the late Ong Teng Cheong was “elected” as the “People’s Choice” – (actually the entire process was a show, as there were only two candidates that have been approved and put up by the PAP) – and when he asked for an accounting of the Government Investment Corporation, and the Singapore’s Reserve, he was stone-walled.
He was told that it will be impossible to do so, and that it will take 52 man-years to prepare this report. The Report was finally grudglingly produced on the part of the Government.
Yet the Elected Presidency is suppose to hold the Second Key to protect our Reserves. This authority was 'fine tuned', 'clarified" and amended to suit the Government's position.
With so many PAP appointed persons holding all the key positions of Government, what will happen when a popular Opposition Party should be elected to form the next Government, as had happened in Taiwan?
Will the entire country be thrown into chaos, with the Government machinery frozen, as the new Government will NOT be able to use funds that it has not accumulated to run the new Government? Will the PAP Political Appointees sitting in all the key positions of Government and Semi-Government Bodies “sabotage” the Government machinery that is now supposedly in the hand of an Elected Opposition Party?
This had happened in Taiwan, when the Taiwanese Opposition DPP won the election but was obstructed and prevented from effective rule by the Kuomintang Political Appointees put in place over the years by the out-going Kuomintang Government.
Concerning the CPF payout, it was initially planned that the payout will be in full at the age of 55 years. Then came a host of schemes to “look after” the same people, as life expectancy was supposed to have been prolonged, and the same people “could not” look after themselves. Additional funds were then prevented from being drawn out for the sake of Medisave, Special Accounts, and now you are AUTOMATICALLY signed up to a CPF Insurance Plan if you do not object – (this is against the guidelines of the Insurance Act).
There are many “Political Thinkers” in Singapore. Dr Chee Soon Juan has good personal intentions for Singapore – being a HDB heartlander himself – and reading his books, you can discern his ideas come from careful thinking. Certainly his inexperience in the early days of his involvement in politics have cost him dearly. His efforts have not been helped very much by a system that controls the media and all information that the public receives. Try meeting him at his public forum, and listen to some of his speeches, and question and answers sessions. Give him some credit for effort at least – even J.B.Jeyaratnam has finally won recognition for his sincerity from DPM, when the SM had accused him as a ‘charlatan’, and had drilled him to the ground.
It is great to know that you are interested in Politics at this age, but let not the local press mould your own thought process. Visit all the sites on the Web, both the Government controlled, and the Opposition controlled, and the International sites, then form your own thoughts and views. DonÂ’t be jingoistic about being a true Singaporean must be loyal to Government alone.
A true Singaporean is true to Singapore, and for the sake of Singapore, we should think for the best system for Singapore, not what the Government think is best for us.
Politics reserve for Politicians only ? -
I hate politics. Politics is about relationships . And relationships are hard to predict, maintain and build. That's why. One thing. People here can really churn out really long essays.
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What about a relationship with the opposite sex ?Originally posted by Parka: I hate politics. Politics is about relationships . And relationships are hard to predict, maintain and build. That's why. One thing. People here can really churn out really long essays.
Like politics, it takes time to build and maintain, and very hard to predict someone's moods as well. -
Originally posted by Atobe:What about a relationship with the opposite sex ?
Like politics, it takes time to build and maintain, and very hard to predict someone's moods as well. Yupz. Erm. Hard. But as in a relationship with the opposite sex. It's much simpler in terms that it is one on one. In politics it's not just one person that's in a relationship. Decisions made will affect everyone. There's one quote I came up myself," It's not the sun that drives the world round, it's relationships." -
It will be interesting to learn of your thinking as to how you arrive at your opinion that my piece is based on rumours ?Originally posted by Gun:I find it odd that a forum hoping to start a thread about local
politics ended up with another crisising Singaporean neing "brainwashed" ?
Frankly I find odd that some are more easily being "brainwashed"
by rumours and slanders made on the internet by unknown
source. This thread starter seems is a very good example of
a rumour-mongler. -
What a pity that you cannot engage with the issues but prefer to slander someone else's posting; and with little opinion to the issues raised ?Originally posted by Gun:I find it odd that a forum hoping to start a thread about local
politics ended up with another crisising Singaporean neing "brainwashed" ?
Frankly I find odd that some are more easily being "brainwashed"
by rumours and slanders made on the internet by unknown
source. This thread starter seems is a very good example of
a rumour-mongler.