The realty behind the "Miracle"
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The realty behind the "Miracle"
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Singapore Democrats
With the economy falling apart and the investment debacles at GIC and Temasek making headline after shocking headline, the facade of an omniscient PAP Government has been stripped bare for all to see.
Below are excerpts from a book entitled The Singapore Miracle: Myth and Reality written by Mr Rodney King, a journalist that once worked at the Straits Times. The book, published in 2006 and recently updated, is poignant, now more than ever, given the current economic and financial mess we find ourselves. It is a wake-up call that Singaporeans cannot afford to ignore:The PAP never tires of telling Singaporeans how much they have benefited from its rule, how much happier they are in their HDB units than in the kampongs and how poverty has all but disappeared.
The rivers of dubious statistics the PAP state generates to back its questionable claims have often been uncritically accepted by journalists and Western neo-cons and the now discredited "Asia Rising" theorists.
Both the myths and the statistics used to "prove" the Singapore Miracle are suspect. To what extent is the miracle a statistical mirage? If the statistics and myth-making used to promote this miracle are scraped away what is left? – A dependent and EIC-deficient economy, driven by MNC capital and expertise, with severe inequalities of wealth and income, high living and an often poorly paid workforce. Such truths about Singapore's miracle are not widely known abroad.
Negative foreign comments about Singapore focus on its authoritarian nature, the ruthless persecution of political opponents, its compromised and "compliant" judiciary, its lack of press freedom and its less-than-free elections. But Singapore is still seen as an economic success story that has delivered high living standard to its citizens despite democratic shortcomings.
Apart from Singaporean political activist Chee Soon Juan, few writers have exposed the many shortcomings of Singapore's economic miracle, and especially how little Singaporeans have gained from it.
Were more commentators to do so, Singapore would no longer be regarded as a model for national development. It would lose its iconic "brand name" status around the world, particularly among neo-conservatives and the globalisation lobby. An MNC outpost serviced by underpaid locals and ruled by a manipulative and over-paid political elite is not an inspiring development model.
Unlike Singapore's foreign friends, PAP leaders understand its real situation. Frantic government efforts to transform the country into an entrepreneurial, innovative, risk-taking society reflect this concern. However, such ends can only be achieved if the PAP state relinquishes much of its power over the economy and people.
While desperately trying to transform the economy, the PAP continues to deluge Singaporeans with assurances that everything is fine, using biased statistics to do this. Many Singaporeans see through such subterfuge, perceiving their society as one riven with privilege and inequality.
Besides growing inequality, Singapore is hollowing out economically and socially. It will remain dependent on foreign capital and talent despite endless "re-engineering" efforts to make it more competitive. Singapore is becoming a transient hotel-type society. State-led efforts to inculcate patriotism and a sense of community merely disguise this process.
Eventually the truth may emerge that Singapore cannot be transformed into the economy the PAP wants unless the Government is prepared to relinquish significant economic and political control.
The PAP cannot do this because it would undermine its rule and disrupt many powerful vested interests. However, without such reform Singapore is condemned to ongoing mediocrity. A vibrant MNC sector and huge national reserves will disguise this only for a while.
Nonetheless, a combination of internal and external factors could disrupt and tear apart Singapore's carefully cultivated image as a competitive cutting-edge economy. Some scenarios have been outlines on how this could occur.
If conditions worsen, no amount of PAP spin, compliant ratings agencies or neo-con accolades will disguise Singapore's growing problems. Only then will the myths that have sustained PAP' Singapore for so long be exposed; and only then will Singapore become a deservedly discarded development model for developing countries. Then, the Singapore Miracle will finally be seen for what it is.
The book is available at Select Books at the Tanglin Shopping Centre. -
A book written by an ang moh. Ask him to look at his own country first.
Singapore being a small country and a nation without natural resources cannot afford to have a free wheeling economy.
Singapore being a small state is surrounded by potentially hostile nations
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i agree the PaPA has got the basics right in some areas while not in others.
The biggest mistake of the PAP is its over reliance on foreign investment, and neglecting its own talents.
Let the citizens rise, in education, training and be bosses of the foreign talents which come here is the answer.
Let promotion in the workplace go to locals first, like in Australia.
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hate long post, so just read the bolded parts.
basically, he is saying Singapore is not perfect, and is in fact over rated.
Well, I would say that this kind of comparison is relative. Even if singapore did not deserve an A in raw score, it will still score an A after moderation because other nations sucks even more.
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Originally posted by skythewood:
hate long post, so just read the bolded parts.
basically, he is saying Singapore is not perfect, and is in fact over rated.
Well, I would say that this kind of comparison is relative. Even if singapore did not deserve an A in raw score, it will still score an A after moderation because other nations sucks even more.
Singapore is indeed a miracle. How it rose is an exemplary story to the world...
Do u seriously think that ang moh countries, without their natural resources like food ect are able to survive with their lazy so called democratic society?
Even with their so called natrual resource rich nations, cost of living is also very high. Taxes are high
what happens if the PAP does not maintain its draconian laws?. U will see chinese start to gamble in engage in vice, Sri lankans raising funds for LTTE, islamic radicals spreading their ideas .
I believe PAP still think Chee soon juan is an ok fellow. They know it by now.
PAp policies are a double edged sword. it has its merits as well as the drawbacks. The key to tacking this situation is to dynamically alter policies here and there to the best as possible
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But if Lee Kuan Yew is not restrained, he will spead his rubbish eugenics ideas and stay in power for 50, 60 years, let his son become PM etc.
Monopolise mainstream media to spread propaganda, brainwash people to support him.
Use ISA to arrest opponents, detain for 32 years without trial and evidence.
Censor stuff that is critical, or sue until bankrupt.
Pay themselves millions, legal corruption.
Mas Selamat screw up, no proper apology, no resign, just pretend nothing happen.
Implement rubbish policies, people unhappy cannot protest, cannot apply pressure.
Kill off political life, kill off intellectual life, live in repressive state under fear, no innovation, no creatively.
People depressed, migrant, PAP import foreigners flood small small island with millions of foreigners.
National identity erode, more people migrant, import more foreigners, national state weakened and destroyed.
Pay themselves high salaries.
Klll off native culture, glorify angmoh crap, leader ang moh dog, cannot speak chinese or dialect, import millions of foreigners.
Whole island flooded with foreigners, weaken local people.
What sort of bullshit is that, you come and tell me.
Live as slave under PAP, old go johor and die. Savings controlled by them to use for invest.
Lose billions, no one knows what the fuck.
Come and talk fucking cock.
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
But if Lee Kuan Yew is not restrained, he will spead his rubbish eugenics ideas and stay in power for 50, 60 years, let his son become PM etc.
Monopolise mainstream media to spread propaganda, brainwash people to support him.
Use ISA to arrest opponents, detain for 32 years without trial and evidence.
Censor stuff that is critical, or sue until bankrupt.
Pay themselves millions, legal corruption.
Mas Selamat screw up, no proper apology, no resign, just pretend nothing happen.
Implement rubbish policies, people unhappy cannot protest, cannot apply pressure.
Kill off political life, kill off intellectual life, live in repressive state under fear, no innovation, no creatively.
People depressed, migrant, PAP import foreigners flood small small island with millions of foreigners.
National identity erode, more people migrant, import more foreigners, national state weakened and destroyed.
Pay themselves high salaries.
Klll off native culture, glorify angmoh crap, leader ang moh dog, cannot speak chinese or dialect, import millions of foreigners.
Whole island flooded with foreigners, weaken local people.
What sort of bullshit is that, you come and tell me.
Live as slave under PAP, old go johor and die. Savings controlled by them to use for invest.
Lose billions, no one knows what the fuck.
Come and talk fucking cock.
You have a better idea on how to run the country? Go ahead, next GE i sure vote for you
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
But if Lee Kuan Yew is not restrained, he will spead his rubbish eugenics ideas and stay in power for 50, 60 years, let his son become PM etc.
Monopolise mainstream media to spread propaganda, brainwash people to support him.
Use ISA to arrest opponents, detain for 32 years without trial and evidence.
Censor stuff that is critical, or sue until bankrupt.
Pay themselves millions, legal corruption.
Mas Selamat screw up, no proper apology, no resign, just pretend nothing happen.
Implement rubbish policies, people unhappy cannot protest, cannot apply pressure.
Kill off political life, kill off intellectual life, live in repressive state under fear, no innovation, no creatively.
People depressed, migrant, PAP import foreigners flood small small island with millions of foreigners.
National identity erode, more people migrant, import more foreigners, national state weakened and destroyed.
Pay themselves high salaries.
Klll off native culture, glorify angmoh crap, leader ang moh dog, cannot speak chinese or dialect, import millions of foreigners.
Whole island flooded with foreigners, weaken local people.
What sort of bullshit is that, you come and tell me.
Live as slave under PAP, old go johor and die. Savings controlled by them to use for invest.
Lose billions, no one knows what the fuck.
Come and talk fucking cock.
You're an investment expert? You know how to invest better than people with degrees in Economics? Go run, next GE i sure vote for you
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
But if Lee Kuan Yew is not restrained, he will spead his rubbish eugenics ideas and stay in power for 50, 60 years, let his son become PM etc.
Monopolise mainstream media to spread propaganda, brainwash people to support him.
Use ISA to arrest opponents, detain for 32 years without trial and evidence.
Censor stuff that is critical, or sue until bankrupt.
Pay themselves millions, legal corruption.
Mas Selamat screw up, no proper apology, no resign, just pretend nothing happen.
Implement rubbish policies, people unhappy cannot protest, cannot apply pressure.
Kill off political life, kill off intellectual life, live in repressive state under fear, no innovation, no creatively.
People depressed, migrant, PAP import foreigners flood small small island with millions of foreigners.
National identity erode, more people migrant, import more foreigners, national state weakened and destroyed.
Pay themselves high salaries.
Klll off native culture, glorify angmoh crap, leader ang moh dog, cannot speak chinese or dialect, import millions of foreigners.
Whole island flooded with foreigners, weaken local people.
What sort of bullshit is that, you come and tell me.
Live as slave under PAP, old go johor and die. Savings controlled by them to use for invest.
Lose billions, no one knows what the fuck.
Come and talk fucking cock.
You think you can make more money employing Singaporeans than foreigners? Go ahead, I'll be sure not to invest in you
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
But if Lee Kuan Yew is not restrained, he will spead his rubbish eugenics ideas and stay in power for 50, 60 years, let his son become PM etc.
Monopolise mainstream media to spread propaganda, brainwash people to support him.
Use ISA to arrest opponents, detain for 32 years without trial and evidence.
Censor stuff that is critical, or sue until bankrupt.
Pay themselves millions, legal corruption.
Mas Selamat screw up, no proper apology, no resign, just pretend nothing happen.
Implement rubbish policies, people unhappy cannot protest, cannot apply pressure.
Kill off political life, kill off intellectual life, live in repressive state under fear, no innovation, no creatively.
People depressed, migrant, PAP import foreigners flood small small island with millions of foreigners.
National identity erode, more people migrant, import more foreigners, national state weakened and destroyed.
Pay themselves high salaries.
Klll off native culture, glorify angmoh crap, leader ang moh dog, cannot speak chinese or dialect, import millions of foreigners.
Whole island flooded with foreigners, weaken local people.
What sort of bullshit is that, you come and tell me.
Live as slave under PAP, old go johor and die. Savings controlled by them to use for invest.
Lose billions, no one knows what the fuck.
Come and talk fucking cock.
He speak english he's an ang moh dog, he speak chinese he's a china dog, personally i'd prefer to be the ang moh dog
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Oh and lastly, this is from an SDP website, no one in the right mind would believe it fully genius............ PAP is'nt the only political party good at twisting the truth
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personally i'd prefer to be the ang moh dog
Why?
How about Lee Kuan Yew's dog?
Do you want to be Lee Kuan Yew's dog?
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
Why?
How about Lee Kuan Yew's dog?
Do you want to be Lee Kuan Yew's dog?
Compared to Chee Soon Juan's dog, LKY's dog sound much better....... -
You can be his dog then.
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You have a better idea on how to run the country? Go ahead, next GE i sure vote for you
You're an investment expert? You know how to invest better than people with degrees in Economics? Go run, next GE i sure vote for you
You think you can make more money employing Singaporeans than foreigners? Go ahead, I'll be sure not to invest in you
We shouldn't evade the problems with above type of rhetoric.
Bullshit is still bullshit.
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
We shouldn't evade the problems with above type of rhetoric.
Bullshit is still bullshit.
I'm not evading the problems, I'm simply saying that until you have a better alternative, we're stuck where we are. Make the best of it while you can. Don't just sit infront of your computer screen complaining -
you have a better alternative
Just vote for opposition.
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
Just vote for opposition.
Incase you have'nt noticed, it is'nt working, so until you come up with something that works.......... -
The best is yet to be!!
Dunt teach me how to run my country when your GDP is much lower
than me in long run!!
Money and economy is almost everything.
From individual ,to family,to companty and even to gavaman ,
u will starve to die if dunt have income.
One of the most indicators is real GDP growth in all country.
Think why Singapore has been growing much faster than than all
G8 country in the past 12 years.
Think carefully.Is it a micracle?NO.This is the results of wise men in
SG gavaman and the hard works of All People staying and working in
Singapore,including 1,000,000 foreigners staying here.
The best is yet to be!!
Dunt teach me how to run my country when your GDP is much lower
than me in long run!!
Overseas Economic Statistics – Real Gross Domestic Product - I1
http://www.rba.gov.au/Statistics/Bulletin/index.html
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Originally posted by lionnoisy:
The best is yet to be!!
Dunt teach me how to run my country when your GDP is much lower
than me in long run!!
Money and economy is almost everything.
From individual ,to family,to companty and even to gavaman ,
u will starve to die if dunt have income.
One of the most indicators is real GDP growth in all country.
Think why Singapore has been growing much faster than than all
G8 country in the past 12 years.
Think carefully.Is it a micracle?NO.This is the results of wise men in
SG gavaman and the hard works of All People staying and working in
Singapore,including 1,000,000 foreigners staying here.
The best is yet to be!!
Dunt teach me how to run my country when your GDP is much lower
than me in long run!!
Overseas Economic Statistics – Real Gross Domestic Product - I1
http://www.rba.gov.au/Statistics/Bulletin/index.html
Whatever............. -
Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
Just vote for opposition.
u think we are blind ar?? so far, what does opposition do to help us?? all knows how keep commenting and insulting, we teenagers also can be opposition. -
That is why you must vote in more opposition to build up the strength.
2 opposition MP can't do much.
40, 50 or 60 opposition MPs can do plenty.
You must vote for opposition.
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as i said again, so far, i hear nothing good from opposition, we dun gamble with the odd. If the opposition really failed and turn into internal struggle at this moment, I may hv to end up parading myself with PRC and thai gals.
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i hear nothing good from opposition
You hear from which source?
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Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:
You hear from which source?
that is not even any source?? full of theory in net, opposition must be more open, challenge the govt, debate on what to do rather than complain and insulting other poor performances. If a opposition can come out, speak out reasonably and sensibly on how to solve the current crisis or help the poor, so to speak, we young ones will notice you, so far we heard about a few young professional in the opposition only during the election period, after that all gone hiding liao, what is left are Dr Chee own personal views and theories, which alone cannot make us change our mind. As i said, we dun gamble on the losing side, show us a light at the end of the tunnel and not shouting inside a dark tunnel that lead us into a darker tunnel.