If we go by the international opinions, Singapore is far from democratic. It has been generally known as benign or benevolent dictatorship.
Where do we go from here? We are now at a cross road having to re-position the past economic model to one that has to compete with fiercer competitions from China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, an improving Japan and rejuvenating Europe.
It would be common sense and simple logic that if all our talents so far cannot lead us to the next level of competitiveness, we will then have to mobilize our 4 millions citizens and our younger populations to give of their best through mass participation and practical knowledge application.
Many ordinary people have practical knowledge and given the right motivation in work places they will contibute beneficially.
What are the constraints? Too much controls, regulations and top-down management due to over-emphasis of the past on leaders or a few scholar talents under confucianist philosophy for political purpose.
Persistent top-down control system will continue to stifle creativity, entrepreneurship and mass participation.
The practical solution is to open up and liberlize and motivate all citizens to compete in knowledge application.
Knowledge application will not happen until works are planned so as to involve all to be more participative. Some moderation of elitism are taking place and are welcome but it is not clear whether this will be sustained. Much more have to be done to eliminate the overwhelming impact of top management practices still affecting all.
