From rule by fear to ruled by fear - PAP's dilemma

[Confuseous]

With Singapore’s increasing complexity and heterogeneity, the Singapore government has been in retreat on the social regulation front. Where once it tried to prescribe morals and social behaviour, imposed with a big stick if necessary (e.g. passing laws/regulations about flushing after urinating, males having to keep hair short — some readers may be old enough to remember this) , it is now realising that there are social forces greater than itself. Society will change regardless, and heavy-handed attempts by the government to impose its will must surely exact a political price.

- http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/from-rule-by-fear-to-ruled-by-fear/

 

[kingrant]

YB's observations are always sharp. This was a clear case of kiasuism. Civil servants and bureaucrats have become so guarded and careful not to expose their masters, or if they had to, minimise it. It was alright to subjugate the minority Indian's rights to the Chinese's because the latter are in the majority, and so can cause them more trouble. Hence sacrifice the Indians.

Indeed, the idiot Shammugam still did not get it when he said it was the disputing parties that reached the compromise, not the CMC. No wonder the PAP has lost its moral compass.