The legalization of outdoor protests at Hong Lim Park and the possible relaxation of laws governing political discourse in cyberspace was welcomed by some overly optimistic observers (read CNA article) who predict it will herald in an era of greater openness and liberalization of political space in Singapore.
Unfortunately, this latest political development in Singapore will prove to be another false dawn as the autocratic PAP is unlikely to yield more ground than is warranted in order to preserve their hegemony.
In the first place, the initiatives rolled out by the government are meant to serve their own vested interests rather than to expand the political space when there was never any pressure exerted on them to do so by Singaporeans.
The large turnout at the minibond rallies comprising mostly of silver-haired retirees who are desperate to recoup their investment losses can hardly be construed as a political awakening for Singaporeans.
Read rest of article here:
http://wayangparty.com/2008/12/27/p...pore-unlikely-to-expand-beyond-mere-tokenism/
Unfortunately, this latest political development in Singapore will prove to be another false dawn as the autocratic PAP is unlikely to yield more ground than is warranted in order to preserve their hegemony.
In the first place, the initiatives rolled out by the government are meant to serve their own vested interests rather than to expand the political space when there was never any pressure exerted on them to do so by Singaporeans.
The large turnout at the minibond rallies comprising mostly of silver-haired retirees who are desperate to recoup their investment losses can hardly be construed as a political awakening for Singaporeans.
Read rest of article here:
http://wayangparty.com/2008/12/27/p...pore-unlikely-to-expand-beyond-mere-tokenism/
