When Singapore first became independent, the people were of a patchwork of different ethnicities, dialect groups and social classes (e.g. English-educated vs Chinese-educated). Policies were implemented with a heavy hand to ensure harmony at all costs.
By the 80s, I could distinctly feel a sense of pride in people identifying themselves as Singaporeans (not sure how the minorities feel as they may see things differently). However, there was no discernible shift in the focus of the policies and the way they were implemented. Now, there are many changes and rethinks but the fundamental way of implementation remains unchanged by and large. The emphasis is always on punishment rather than encouragement. Sounds like the parents of yore, doesn't it?
Why has the mentality of the ruling class in dealing with the populace remained essentially mired in time? Besides the fact that the ruling party has been in power all this time, I am convinced the main reason is the influence of LKY. He came to power during those tumultous days a few decades ago and that has coloured his thinking. His views on world affairs may have changed but not his perception of the people of Singapore. He certainly has no obligation to help others into power but he needs to ask himself if the people of Singapore are best served by his remaining in power (I am assuming that he really wanted the best outcome for Singapore). If his advice is so keenly sought, there is no need for him to remain in parliament as Senior Minister/Minister Mentor as people will still seek his advice regardless of his official post. If he is gracious and honourable, he would have fully stepped aside but he is most welcome to critique government policies as a private citizen. By holding on to power, I can only conclude that he still desires to control the decision-making process. Whether he sincerely believes he is working for the good of the nation, only he can answer that question.
By the 80s, I could distinctly feel a sense of pride in people identifying themselves as Singaporeans (not sure how the minorities feel as they may see things differently). However, there was no discernible shift in the focus of the policies and the way they were implemented. Now, there are many changes and rethinks but the fundamental way of implementation remains unchanged by and large. The emphasis is always on punishment rather than encouragement. Sounds like the parents of yore, doesn't it?
Why has the mentality of the ruling class in dealing with the populace remained essentially mired in time? Besides the fact that the ruling party has been in power all this time, I am convinced the main reason is the influence of LKY. He came to power during those tumultous days a few decades ago and that has coloured his thinking. His views on world affairs may have changed but not his perception of the people of Singapore. He certainly has no obligation to help others into power but he needs to ask himself if the people of Singapore are best served by his remaining in power (I am assuming that he really wanted the best outcome for Singapore). If his advice is so keenly sought, there is no need for him to remain in parliament as Senior Minister/Minister Mentor as people will still seek his advice regardless of his official post. If he is gracious and honourable, he would have fully stepped aside but he is most welcome to critique government policies as a private citizen. By holding on to power, I can only conclude that he still desires to control the decision-making process. Whether he sincerely believes he is working for the good of the nation, only he can answer that question.
