We Must Be Doing Something Really Wrong

We Must Be Doing Something Really Wrong

Singapore must be doing something really, seriously wrong.

We don't have a "decent" opposition. We are almost a one-party state. We are alleged to have a non-transparent system which lacks proper checks and balance. We are even alleged to have a government of "yes-men" who are apparently unable to think beyond what the cabinet wants, much less say anything that is against what the government wants.

We project ourselves as living an oppressed life, in fear, devoid of freedoms of speech, without free newspapers and we will be thrown to political jail in Sentosa if we dare say anything against the government.

Singaporeans bay for opposition like anything on earth.

But there are some anomalies in this place.

Singapore kids at 10 and 14 consistently turn in the world's highest test scores in numeracy and reading achievements.

Singapore has one of the world's most competitive economies.

Singapore has one of the world's least corrupt governments.

Singapore has one of the world's busiest, if not busiest, ports.

Singapore has one of the world's best medical systems.

Almost every Singaporean family owns their place, with more than 85% living in government housing.

Singapore has portable drinking water and is free from major illnesses such as polio or TB.

Singapore babies are vaccinated against major illnesses since birth and periodically as they grow up.

Singapore has one of the world's best airport. In fact, it is one of the airhubs of Asia.

Singapore is home to some political dissidents thrown out of neighbouring countries.

Singapore makes people think twice before they shoot their mouths off and accuse us of things that are untrue: Otherwise, Singapore reserves the right to a robust rebuttal.

Singapore has a decent enough transport system (compared to many places I have visited).

Singapore has opportunities for its young in education, its mature population in work, training and retraining opportunities, and its old in healthcare and palliative care. (While I cannot say the same for cheap, heavily subsidised palliative care, existence itself is a start). Singapore has begun to think "inclusively", to take care of the disabled population. What Singapore needs to do is to take care of its gay and single population more, but then I digress.

Singapore has one of the world's best proliferation in IT and internet access.

Singapore ruling party government manages to share its surpluses with the population to help them with the challenging environment they live in.

We must be doing something really wrong. Somehow.