Sunday, 24 September 2023

We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!

The next steps towards a fair and just society

By Ghui

pap_fairandjust

The creation of a fair and just society has long been the mission statement of the Peoples’ Action Party. These words are proudly emblazoned in the centre of a series of concentric circles, which set out the core values of Singapore’s ruling party.

This mission statement is a laudable one and one that our present Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong appears committed to given that this was not only posted on his Facebook page but mentioned in his National Day address. He also repeated it during the National Day Rally speech.

PM Lee’s government has sought to deliver the PAP’s promises through a whole raft of reforms aimed at keeping housing affordable and medical health accessible. There is also a renewed commitment to maintaining the system of meritocracy to ensure that all who work hard have an equal chance to success. While I applaud these efforts, I wonder if PM Lee’s idea of “just and fair” might be just a little bit one sided?

I don’t deny the importance of education, healthcare and housing. However, I do see these as basic rights that everyone should be entitled to. Singapore is now a developed nation. This implies that the creation of a “just and fair” state needs to be ramped up a gear.

Beyond economic comforts, the creation of an equitable nation must also include social, political and civil liberties. Citizens must feel able to freely air their opinions and engage in robust debate with regards to matters that concern their country. A climate of fear and self-censorship, which leads to resentment and/or empathy, must be eradicated. How can a society be truly fair or just when its citizens feel unable to have a genuine stake in the affairs of their country?

Singaporeans have only recently found expression via the Internet. While there have been certain unpleasant incidents, these remained firmly in the minority. The good still outweighed the bad. Let’s not forget that it is the efforts of the online media that has kept Dinesh Raman’s wrongful death in the lights. Why has the government only focused on the negative and feel the need to ensure that its citizens read the “correct” content? If PM Lee is committed to the creation of a holistically just and fair society, then the new MDA laws to regulate Internet content must be abolished.

Justice and fairness would also mean that all Singaporeans be treated equally. Why then are taxes paying single parents still prevented from owning HDB flats? Are they not family units too?

What of gay rights? Why is being gay still technically a crime? Is it “just” or “fair” that some Singaporeans are treated as criminals simply because of their sexual orientation? No one is asking conservative Singaporeans to endorse the gay agenda that they seem to so fear. There is after all a difference between accepting that others have a right to live their lives and embracing the so-called “gay lifestyle”. The government needs to take the only reasonable stand there is to take here and decriminalize homosexuality.

Singapore has come a long way as a country. That is undeniably a stellar achievement by all Singaporeans collectively. But for the vision of a completely “just and fair” society to be achieved, the government has to go beyond economics, basic rights and self back-patting.

PM Lee recently gave a speech that started off motivational but ended off uninspiring. Speaking at Teck Ghee Community Club, PM Lee urged the Singaporean youth to give back to society. This was heartening because volunteerism is a powerful tool to the creation of a just and fair society. This rousing call was however marred by PM Lee’s next statements, which came across as a thinly veiled attempt at self-praise. What has unemployment in Europe got to do with volunteerism in Singapore?

While job security is important, giving back to society is a separate issue altogether. It would appear that at the forefront of PM Lee’s mind, monetary concerns are the most crucial pieces to a just and fair society.

Given that fairness in society goes so much further than monetary comforts, perhaps the incumbent requires a minor mindset shift? Or perhaps, the government needs to play catch up? Singapore is no longer a developing nation – they need to aim higher.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Latest posts

Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

47
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.

Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

3
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric. We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election. This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry. Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.

Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future

19
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.

Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency

84
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President. Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public. Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.

Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...

38
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy

Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore

17
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.

Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...

35
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.

Trending posts