In a recent talk show, Zhang Haijie (张海洁), a news anchor with Singapore’s state media 8World News, staunchly defended the country’s achievements while dismissing criticisms from abroad.

In the video published on 12 September, Ms Zhang highlighted the criticisms Singapore often faces from international human rights organizations and Western media, especially regarding the perceived lack of freedom in its governance.

She highlighted how Western countries view Singapore’s democracy as abundant but its freedom as limited, whereas from a Singaporean perspective, Western freedoms sometimes go too far, such as in the case of legal gun ownership in the U.S., which raises concerns about public safety.

Zhang pointed out that while Singapore is frequently criticised for its lack of free speech, authoritarianism, and harsh legal punishments like caning and fines, these critiques are often convenient narratives used to attack Singapore’s system.

She acknowledged that these perceptions are deeply ingrained but argued that Singapore’s success, both in terms of social stability and economic prosperity, speaks for itself.

“Singapore has its own way of defending democracy and freedom; Western-style democracy and freedom don’t apply to us, ” Ms Zhang said.

“As a tiny nation with nothing, we first have to survive before we can afford the luxury of pursuing freedom and democracy.”

In her talkshow, Ms Zhang highlighted a recent article by Graham Allison, a Harvard professor and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, published in Foreign Policy magazine.

The article, titled “What the West Can Learn From Singapore” poses a thought-provoking question: while Americans and Britons highly value freedoms like speech, press, and assembly, would they be willing to accept some limitations on these rights in exchange for the high standards of governance that Singaporeans enjoy?

Ms Zhang further highlighted that Singapore’s success is not merely the result of authoritarian governance, but stems from the fact that “Lee Kuan Yew and his nation-building team made the right decisions, even when they were difficult to understand or unpopular, which ultimately propelled Singapore to its current heights.”

Zhang cited the 1992 ban on chewing gum as an example, explaining that it was implemented to reduce societal costs and prevent vandalism on public property.

Although Singapore faced criticism for this decision—especially during U.S. negotiations—it reflected the country’s bold and pragmatic approach, she added.

Ms Zhang said despite external mockery, Singaporeans now view the ban as a success, showing how restrictions can lead to better living conditions.

She also referenced Lee Kuan Yew’s comment to the BBC, acknowledging that Singapore has been labeled a “nanny state.”

However, she argued that this governance model has fostered a more disciplined and livable society over the years.

Zhang emphasised “Uniquely Singapore” governance system, which is tailored to its specific needs and environment, including policies like the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), government housing, ERP, and a strong anti-corruption framework.

Nevertheless, Ms Zhang acknowledged that while the Western governance model has its advantages, especially in inclusivity, Singapore’s tailored system has proven effective for its unique circumstances.

Netizens criticise Ms Zhang for overlooking Singaporeans’ pressing concerns, lack of balance discussion

8World News is a Chinese digital portal under Mediacorp, a state-owned media company under Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings.

Despite the supportive comments on 8World News’s YouTube channel and Facebook page reflecting Ms Zhang’s defence of Singapore’s democracy and achievements, some netizens have pointed out that her arguments overlooked criticisms and concerns raised by ordinary Singaporeans.

These concerns include pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, job opportunities, and housing challenges, which have been increasingly alarming for many on the ground.

A comment emphasised the importance of “press freedom” as a reflection of society, comparing it to the necessity of having a mirror in every household. He suggests that just as a mirror reflects one’s appearance, a free press reflects societal issues and concerns.

Netizen suggests 8World News seek diverse opinions on Singapore’s democracy

A YT user suggests that discussing the topic solely from one’s own perspective may not be suitable.

The user recommend that as an individual media platform, the best approach is to invite several guests to share their personal viewpoints, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions based on a range of opinions.

Netizen asked: Can Singapore’s solutions solve problems in the Western world?

Another comment questions the assertion that Western-style democracy is not applicable to Singapore by highlighting that Singapore’s system is built on parliamentary democracy, elections, a fair judiciary, and a neutral civil service.

These elements, the netizen argues, are essential to Singapore’s success and are not exclusive to Western models.

The netizen further argued that Singapore’s economic prosperity is rooted in the post-war world order led by the U.S., which promoted free trade and provided technology and capital from the West.

He then questions whether Singapore’s model could be applied to the UK or the US, noting that these countries have long histories of stable governance while Singapore is still in its early stages of development.

“The crises faced by the US and European societies are reactions to globalization, such as issues with immigration and unemployment due to industrial shifts. How has Singapore addressed these problems? ”

“For immigration, it firmly denies long-term residency to foreign workers. For unemployment caused by industrial shifts, it opened two casinos and developed the tourism and service industries. Do you think these solutions could be applied to the West? Can they resolve the West’s issues?” The netizen asked.

Rising living costs and employment challenges highlighted amidst growing concerns in Singapore

In recent years, there has been growing concern over rising living costs in Singapore, with many experiencing increased hardships due to policies that have driven up everyday expenses.

Escalating grocery prices, million-dollar HDB flats, and COE premiums exceeding S$100k set records, reinforcing Singapore’s tag as one of the world’s most expensive cities, surpassing even New York.

Last year, Singapore’s Workers’ Party proposed a motion urging structural changes to alleviate financial burdens on citizens, calling for measures to reduce living costs.

However, the ruling party’s proposed modifications to the motion, which the WP strongly opposed, were seen as diminishing the government’s responsibility to address these issues.

On 17 September, The Labour Market Report for Q2 2024, released by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, revealed that all job growth was driven by non-resident workers, while resident employment declined by 600.

Time-related underemployment among residents rose to 2.2%. Of the retrenched residents, 55% found new jobs within six months, but 41.4% had to accept lower wages.

Only 32.2% of retrenched residents managed to secure jobs with similar or higher pay. Older workers, particularly those aged 50 to 59, faced the biggest challenges, with their re-employment rate dropping to 41.6%.

Non-resident workers continue to fill roles in sectors like Construction and Manufacturing, which struggle to attract local residents due to the physically demanding nature of these jobs and the rising cost of living.

Over half of Singaporeans polled consider relocating to Johor Bahru to escape high living costs

SINGAPORE: Police were called to a meet-the-people session (MPS) in Bedok after a resident became aggressive, causing a disturbance, according to Member of Parliament (MP) for East Coast GRC Tan Kiat How.

Mr Tan, who represents the Kampong Chai Chee ward, addressed the incident in a TikTok video posted on Monday (17 September).

In the video, Mr Tan, who is also Senior Minister of State for National Development, emphasised the need for mutual respect at these sessions, which are intended to be safe spaces for both residents and volunteers.

“It was unfortunate that the police had to be called to MPS today when a resident became a little more aggressive,” Mr Tan said, acknowledging the incident that occurred during the Monday MPS session at Block 408 Bedok North Avenue 2.

Mr Tan expressed empathy for the challenges faced by residents but urged individuals attending MPS to remain respectful towards volunteers.

“Sometimes you see such cases at MPS, where one of the residents get more aggressive and can be a little bit more violent,” he noted.

He added that while efforts are made to assist residents, certain matters are beyond their control.

“For example, we can’t write to a government agency to demand the agency to offer a job to a person … but we can facilitate and make sure that opportunities are available for our residents,” he explained.

@tankiathow

It was unfortunate that the police had to be called to #MPS today when a resident became a little more aggressive. We always do our best to help #KampongChaiChee residents, but some things are beyond our control. Let’s work towards mutual respect and ensure MPS remains a safe space for both residents and volunteers. #caringeastcoast

♬ Future – Official Sound Studio

Netizens Question Volunteers’ Handling of Situation and Call for Greater Action from MP

The incident drew numerous responses on TikTok, with some expressing support for Mr Tan and others sympathising with the unnamed resident.

One comment suggested that the individual may have been “desperate” for a solution to their issue, while another urged patience, noting that not all cases can be resolved immediately.

Separately, Mr Tan responded to one user by confirming that he had previously helped the resident’s parents.

Some questioned whether the issue arose from a lack of tact by certain volunteers in handling the situation, suggesting that they receive proper training to address residents’ concerns effectively.

In response, Mr Tan emphasized that his volunteers always do their best and that empathy is crucial in such situations.

Another user noted that empathy should be mutual, suggesting that while residents are trying their best, they may feel they have no other solutions, urging Mr Tan to show greater understanding.

One comment pointed out that something significant might have affected the resident, possibly leading them to drastic actions, and called for more proactive measures from the MP rather than just expressing empathy.

This is not the first time an MPS has been marked by aggression.

In 2018, Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng was assaulted by a 32-year-old man, leaving him with injuries.

The assailant was arrested after rushing into the MPS area and attacking Dr Tan.

Similarly, in 2009, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Seng Han Thong was attacked when a resident doused him with paint thinner and set him on fire. Mr Seng survived but required extensive medical treatment.