Dr chee say that NS IS KILLING SG

Apr 15, 2010
PAP just as confrontational, replies Chee

MR PATRICK Tan's idea ('Confrontational model not ideal for S'pore', April 6) that my style of politics is a confrontational one not suited to Singapore is most ironic.

Let us check the facts: The People's Action Party (PAP) imprisoned its Barisan Sosialis opponents in the 1960s. This it did with the cooperation of the British colonial government, using the Internal Security Act - a law originally introduced by a Western democracy.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew uses imagery of knuckle-dusters on critics like writer Catherine Lim and meeting the late opposition leader J.B. Jeyaretnam in cul-de-sacs with hatchets. Such PAP actions and words are, apparently to Mr Tan, not confrontational politics.

But when I speak up and organise to claim back our rights of freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed under our Constitution, I am confrontational.

I agree it does not matter what system we adopt as long as it works for Singaporeans. The question is: Is the current arrangement working for Singaporeans?

With the exodus of Singaporeans leaving for other countries, we have a serious brain drain. Productivity is at an all-time low. Is Mr Tan sure the PAP system works for Singapore and enables us 'to achieve its best potential'?

Experts have repeatedly warned that without opening up the current system, Singapore will not be able to innovate and develop an entrepreneurial culture to compete with the rest of the world that is racing ahead.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology economics professor Huang Yasheng - an Asian - visited Singapore recently and pointed out that the 'entrepreneurial culture is about challenging the authorities, questioning the existing ways of doing businesses, moving away from the routines and norms. It's about the unconventional, rebellious and diverse'.

Yes, Mr Tan is right, let us not get bogged down by whether it is Western or Asian style of politics. Let us go with what works for Singapore and our future.

Right now, the PAP system of authoritarianism and top-down control looks decidedly obsolete for our future needs. It is time for change.

Chee Soon Juan (Dr)
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party