1/01/2008

The secret of Singapore's success

The key to Singapore's success lies in the political system. No if you think in line of a capitalist or democratic system. It is more about the kind of leadership. Singapore has a unique kind of political leadership. Political leaders are chosen from people who are NOT interested in politics. This is a vital requisite. Any potential candidate that shows a little political acumen will not get pass to the second round of tea ceremony. This is a great difference from the commercial world where you hire people who are keen in what he is doing. Anyone who shows the slightest disinterest will be rejected immediately. Basically, the potential candidate when invited for tea must keep assuring the interviewers that he has no political interest. In other words, no political aspiration and ambition and thus not dangerous. When this is ascertained, then the rest is up to the interviewers to persuade the disinterested and not interested candidate into politics. This may come with a heavy dose of contradictions. Unwilling and uninterested politicians to become politicians and expecting them to do well. Why would these uninterested candidates be willing to join politics? Perhaps the package and rewards for joining politics are worthy of every cent in it. One cannot run away from the attraction of a life time payout after serving two terms. And the lucky one who got to become ministers could be getting millions on retirements, for life. How else would people who have other interests and passion want to join politics? I would not speculate on those who are highly ambitious politicians but managed to disguise themselves well enough to be accepted as a novice and one who is not interested in politics. Maybe this is the greater secret. Interested but seen as not interested. To be able to do that requires exceptional talent and deserve to be political leaders. This is another uniquely Singapore trait.

6 comments:

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

Shepherds lead sheep. Real human beings are capable of making their own decisions, forming their own opinions and acting in accordance with their high personal standards.

But these types are quite rare. People who cannot govern themselves will be governed by others or you are going to get mayhem. The Rule of Law is essential to keep the irrational and irresponsible Sheeple from fucking up the whole show for those who enjoy the fruits of "meritocracy"--simply because these people have high personal standards, get things done and in a nutshell are simply fucking awesome at what they do, such that they achieve all their lives. Even if they fail, they achieve.

"Leadership" in that sense is vital in keeping the asshole Sheeple in line. If you let these motherfuckers loose, the country will eventually end up like Rwanda.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

balance my fren. it is a matter of balance.

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

"Balance" is a meaningless new-age word. Unless one gives it meaning, it's just pure fluff.

And that is my point—no central power or so-called omniscient leader can tell you—the individual—what "mix" you need in your life for it to be "in balance".

Which brings me back to my original point, you are either your own person, or one of the Sheeple. You either think for yourself ALL the time, or you are in a trance always being influenced and "conditioned" by the endless yammerings of "authority"—the government, public school teachers, religious know-it-alls, "gurus", media personalities (who are all stupid), and advertisers.

Anonymous said...

Hi! it's nice reading your blog. May I request you discuss about the democractic system in singapore. How democracy in Singapore has changed singaporeans lives?

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

hi i,

welcome to the blog. your suggestion noted. democracy is always a favourite topic to talk about in paradise. only how to make it interesting without offending people unnecessary. we will talk about it every now and then when inspired.

cheers.

your views are most welcome.

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

I'll make my stand here. To the uninitiated, I am extremely wary of DEMOCRACY.

Thomas Jefferson said: "In a Democracy 51% of the population have the ability of voting away the rights of the remaining 49%" Which is why the word "democracy" never once appears in the American Constitution. The Founding Fathers of the USA knew the distinction between democracy and freedom -- contrary to popular belief, they are not the same and entirely DIFFERENT ideas.

Being extremely suspicious of "democracy", and knowing that once it is in it will grow, the Americans wrote themselves a Bill Of Rights designed to LIMIT the powers of the govt (democratically voted and installed) such that the minority, especially The Individual (the individual is the smallest minority) was protected from the whims of the mob, and their agents - the government.

If you look into history, two notable examples of the power of mob democracy are the sagas of Socrates and Jesus Christ. Both of them we, essentially MURDERED, by democracy.

Socrates was very popular with the people. However after awhile they changed their minds (manipulated y Socrates enemies) and decided that he was a blasphemer. Since he didn't budge one inch during the trial, he was condemned to death (democratically voted) by poison.

Similarly, Jesus was a very popular figure with the people. Less than a week before he dies, the crowds celebrate and honour him -- great teacher, miracle worker, intelligent rabbi. The a few days later the crowd who hailed him turns against him (manipulated by Jesus' enemies). The government (unwilling to kill Jesus), caves into the will of the people (democracy) and executes Jesus.

Every despot in modern history has been installed by some democratic process: Soekarno, Soeharto, Marcos, Thaksin, Kim Jong Il, Mao, Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Pinochet, Castro.... and so on.

Can democracy ruin Singapore? Absolutely.

Will democracy ruin Singapore?

Who knows. It's always up to The People. The People always get the government (good or bad, usually bad) they deserve.