I see people in this thread surprised that this is happening in Singapore, a “modern” country. Singapore is certainly wealthy, the population is highly educated, institutions aren’t corrupt, all of which is great. However, the political system resembles a democracy only superficially. Every election since 1965 has been won by the same party. It is inconceivable that the People’s Action Party wouldn’t win an election either now or in the future.
Some find this surprising. Surely a de facto dictatorship like this shouldn’t be so wealthy and successful. Turns out Lee Kuan Yew is that one Dictator in a million who managed to do pretty much everything right. Almost every decision he took turned out to be the right one for Singapore, including rigging it’s politics so he could stay in power throughout his lifetime. But he’s gone now, so it remains to be seen if his successors can carry on his legacy.
Some find this surprising. Surely a de facto dictatorship like this shouldn’t be so wealthy and successful. Turns out Lee Kuan Yew is that one Dictator in a million who managed to do pretty much everything right. Almost every decision he took turned out to be the right one for Singapore, including rigging it’s politics so he could stay in power throughout his lifetime. But he’s gone now, so it remains to be seen if his successors can carry on his legacy.
Source -
1. A glowing obituary in The Economist, a publication harassed in Singapore for criticising the PAP - https://www.economist.com/obituary/2015/03/22/lee-kuan-yew
2. The Dictator’s Handbook