The Country That Got Stuck In Her Path

...paralysis by analysis

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”  -  Confucius

Sir Stamford Raffles probably foresaw and reflected on this trading post islet and trust that it will be a great
trading point between East & West.

Mr Goh Keng Swee and his team strongly believed that we can transform this sunny island into a gem-of-sorts. There must have been a success story somewhere on Earth that whatever we want to do and forge ahead, we can imitate, adapt and create our Destiny.

In the early days, there were few educated men and information were not readily available. Who would have believe that there is, and will have, such easy access to info via www.?

Singapore started as (and progress):
- a trading post - 1800s
- an entrepot point - 1900s
- a labour intensive hub - 60s-70s
- mechanisation, automation, financial and value-add centre 80s-90s
- technology, knowledge-base, financial, leisure & value-add metropolitan - 2000s

With progress, comes costs.

Our strings of disillusions, disquietness and discontent is not without reasons; many were left behind in the name of progress and (GDP)growth. Our Gini-coefficient widens by the year reflecting our gapping income disparity.

The untame influx of foreigners seeking fun, abode, fortune & jobs took their toll on infrastructure, space, income and citizenry rights & privileges. Income were suppressed and jobs became scarce while costs of housing, medicine & medical care, transport, education, food rose in general.

Dissenting voices (often heard in alternative media/www) became louder but their cries were dismissed as noises.

Knowingly or unknowingly, Singapore had moved towards labour intensive industries like hospitality, medi-care, education, tourism and the likes; we have come 'one full circle' by experience.

With a global unemployment of 200mil and more, we must seek to protect the interests and well being of our citizens, not out of selfishness but, by necessity; Singaporeans are citizens and PRs & others are foreigners. To anyone who thinks and says we are xenophobic, please show me a country, preferably yours, that practices such liberal 'open door' policies to allow foreigners to work and reside here.

It's time to move upward & forward. But, please, Do Not leave our citizens behind.

For a start, all the leaders & leaders-to-be must step forward to serve and fight for the people's rights, well being and put 'Singaporeans First'. 

A good leader leads his men. An excellent leader leads his men and share his dreams, aspirations and fears.