Local government in Singapore
Criticism of authoritarian leadership
muted by low crime and corruption
By Andrew Stevens, Deputy Editor

21 January 2006: Arguably without any kind of local government to speak of, Singapore is actually a city state whose 40th anniversary of nationhood has been marked by four decades of solid economic and social progress. One of the four ‘Asian Tigers’, it remains a member of the British Commonwealth, though with a republican system of government. In spite of economic advances, low crime and corruption and a high quality of life for its citizens, the government’s more draconian social policies have led to criticism in some quarters.

Singapore is an island state at the tip of the Malay Peninsula and retained its territorial integrity as such even during the period of British colonial rule which officially lasted from 1867 to 1963. A small measure of independence was gained in 1959 when it became a self-governing crown colony under Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister, before joining the independent Federation of Malaysia in 1963. Two years later it was expelled from Malaysia owing to racial and ideological disputes, gaining outright independence on August 9 1965.

Having become Prime Minister in 1959, Lee Kuan Yew’s administration endured until 1990 when he was succeeded by Goh Chok Tong, also of the governing Peoples Action Party (PAP). Some have accused the PAP of presiding over a one party state in Singapore, as although other parties are represented in the 94-member Parliament, none have ever formed a government. In addition to the unicameral legislature, a president elected by popular vote is also present in the constitution, the post being created in 1991. However, the presidency’s role is limited to veto powers over key decisions and judicial appointments. The current president, Sellapan Ramanathan, was elected unopposed in 1999 and for a second term in 2005. The current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, who remains an influential figure in Singaporean politics.

A high standard of living combined with low crime and negligible corruption in the political system have somewhat muted criticism of the more authoritarian aspects of Singaporean society, though it is frequently the target of criticism from human rights campaigners over its zealous use of the death penalty and corporal punishment, as well as the prohibition of pornography and homosexuality. A strict censorship regime is also in place. Although social conservatism has eased in recent years, political figures maintain that ‘Asian values’ are not compatible with every aspect of liberal democracy and that a balance must be struck if social order is to be maintained for the benefit of both society and the economy. Paternalism is not limited to the social sphere as despite the country’s image as a dynamic free market, government activity is also present in the economy. Pressure from the tourist industry saw gambling legalised in April 2005.