Movement for change Challenge for change in Singapore
I am pessimistic about the future of Singapore. This is largely due to the kind of leaders that are now in charge in Singapore. But my pessimism is due more to the kind of people and the culture in Singapore.

Let me explain my view.

We have the wrong kind of people leading Singapore. Most of them are incompetent, selfish and arrogant. They think that they know the answer to the problem. They do not seem to have the ability to listen and are not aware that the right answer to our problem may lie with people outside of their small circle.

I will not talk too much of this issue, as it can be the subject of a separate debate. 

I like to talk about the kind of people and the culture in Singapore that make me pessimistic. 

I share with you three types of situations that I have encountered over the past year. 

Situation 1 - Mr. X wants me to be involved in politics to bring about change in Singapore. More than that, he advised me to round up a group of like minded people, as I cannot do it alone. I asked Mr. X if he can belong to the group and be available to help me. His reply - sorry I cannot. He explained the various kinds of difficulties that hamper his personal situation. Mr. X must think that other people do not face the same difficulty and obstacles that he faced.

Situation 2 - I discussed with Mr. Y on a government policy that needed to be changed. Mr. Y agreed with me. He advised me to change my approach and modify it so that the solution can be "acceptable to the PAP". He said - if the PAP does not agree, there is no way that your idea can see the light of day. Mr. Y does not realize that the PAP leaders will never accept any idea that is different from theirs.

Situation 3 - I discussed with Mr. Z on another policy that need to be changed. Mr. Z started to point out the "flaws" in my idea. It was clear to me that his understanding of the situation was quite shallow. Yet he felt that he had the ability to judge my view - which I had considered at great depth for the past one or two decades. Some of his objections are imaginary and not based on facts. 

During the past decades, I have met countless people like Mr. X, Mr Y and Mr. Z. 

I consider that they represent the "culture" of Singapore. It must be the product of our education system and our environment. Many people cannot think deeply, and they tend to make judgment based on their shallow thinking.

I am not saying that everyone in Singapore is like the three kinds that I have described. There are exceptions, and quite outstanding ones. They can think out of the box. They also have the courage to express their views. 

Sadly, these exceptions are few. But they should be treasured.

I am not saying that the shallowness of thinking applies only to Singaporeans. Many other countries probably faced the same challenges of getting their people to think differently.

But I am sad to say that the quality of shallowness appears to be more ingrained in the Singapore psyche. From my personal experience, I see that some other nationalities appear to have a broader mindset and approach towards issues.

I am pessimistic for the future of Singapore, with the kind of leaders and the kind of people that we have. 

Nevertheless, I continue to give my views and my ideas, with the hope that more people, including our leaders, will realize our shortcomings and be willing to make a change. 

Tan Kin Lian





 

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