The Reality of Socialism: Singapore | Mini-Documentary
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2024
- The Wall St. Journal’s Mary O’Grady, along with Fraser Institute Senior Fellow Steven Globerman, explore the stunning economic rise of the small city-state since gaining independence in 1965, and examine how it is able to provide many of the same social services that Westerners do-universal health care, retirement, housing, education, unemployment, for example-but with much smaller government and lower costs.
While some have characterized Singapore’s interventionist industrial policies as socialist-style, successive Singaporean governments have actually prioritized growing the economy and raising living standards primarily using market forces rather than government control.
This video is part of a new multimedia project, The Realities of Socialism, by the Fraser Institute in Canada, the Institute of Economic Affairs in the UK, the Institute of Public Affairs in Australia and the Fund for American Studies in the U.S.
Visit www.realitiesofsocialism.org to learn more.
When majority of the citizen keep voting one single party into power due to sound policy and good governance, thus leading to progress and prosperity. That, in the eye of western world is not democracy. I have my opinion and so do many of my fellow countryman. We have found our democracy since 1965. Hope we will never lost it.
Yes, we are NOT an American style democracy (thankfully!) which is obsessed with labels/form/ ideology rather than substance. (Hence this endless agonising over whether a country is “democratic” or “socialist”/“communist”. ) Unlike America, our leaders from the outset were pragmatic and focused on economic development in order to improve the living standards of our people. And they have been spectacularly successful in delivering the fruits of good governance to our people. We have a parliamentary system based on the Westminster model, have one man one vote free elections every 5 years. Our elections are legitimately free and fair because even key ministers have been unseated at the ballot box in the past. Typically, 2/3 of the population vote for the ruling PAP because of their excellent track record of good governance, not because they don’t have a free choice. Almost any Singaporean can run for parliament with an election deposit of about SGD13,000. In the U.S., you cannot run for political office unless you have lots of money. In 2020, USD8 billion was spent on congressional races. American democracy has degenerated to a plutocracy where it’s rule by the elite 1% for the elite 1%. Ordinary Americans have seen declining living standards in the past 30 years, and it must be cold comfort to the more than 653,000 homeless Americans that they live in the world’s most powerful democracy. Big business interests are allowed to lobby and donate money to politicians, making office holders beholden to them (in Singapore, this is corruption and illegal). So it’s not surprising that they often serve the interests of their rich donors rather than their constituents. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a “rule of the people, for the people and by the people.” On that test, it would seem that Singapore is more democratic than the U.S.😂
Well said!
Very well said
Why stop at not American democracy? We are unlike any other democracy as much as all democracies have differences. It's self defined this democracy thingie as no country dictates what is democracy
Singapore has 'less' freedom than the US. But Singapore has much greater accountability and responsibility from its rulers and the governed. As a result it has achieved greater prosperity and the wealth more evenly distributed. As a result too, its taxes are lower but have far better social outcomes. Compare the stats on safety, education, housing, crime, drug abuse, care of the elderly and life expectancy.
I’m a western PR in Singapore. It is very clearly a democracy, was shocked to hear the assertion otherwise.
Singapore is a successful democracy. Better than the failed democracy that Western countries tried to build in Afghanistan. Western countries should stop lecturing others about democracy since many Asian countries have better democracy than them. Socialism and Capitalism are just theories. Singapore government are more keen on applying policies that works rather than sticking to a theory that don't work. That's why after the late Deng Xiao Ping visited Singapore. He realized that Singapore is neither a socialist country or capitalist country. He said that "it doesn't matter it is white cat or black cat as long as it can catch mice. It is a good cat. " The reason why many countries failed is simply because they follow a theory that doesn't work . For example Argentina manage to turn itself from developed first world country into underdeveloped third world country.
Why you say it not a democracy. We have a good government and we keep re-elect them.
Singapore is a democracy. It has free fair and frequent elections, at least no less fair than a comparable western democracy with the same advantages to the incumbent. It may not have the same freedoms that a western liberal democracy has (eg. Hate speech laws, laws restricting location and type of demonstrations) but it does not change the fact that its government is elected by its people and represents its people’s interests. If the true purpose of a democracy is to allow for the free exchange of ideas regarding governance and to allow feedback from the electorate to those in charge, you will not find many countries that have achieved those as well as Singapore. It may not be a liberal democracy in the western sense, but it is still a democracy. The world is not black and white, there are many shades of grey between.
Seems like there is always a caveat.
There is no law applicable to all countries on what is democracy . It's self-defined. This means also others can deem one country to be a democracy or not a democracy based on opinion. North Korea supreme leader also deem it's country is a Democracy.
Language is art meaning it allows for word twisting. In the Singapore we call it the roti prata'ing
Excuse me, Singapore has been a democracy with free elections since its independence!
@@Doubt2024 sue lah. You should sue right. I may support
@@Doubt2024 GRC very free
sg democracy is democracy with singapore characterics.
not mafia usa democracy
Westerners like to accuse Singapore as non democracy just because it is a better version than theirs? We set our own rules and choose our own ruling party. Citizens of Singapore are way smarter to know what made us live a better life. It's not all about economics, safe and clean are just as important. By the way, what do beggars look like?
Singapore is a Democracy. You misrepresented Singapore. Singapore is a Democratic country and is one of the most Democratic countries the government or the peoples action party has to make sure that it gives the best for its people otherwise it could be ruled out I think Singapores democracy is better than the US’s and the west the western press is biased they have their own thoughts and even if they’re not true they will publish things If somebody publishes something about Singapore and it’s not true Singapore will go back to them and say you correct this you correct it we don’t want false information Singapore doesn’t allow lies to be sent around the community politicians can’t lie in Singapore they can lie in other countries and they do, but not Singapore and politicians in Singapore have a better standard I think the US and the west can learn things from Singapore by respecting all religions and races no racism perfect harmony, no tolerance for corruption big punishments for corruption America is one of the least corrupt countries and Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries and is less corrupt than the US I think there should be heavier punishments for corruption. a good government a government that thinks long term doesn’t think about it being re elected and its own personal agenda for the politicians, looking after the interests of its people and fining people for littering, spitting on the road another thing in the US there is gun violence the US has the most gun violence, I think there should be strict gun control, and strict background checks the problem is the NRA and republicans don’t want to do anything about it Singapore is very safe and is one of the safest countries and more peaceful than the US, and another thing is that there is corruption of lobbying in the US, and west in Singapore lobbying isn’t allowed there is also a better quality of life in Singapore than the US, and yes a higher life expectancy in Singapore than the US there is also no natural disaster in Singapore and Singapore has one of the highest savings rate in the world and higher GDP per Capita than the US and the income tax rates in Singapore are quite low between 2 percent to 24 percent or 22 percent Singapore is also an easier place of doing business than the US people are more friendly in Singapore I think Singapore is really nice Singapores healthcare system is better than the Healthcare system in the US and the best Singapore isn’t perfect no country is, but in my opinion SG is better than the US I think the government of Singapore is better than the government of US Singapore airlines is the best airline Singapore’s passport is stronger than the US’s Singapores story is phenomenal in such a short 30 40 or 50 years it became a developed country Singapores infrastructure is also better than the US’s The US’s foreign policy is problematic bad I think Singapore is the best country this is my point of view tho in Singapore they’re also trying to solve the problems I don’t think Democracy is the answer I think it depends on the quality of the leader, things being based on merit. No corruption or low corruption and a good administration and if a country has a good Democracy or benevolent good dictatorship, benevolent dictator than I think that is good otherwise than that is bad there can even be problems in a democracy like what if a lot of people are uneducated illiterate that is bad and many are unemployed there is a lot of corruption a bad administration things aren’t based on merit that is bad and if the quality of the leader isn’t good that is bad what if there is also gender discrimination that is also bad what if there is casteism and communalism that is bad what if there is regionalism even that is bad. Lee Kuan yew is my favorite politician. My current Favorite politician is Narendra Modi Modi ji You can use the public transportation like the Buses and metro and it’s one of the best one of the cheapest and one of the safest in Singapore. In the US you have to drive or go on a vehicle you mostly rely on vehicles. Singapores Changi airport is the best airport. I am not into Democracy, I think and believe there are alternatives and I think Democracy slows down progress I don't think Democracy is the best form of government today we also agree that diversity of thought and diversity of governance is important, but for some reason, when it comes to democracy the west, thinks that it's one size fits all, this is why we need a better form of democracy for more people around the world. Senegal has democracy Kenya has democracy, the Southside of Chicago in America has democracy in fact it is the most democratic government in the world yet there is no safety in the Southside of Chicago there is no safety at Compton there is no safety in the slums of Kenya so the idea that democracy provides you with safety and opportunity and only democracy does that is wrong. The idea of Democracy that 1 vote = 1 say is flawed because even if everybody deserves a voice not every voice is equal in value. I don't think a uneducated person on the street should have a say of the Nuclear policy of the United States or the UK. let's make that the whole government let's make the smartest 2,000 people in a country choose the direction of the country democracy only works when the population is sufficiently educated and that is not the case in 90% of the world. In a functioning government where there's smart people that are able to make decisions they would say no to Adolf Hitler they would say no to Donald J Trump because the average person could tell that there's something wrong with this leader we should not allow them to manipulate the rest of the population this is why democracy is dangerous every leader comes and promises you a business seat in their plane, but they don't know how to fly a plane there is a better form of governance that we can explore together and it's not dictatorship we don't like dictatorship, I also don't like dictatorship but not the whole world wants to live by the ideals of one country. Nas daily uploaded a video a year ago titled is Democracy good or bad and debated with Alex I agree with Nuseir I don't think Democracy is the answer.
It doesn't matter whether Singapore is called a democracy or not. (Strictly speaking, it's a republic.) What matters is that it works for Singapore. A capable, albeit imperfect, government and hardworking people have resulted in great development and wealth in this tiny country. It is a jewel that is the envy of many countries!
Fraser Institute - can you explain why Singapore is not a democracy?
I am surprised by the comment that Singapore is not a democracy. This may come from our group constituency model, where voters vote for a group of candidates rather than an individual candidate. We have this system to increase minority representation, as each group of candidates must have at least one minority candidate. Claiming Singapore is not a democracy is nonsense.
In the UK, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have a parliament/assembly, but not England, and yet no one claims the UK is not a democracy!
Every country has a system that works for itself!
"Not a democracy"? Well, according to the EIU, a unit of the magazine The Economist, Singapore and the US are both "Flawed Democracy".
as the result , singapore's system works
I think the video presents a good perspective. It's worth noting that the philosophy behind many of these policies is Pragmatism (ref Lee Kuan Yew's Pragmatism).
Most countries have a strong identity, but they lack a defined philosophy; they simply adapt to their circumstances. Over time, the steady state inevitably declines.
The video brought up a good point that the state teaches economic self-reliance. And, this affects individuals down to the micro level. Citizens are taught phrases like "No one owes Singapore a living" and "No one owes you a living."
One man one vote is not democratic?
Umm, the title of this video is already wrong, we have voting rights....it's either yall r ignorant or dun bother to do ur homework b4 doing tis video....
Singapore will have the country's biggest General Election either in 2024 or 2025,
Under the social issue, many mistaken about the government handouts....my dad, my mum, n us siblings' generations had worked very hard for the current economic standards of Singapore, tats wat we call being social responsible.....our country's structure is not decided or dependent by a singular person or entity, we worked together...
B4, yall pass any judgment, pls read our Singapore pledge....take care, God bless....
Please be educated. Singapore is way.more democratic than many countries. Including US with the 2 party system and lobbying framework
All due to LKY and his inner circle of A-team like Goh Keng Swee, LKS, etc including the Raja
Meritocracy is one aspect that should be learned, and that Singapore 100% democracy by any standards, free elections every 4 years, opposition parties in parliament, separate legal system from politics, responsible press... what else needs to be democracy?
We define the meaning of democracy our own way. Most importantly, it works well for us. The US has a lot to learn from us.
before one is quick to judge whether a nation is a democracy, please answer this question...
"whats democracy in its most simplest form?"
the answer is so fundamentally simple yet many people dont realize and many varied answers arise... some people will say democracy is freedom of speech, the right to demostrate, etc, however all these, does not have it in, a clear and unified language that speaks of the purpose and grandeur that defines democracy
The answer is" One Person One Vote"
by this definition, it means that everyone is treated the same in front of the aim in creating a majority-based consensus governed by a legal system that ensures and protect that every voice is heard.
Singapore is a democracy, for illustrative reason, i am sorry to bring out the fact that places like HK is not a democracy for throughout her history thus far, the people of hk has never had this most fundamental form of democracy. Yes they have the right to stage demostrations (with approval from the police), they have the right of speech, however under the British rule, were they allowed to vote for their colonial leader? So do Fraser Institute deem HK a democracy during its colonial rule up to 1997?
I have lived in many places (incudling Canada where Fraser Institute is based, HK, China, UK, US) in my few decades on earth, and this simple definition of democracy, clearly articulate what it means to be a citizen of that nation. (In HK case, HK ppl are not even termed as citizens, but Permanent Residents to reflect its unique standing in the web of China's political demarcation)
Its unfortunate that some places though upholding this simple definition of democracy, are not ranked or does not achieve the lofty standards that Western Democracies demand, that is a different discussion topic that involves understanding and analzying the autonomy and powers of their legal system's ability to remain opaque to political influences - which is a separate discussion.
So friends of Fraser Institute, can you response to my question?
Why is Singapore not a democracy?
Singapore is a full fledge democracy. Western media misrepresented Singapore politics
Lack of free speech and the right to public protests.
@@MrDebmey I agree wholeheartedly!! I'm just waiting for the creators of this video to reply my question, as to how they think or classify how Singapore is Not a democracy.
We see so many - 1st praise, then "but"? - disingenuous videos about Singapore that I just need a straight answer from these, mainly, western sources on their mindset. I suspect jealousy n envy comes to play... but I could be wrong.
Ask ur grassroots leaders lor
Singapore is a parliamentary democracy adopting the English colonial legacy with the president as head of state and the prime minister as head of government
1. Singapore's national policy is basically democratic socialism.
2. It implements very unique and far-sighted strategies so as to take good care of the long-term well-being and wellness of its people.
3. Singapore is not bothered by outside criticism about the so-called " autocratic regime ". It knows clearly what are the best efforts for its people. This government is selflessly contributing to the welfare of the nation. Thumbs Up.
Singapore is a democracy.
A democracy is a system where there is no fear and there is freedom to demonstrate what needs to be voiced.
O.. You mean like those students demonstrating in US campus?? Wow... Just look at those riot police and national guards. Not forgetting.. Free Julian Assange.
Why is their no mention of public goods ? What about housing ? How about the provident fund ? Democracy ?
There is No Approving or Certification body that determines which country is a democracy or not. But there is such a thing called Opinion.
So, whether a country is or not a democracy depends on individual perception and opinion . There can be democracy related organisations but no country need to comply with any body's defintion lf democracy to be called a democracy. North Korea is also called a Democratic Country by itself
No govt is perfect. To me, a govt that provides policies that work for its people like education, public safety, efficient public entities, healthcare system, a roof and work prospects is good governance. Doesn’t matter if it’s democratic or communism or whatnot. 😅
While Singapore is not a perfect democracy... it definitely is a democracy. Most importantly, the Govt provides a decent standard of living for its citizens, which is the most important part. Not sure how you can make such an erroneous error as a Think Tank.
Singapore's government studied the strengths and weaknesses of economic, legal, healthcare and educational systems from around the world and selectively adopted or refined the best ones (with regulations) to be used in Singapore. Why? Because Confucius said, "三人行，必有我师焉；择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。"
The per capita GDP should have a caveat that around 500,000 people cross the border from Johor everyday like Luxembourg and are not considered residents of Singapore.
It is easy for anyone to see how much additional 'taxes' they are paying through the mandatory savings scheme that pays exceptionally low interest rate of 2.5%. The annualized return of the broad market US etf is about 10 % over 40 years.
2.5% is so passe. You need to update your software. 😂
Democracy is an idea. Somehow it takes time, energy and effort to allow it to fulfill its potential.
However, it is not guaranteed to head the same way to a singularity.
Successful democracy adapts, reinvents what the people and the country's potential to be at its best to provide equal opportunities and fairness to all in the community. 😊
A democracy can also be a socialist system. So no issue with the title of the video👍
I found this video weird. Somehow makes one feel disdain towards a particular big power in the West. Take the information with a pinch of salt if possible. Btw, I don't agree with Singapore been used as an example for socialism. We are a free market, everyone works for a living and we embraced individualism. Singapore is just an unique democratic country, one ruled by stricter rules but each have the voting rights to determine the next government. We are a democracy not in the Western way, that's all.
They need to do more homework…. Some of the items are misleading..
Not POFMA'd means?
The guy has a cool voice. Wish I had it.
Singapore is never a socialist country, and the country never embraces socialism. But Singapore is a social democracy. The country embraces the power of capitalism but also trying to find the balance between wealth creation and the proper protection of public interest.
In the West, the contribution of 37% of wages to a mandatory saving scheme, CPF, would be considered as taxes. The 'savings' is used to pay healthcare, housing, education, payment to your parents. Those are public services that are typically funded by tax dollars in other OECD countries. The CPF is also a cheap source of loans to the government. The government pays 2.5 percent interest on the loans and use it to invest, earning 7 percent. The 4.5% difference should be treated as a 'tax'. If the individuals were to invest in the US ETF, SPY, with theur contributions, for their working life, they would have a retirement savings account that is at least 3x larger.
Fraser Institute, being a right-wing think tank, promotes its ideology of small government, low taxes and do business biddings. Thus, this video highlights those policies of Singapore. It does not look at the total picture. For example, because it has tough laws, it does not need to spend as much on policing. Is the West willing to adopt mandatory death sentence for having a firearm while committing a crime? Or msndatory death sentence for drug possession? Vaping is illegal in Singapore. A cop in Singapore does not earn $100k annually after 5 years of service. Can the West adopt those tough sentencing and pay cops lower?
Judge the success of Singapore by comparing the lifestyle of their seniors with those in the West.
I find this statement about taxes and "small" government nonsensical. Singapore does things that America would never allow. For example, a majority of the land and housing is owned by the government, and taxes are low because the country is small. The larger your market is, the higher you raise the tax rate.
More people in the comment section need to learn the difference between socialism and communism.
I think it's more apt to say that many need to first understand what's socialism, to what extent and the most important of all, watch and understand the content before ranting.
Singapore is a city. Being Compared to large states.
You should rectify and apology for this huge mistake in stating that Singapore is a non-democracy.
Yes, it is quite an extreme expression to say Singapore is non democratic !
Conveniently neglects to mention nearly 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing.
First , we need to understand the underlying absolute truths before discussing anything.
1. Language is art. Its not precise like maths. 1+1 can be anything you like.
2. No one controls , approves or certifies which country is allowed to be called a Democracy . This means a dictatorship like north korea can call itself a democracy. How so? By the very fact that their people accept the system collectively. Thats a democratic decision. They can democratically decide not to have voting. See what i mean by language is art?
3. Words can be twisted by virtue that language is art. Art means imagination. When someone says "good morning" it does need to really mean it. Any word said can be said without really meaning it. Is Black white? Is white black? I can say white is the lightest shade of black.
4. Since democracy is not the same for any country, kim can say nkorea is a democracy and others can opine its not. China also can say their leaders are elected by people using their own system. Singapore is of course a democracy. I am not trying to be politically correct even though i am seen to be so.
Singapore COE is the world highest tax on cars including electric
Nearly 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing
Is it possible for a party to form government uninterrupted for more than 50 years in a democracy? Only in Singapore. Trump and the Republicans should learn from Singapore on how to create a benevolent autocratic country.
Guys this video is not about political system but economic system. Socialism is a method of resource allocation like what capitalism is while democracy is about how the state is governed. This video is still stupid tho since Singapore is not an example of socialism.
Not a democracy, say WSJ or Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate? This video was good until the end. Please do a fact check to clear up the argument.
Guys, democracy is a meaningless buzzword. Outside of absolute monarchies, every nation could be argued to be democratic or not justifiably
So simple information also get it wrong, surely this is western view.
All these come at a price. We have the longest working hours and are the most sleep deprived. Burnout rate is incredibly high and suicide rate has also reached historical high. Government had to come out with a massive multi year mental health program and require all companies to have flexible work arrangements. We are also one of the top 3 nations with the lowest birth rate despite efforts from the government to boost birth rate for probably more than 15 years now. People are finding it more and more difficult to survive in the most expensive city in the world for I think almost 10 years running now. We are still one of the top nations to attract talents but ranked above 30 in retaining talents - over 80% of expats are stressed out as reported in a recent survey. All these economic figures look impressive but what about the economic burden on its citizens?
Longest working hour? Sure anot? Have you look into the documentary on Korea and Japan?
I work at home today. Work 8 hours then close laptop. Its not hard to make a living in SG. The problem is many Singaporean think normal living is owning a car, eat at fancy restaurant, own Coach bag and going yearly oversea trip.
@@Cysecsg You can just google. We are ranked 30+ out of 40 countries in terms of work life balance. Also go read the massive mental health program announced by Lawrence Wong recently. MOM now requires all companies to have flexi work arrangements including 4 day work week. IMH also building a separate ward for young people as the suicide rate is sky rocketing. You think the government will implement all these if the situation has not reached crisis level? The long working hours is also impacting our birth rate which is the lowest in history now.
@@CattleFarmer667 You are the lucky one. For the rest, work starts at 9am, meetings with Europe starts at 4pm and US starts at 9pm. My colleague can only bring their kids back from his parents on weekends because both he and his wife reached home at 9pm. Working from home has also blurred the boundaries and people find themselves working longer hours. Taking a vacation to catch up on sleep is a thing too. People go on weekend cruise so that their bosses and colleagues cannot reach them on the phone. Even if you don’t bring the laptop home, you are still required to answer emails on your phone. Singapore is a regional hub and we are also considered expensive so companies expect more from us to justify our existence. I’m not exaggerating. This is minimum work requirements and not about working hard to buy stuff or promotions.
SG isn’t one of the most expensive cities for citizens, it is one of the most expensive for expatriates. Problem with some people is they don’t study the details and love to misquote the headlines. 😂
Please change the ridiculous title of this video! Singapore after 1965 has nothing to do with socialism. Au contraire, a lots with laissez faire!
The PAP's founding philosophy was democratic socialism i.e. having the Secretary-General as the highest position, and with them calling each other comrades. Lee Kuan Yew as an idealist believed in a more equal society but as a realist adopted practical measures, so he never let ideology interfere with governance and policy.
Singapore is socialist in many way. There is nothing wrong with socialism; socialism and democracy can co-exist.
Western just need to go home and discuss western own problems, instead of pointing finger and always propaganda others
Singapore is not a DEMOCRACY by western definition. So what?