It is a fact that there is less political freedom in Singapore as compared to most Western nations. But then again, we are a young nation with barely 50 years of history. Even for the US (which attained independence in 1776), women were granted voting rights only from 1893 and African Americans in 1965 with the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
Since our independence in 1965, the PAP government has relentlessly pursued a strategy of economic development, job creation and poverty eradication, often at the expense of political reform. But is this strategy flawed?
Bear in mind that India, which is often recognised as one of the most democratic country in Asia, has 42% of its population living in poverty. Mikhail Gorbachev's twin pillars of glasnost and perestroika have been attributed as the root cause for the collapse of the former USSR.
In my opinion, political reform in Singapore is inevitable. Once a society has achieved relative affluence, it is only a matter of time before pressure will mount for political reforms to be introduced. What is important is for reforms to be introduced in an orderly manner.
I am advocating a widespread poll to be done by sociology students and Political Science students for Singapore. Very simple queries; like "are you satisfied with democracy in your state?" "Are you satisfied with governance?" "Representation?" Etc.
I know statisticians would frown at this. But I want to get the entire population of citizens involved. I am thinking of starting one on this forum 1st. And then if i can get approval from the department heads and Deans office, i want to try and open a sort of polling station for Singaporeans. THe idea is to get a widespread poll that has never been done before, that will be secret and for the benefit of research for sociology majors and political science majors.
It would probably take years or work, but it might be a good academic project.