Politics of Fear - Reader's Views

There were 7 replies from readers. All of them mostly agreed with the views contained in this article. Here are their reasons:

1. 40-50 years ago in Singapore, I always heard 2 news among my friends and elderlies : a) Ghost stories b)Secret police terrorised the oppositions. But since 1990 onwards I hardly hear such news. I believe, as our society progresses, most of the ghosts and secret police have gone for reincarnation. It is a more civilised society now.

2. Many years ago, someone found an intrusion into their home computer from the internet. The intrusion was later found out to be authorised from MOHA. Strangely this was reported in the press. WKS defend the move stating they are doing Singaporean a favour by checking for virus on the computers of singaporean. I think I was in my teens then and did not understand much about politics. The fact is that the gov is snooping on us and collecting intelligence. They can add any law they want and they have the power of ISA. They even have the control of the press and media. If Singaporean can see this control being broken or a change, they may become less fearful.

3. Take me as an example, I will criticize government poor policy with similar minded friends only. And will not go beyond that or go public. Largely, the mass follow local press and accept what is reported in the newspaper even it is sometime biased reporting. They do not challenge it. Hence, it is tough to enlighten them, as they will ask me to shhh... This is also fear on my part, sadly.

Any points to add?
1. Singaporeans should have more moral courage to speak up. This is our country.

2. Singapoeran males are not only afraid to vote. Some of them(20-39yrs old) that are civil servants even express their fears of deferment of their reservists even when they have valid reasons on fear that their promotion chances will be compromised.

3. There are some very prominent politicians who if they are willing to make a anti PAP stand, become the opposition party, it will definitely sway singaporean into changing their mindset. But that is if they are willing to open their eyes and see the trouble ahead for singaporean under PAP continued rule - example Tan Soo Khoon. If in this election we have PAP turn anti PAP, the tides will finally changed.

4. Besides the point you raised on the secrecy in election, the slogan "compulsory in voting" is a malpractice. Nobody should be force to vote against his/her wish. I believe Singapore has the highest turn out rate for voting in election. Coupled with the fear of the vote can be traced (serial number), most (fearful) vote will go to the party-you-know-which.

5. Even Francis Seow, a prominent public figure from a respectable background, can be so easily dealt with. Dear Mr Tan, please be careful. But I will definitely vote for opposition in this election.