Wanderer Of The Wind (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} moribund) wrote,@ 2008-01-28 23:06:00 |
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| Entry tags: | children of the revolution, i don't understand your comments. help?, uh... god? |
If we dream too long
From flipping today's newspapers and scanning the number of pages dedicated to the late Suharto, I have learnt one thing that the Singapore Government advocates and endorses.
It is a strong supporter of a country conducting genocide (taking the lives of many Indonesian-Chinese & Ambonese) and repressing the politics of people, as long economic progress is achieved.
We have our own authoritarian figure singing high praises for an ex-dictator. Maybe he wants to protect his legacy when he passes on one day.
We are told that all shall be forgiven in the name of pursuing economic progress. Economic progress stands above all - the law, the rights of people and freedom.
All the news reports have slanted towards its capitalist economy - reinforcing the belief that all will - and, shall - be well as long economic prosperity is attained. This is to be achieved at all costs, even if it involves merciless killing of innocent people of a particular race or religion.
Economic progress is then hailed as a benchmark of success for a leader. It's all about the dollar and sense (rather, the lack thereof).
All evil should be overlooked if the economy has prospered.
Says the man of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew:
1) "Younger people do not know how disastrous was the economic situation in Indonesia before September 1965 when hyper-inflation was drowning Indonesia's economy," wrote Lee.
"Under Pak Harto's leadership, he turned the country around and made Indonesia an economic success story."
2) Critics say Suharto was a ruthless dictator who leaves behind a legacy of bloodshed, human rights abuses and huge corruption that overshadows major economic progress during his rule.
"Yes, there was corruption. Yes, he gave favours to his family and his friends. But there was real growth, real progress," Lee Kuan Yew was quoted by a Singapore newspaper as telling reporters after visiting Suharto in hospital.
- From here
Clearly, Uncle Lee has failed to mention the Indonesian-Chinese riots of 1998 which killed close to one million people. I am not saying Suharto used his hands to kill them. I am saying he was the catalyst which sparked off the riots and caused a million deaths. That, is an invisible blood stain one cannot wash off.
I do acknowledge his economic sense and foresight - but I will never endorse or support the deed. But clearly, our Government is. For the people who lack literary inferences - one does not need to explicitly mention one does not condone killings. The lack and failure to mention and acknowledge the deeds, and the statement, 'But there was real growth, real progress" clearly suggests that that, in itself, is enough to justify what Suharto has done.
"Do we condone this deed? Do we condone the rape and killing of Indonesian-Chinese women as long economic progress is achieved?"
As proven once again, the Singapore government remains out of touch and highly selective on what it chooses to acknowledge. Next, they proceed to frame certain issues which will subsequently set the tone for public sentiments. There is a higher goal to achieve - something more abstract, something which cannot be immediately picked up on - that is, portraying our neighbouring countries politics in a certain light which will subtly translate into political vote for our Singaporean government.
Big leap and assumption, you say?
We, Singaporeans, tend - and love - to compare. The Singapore Government has deftly used our country's favourite hobby (comparing) in its propaganda agenda.
On one hand, we have an impoverished Indonesia whose economy flourished due an extremely authoritarian and repressive figure. This is in conjunction with choosing to neglect the rioting and killing in the midst of economic reforms. Ever so subtly, this ignites Singaporeans to appreciate and exalt the efforts of our Singapore Government. Our very Singapore Government who takes care of its people well due to its successful pursuit for economic growth.
With a successful economy, we bestow the highest accolades to the Government. This accolades translate to political vote and allegiance to the PAP.
The 'economy is doing well, and our country is safe' explanation is an old, but highly effective one. From my knowledge and observation, it still works very well with Singaporeans. It has also made us more apathetic and passive; after all, 'How can we complain? The Government take care of us so well, you know..'
I am not disputing the facts of what the Singapore government has done for us. But to yield that as a tool and use it as a triumph card each time the Singapore Government makes a mistake will stifle personal growth and peoples' minds.
Singaporeans are known to have a high and mighty attitude. Wherever we go, we imagine ourselves to be the best - fuelled by the Government's love for statistics and rankings which we often spit back at people when they dare question our standing.
So here we have - Arrogance, Ignorance, the lack of desire to learn new things and innovate (because we cling onto the belief that we are the best). This leads to lack of social graces and knowledge.
Little knowledge has always been dangerous.
P/S: It is not my intention to assign nor shift 'blame' on the Singapore Government - neither it is my intention to use the word Singapore Government so liberally. I mean, I can't help it if Singapore's main published paper is indeed owned by the government.
