Singapore

SINGAPORE

(Republic of Singapore)

08 June 2005

Statistics [R2] Population: 4,425,720 (est.) Chinese 76.7%, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4%   Religions (2000 Government Census): Buddhist (incl. Taoist, Confucianist) 51%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%, Hindu 4%, Others 15%   Government type: parliamentary republic Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)   Chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) Nathan (since 1 Sept. 1999) Head of government: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (since 12 Aug. 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers Shunmugan Jayakumar (since 12 Aug. 2004) and Tony TAN Keng Yam (since 1 Aug. 1995) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament

Singapore is known as a clean and orderly ‘Garden City of the East.’ It is politically stable, economically rich and highly developed with a remarkably open and corruption-free environment. It is also one of the world's most prosperous countries with per capita GDP comparable to that of the leading nations in Western Europe.

Government type: parliamentary republic Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)   Chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) Nathan (since 1 Sept. 1999) Head of government: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (since 12 Aug. 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers Shunmugan Jayakumar (since 12 Aug. 2004) and Tony TAN Keng Yam (since 1 Aug. 1995) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament

While many remember the country with its strict social controls such as ban on chewing gum, some critics perceive its leadership as ‘dictatorship’ due to its tight political control. 

Political and human rights development

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 and gained its autonomy in 1959 with People’s Action party (PAP) winning the control of the government in general elections. It became a parliamentary republic under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. In 1963, it joined the Malaysian Federation but separated two years later and became independent. PAP has since been the single dominant ruling party. Political scientists call it dominant party system or hegemonic party system [R5]. Lee Hsien Loong sworn in as the new Prime Minister in August 2004 after the tenure of Goh Chok Tong (1990-2004).

The Government believes that social order can only be established by placing society above self and therefore some degree of personal freedom must be sacrificed.  Although the new Prime Minister called for an “open” and “inclusive” society in August 2004, “a broad array of restrictive laws remained in place, curtailing the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly” [R1].

The judiciary is efficient and constitutionally independent with some official limitations on the judicial review. A variety of executive actions are not affected by judicial review. Government leaders have reportedly used court proceedings, in particular defamation suits, against political opponents and critics [R3]. This inhibits political life and engenders a climate of self-censorship among journalists. However, some progress towards greater openness is seen in the recent years. 

Although the Constitution permits official restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of expression, the Government generally respects its citizens’ human rights [R1]. The police force is well trained, effective and highly disciplined.  Corruption is not a problem. There are no substantiated instances of police abuse of detainees. Some laws – the ISA, the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLA), the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), and the Undesirable Publications Act (UPA) – have provisions for arrest and detention without a warrant or judicial review, and the detainees are not entitled to a public trial. It is also believed that telephone conversation and the use of Internet are routinely monitored. 

The print and electronic media are under the Government’s influence. The Broadcasting Act amended in 2001 empowers the Minister for Information, Communication, and the Arts to gazette restrictions on any foreign broadcaster deemed to be engaging in domestic politics [R1]. All public institutions of higher education and political research institutions are linked closely to the Government.

The Parliament may impose restrictions on the rights to assembly in the interest of security, public order, or morality. Most associations, societies, clubs, religious groups, and other organisations with more than 10 members are required to register under the Societies Act.  Organised political activities are prohibited (except by groups registered as political parties or political organisations).

Yet Singapore has not been marked as gross abuser of human rights. There have been no mass killings or widespread disappearances. No military force or dictator has curtailed the right to vote.

In terms of religious freedom, the Constitution provides that every citizen or person in the country has the right to profess, practice, or propagate his religious belief so long as such activities do not breach any other laws relating to public order, public health, or morality. Some religious groups, e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unification Church, are banned, but the Government does not arrest members merely for being believers.

The 1992 Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA) gives the Government the power to restrain leaders and members of religious groups and institutions from carrying out political activities, "exciting disaffection against" the Government, creating "ill will" between religious groups, or carrying out subversive activities [R4]. Violation of a MRHA restraining order is a criminal offence.

Mindful of the past inter-communal tension, the Government has taken measures to ensure racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural non-discrimination and harmony. Activities that could upset inter-communal relations, such as unsolicited public proselytising, are discouraged. In 1974 the Government "advised" the Bible Society of Singapore to stop publishing materials in Malay. In late 1988 and early 1989, a series of leaders, including Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, condemned "insensitive evangelisation" as a serious threat to racial harmony [R4].

While there is no state religion, the amicable relationship among religions has contributed to religious freedom.

Today many young people go to church. However, the lure of a comfortable and successful lifestyle, and responsibility to parents within the culture’s strong family ties, are constant challenges faced by the Church. It has been reported that many young believers become inactive once they marry and are caught up in the rat race.

Suggested prayer items:

1.       For Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and cabinet leaders for righteous leadership

2.       That Government continues to uphold religious freedom and finds favor with the Church.

3.       Unity among churches.

4.       God will come before materialism and financial security. Churches may be equipped to disciple congregations to cope with affluence, materialism and commercialism.

5.       Wisdom, sensitivity & boldness for churches in outreaches [Malay people represent 14% of the population and are considered Muslim by birth. Few of them get to hear the gospel because Christians are fearful and sensitive about upsetting their culture.]

6.       Singapore will be significant in reaching the Asian continent and that more missionaries will commit to longer-term missions and projects.

Reference:

1.       Amnesty Human Rights Report 2005

2.       CIA Factbook, 17 May 2005.

3.       Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2004, released February 2005

4.      International Religious Freedom Report September 2004

5.      Anita Zee, Digmo.com, 27 September  2004