Do it Singapore style
Whilst the argument for the benefits of democracy continue we would do well to study the extraordinary development of Singapore, and compare it to the shambles of government and corruption resulting from Thailand’s attempts at full democracy during the same period. Singapore is a so-called “representative democracy”. However, the ruling party, in power since 1959, hold 90% of seats in parliament. Opposition to this government is strictly controlled by various means including restrictions on gatherings of more than four people, manipulation of the legal system to curtail freedom of expression, control of all local media, etc, etc. The result is an autocratic state, a benevolent dictatorship.
Churchill’s statement that “democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others” was made before the modern evolution of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew’s view was that “the ultimate test of the value of a political system is whether it helps that society establish conditions that improve the standard of living for the majority of its people”.
In the US democracy is typically accepted as the best form of government. However, with the mounting evidence daily of Washington’s gridlock, corruption and theatrical distractions, the system seem incapable of addressing the country’s real challenges.
In terms of international rankings of typically measured indicators for GDP growth, health, infant mortality, global competitiveness, Singapore performs the best. In terms of the effectiveness of governance, including control of corruption, Singapore is in the top 10, the US is 20 levels below. To quote a 2014 Gallup Poll, 85% of Americans see widespread corruption in their government, whereas Singaporeans see only 8% in their government. In terms of freedom the US rates among the freest countries in the world, with Singapore in the bottom half. However, this rating emphasises political rights, whereas the freedom in Singapore is demonstrated by rising incomes for the broad middle class, health, security and economic opportunity. Singapore has produced more wealth per capita, more health, and more security for ordinary citizens than any of his competitors.
Blind idealism to return Thailand to “democracy” via democratic elections as soon as possible, and to cite it as a major achievement in itself should not obscure the fact that in Thailand, and in Thai culture, this is not necessarily a good thing. JC