Mark Kobayashi-Hillary

London, UK

Research

In the decades since independence Lee Kuan Yew (father of the present PM) has guided Singapore to economic dominance in the SE Asia region. However, the government is totally dominated by the PAP, and it is unlikely to change soon because the opposition is too fragmented and not experienced enough to garner public support. I was in Singapore when they opened a 'Speaker's Corner' in a central park - a nod to free speech. Except the topics had to be approved in advance, some topics were taboo, speakers had to register, and any talk could be monitored. Not quite the same as Hyde Park in London. Singaporeans want the ability to criticise when they are not happy, just like anyone - just ask any Comfort Cab driver for proof! The politicians need to realise that to attempt to control open frank comment on the Internet will eventually lead only to increased dissent.