The media in Singapore sank to a new low. In the 2007 Freedom of the Press Survey conducted by Freedom House, Straits Times’ and colleagues’ international ranking dropped from 146th to 154th, alongside Afghanistan, Djibouti, and Gabon.
In 1990 there were 88,000 cases seeking help of mental professionals. This figure escalated to 147,000 in 1998. In 1990 only 8.4% of Singaporeans suffered from neurotic disorders such as anxiety and depression. In 1998 16.6% succumbed to these disorders. This problem continues as more people are being diagnosed with mental disorders due to financial woes.
In 1999, nearly 2,000 children did not attend school because their parents could not afford it. The estimate was greater for the recent years.
A PriceWaterHouseCoopers report in 2006 found that the “average Singapore household is one of the most indebted in the world.” At 174% of the personal disposable income, the household debt in Singapore surpasses that of even Britain (116%), Japan (100%) and the United States (90%).
In Nov 2003, Mrs Lee Kuan Yew suffered a stroke in London, the Minister Mentor called Singapore Airlines to fly his wife home within 48 hours. The airline converted the plane into a flying hospital replete with doctors, nurses and airline officials and promptly whisked Mrs Lee back to Singapore.
In 2006, a nurse was prosecuted for wrongly administering a drug to an elderly resident in a welfare home which resulted in his death. The coroner, however, came to her defence because she was single-handedly looking after 180 patients.
In a survey done by ChannelNewsAsia in 2007, more than 50% young Singaporeans revealed that they wanted to migrate and live in another country! In fact 37% of the respondents said they were not patriotic.
In 1993, 22,000 Singaporeans over the age 65 continued to work for a living. By 2003, 10 years later, the number swelled to more than 35,000, a jump of 57%.
Ah Loh, a widower, earns his keeps sometimes by carrying coffins and sometimes by hauling fish. His monthly earnings? $400—on a good month. His elderly mother takes care of his children in a cramped, squalid flat.
Ministers should not be expected to make “unreasonable financial sacrifices.”
(Lee Hsien Loong, justifying hiking his pay to $3.1 million a year.)
What is The Truth About...?
In the spirit of remembrance and reflection, I am re-publishing a series of essays titled “The Truth About…,” delving into pivotal moments in the democracy movement over the past 15 to 20 years. These posts serve as a testament to the enduring struggle for democratic ideals and the pursuit of truth in Singapore.
The Singapore Democratic Party's Journey Through Time
Delve into the rich history of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), a key advocate for democracy and human rights in Singapore since its founding in 1980 by Chiam See Tong. This timeline highlights significant milestones, from early electoral successes and leadership transitions to ongoing advocacy under Chee Soon Juan.
Championing Democracy: In-Depth Analyses
Explore political articles offering in-depth analysis and critical perspectives on the current government of Singapore. These commentaries, penned by Dr. Chee Soon Juan, provide a thought-provoking examination of national policies, governance, and the implications for our society. Dive into these pieces to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore today.
Navigating the Storm: My Journey with Orange and Teal Amid Rising Costs
Read moreThe Cost of Growth: Navigating Singapore’s Population Dilemma
Read moreTake the Democratic Challenge Quizzes Now!
Embark on an enlightening journey through Singapore’s political history and democratic evolution. Engage with our curated quizzes that delve into key issues, the influential Singapore Democratic Party, and the inspiring story of Dr. Chee Soon Juan. Each quiz offers a unique opportunity to learn and reflect on the dynamic forces shaping Singapore’s democracy. Click the below and start exploring today!