Still getting used to Singapore's "New Normal"

Dear Friends,

Matters of the real world had prevented me from blogging recently- hence the extended hiatus.

Much has changed and although hardcore cynics will disagree, it is quite clear to me that there is a new normal in Singapore.

Younger political leaders have been given the reins of new ministries but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to implement policies that will placate the restless population who are disenfranchised and still blame the government for effects of the “growth at all cost” policies of previous years.

Break-downs of public amenities such as the MRT-partly the end-result of sub-standard maintenance regimes have increasingly caused government-linked companies to be put under close scrutiny and even forced changes in personnel and attitudes. Laissez faire capitalism could be a thing of the past.

The legal system also seems to be exerting its independence from the executive branch of the government – something that skeptics like me did not expect. Of course conspiracy theorists will continue to assert opinions that in the wider scheme of things, there is still no true independence of the judiciary. Let me state here that when I see a pink elephant -with a trunk and huge legs and and large smelly body and it’s pink, I will acknowledge a pink elephant rather than a mouse in disguise.

I am glad that we have judges like Judge Pillai who are willing to use common sense ( and a sharp legal mind) to make rulings that benefit Singapore in the long run. I also acknowledge lawyer M Ravi and Mdm Vellama Marie Muthu for doing all of Singapore a great service. ( see Link here)

Thank you Judge, Ravi and Mdm V.

Dr Huang Shoou Chyuan