Legislation, combined with persuasion. Take that for a potent, inclusive development model. The city-state of Singapore -- all of 700+ sq km -- offers a distinct look at political savoir-faire for those who care. The development is top-down: The state advertises, legislates and implements. The people fall in line and endorse. Things work.
The state jacks up car prices to get more people on public transport. The state beats its water concerns by recycling water from the sewers and branding it NEWater for potable use. The state lines up massive public housing blocks (where more than 70% of the population lives) in the central district. The state, also, sexes up integrated water management projects by promoting them with a leisure-and-high life feel-good. The state is, also, opening a casino and is calling it an Integrated Resort. There was initial resentment over the casino. That's where the persuasion helps. Things work.
The city sits easy and quiet on its spotless roads. On the flanks, the Young Rich hit the teeming, noisy malls and splurge. You are warned ahead of traffic snarls. You are told how long would it take for you to get where you are getting. The MRT is a cruise. You get change after the cab ride. Life moves like clock-work. Sometimes, things are better when not working. Really.
The brilliant Tan Dun was in concert at The Esplanade, playing his Academy Award-winning score from The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. There was some divine beef, Indonesian style (Garuda Padang, Orchard Road), Guinness and exotic wine (assorted parties), a staggeringly beautiful skyline (view from the Pan Pacific hotel room) and some hurried shopping (Marina Square, Farrer Road and Little India). The best deal? Saravana Bhavan, near Mustafa Centre. A spicy, full meal. Burp. That was contentment.
2 comments:
Singapore is a country that makes me wonder if democracy is the perfect panacea for all societal ills. Not that the city state doesn't have its share of problems, but people there do not have to struggle to realise their basic needs like people in some democracies have to. Neigbhbouring Malaysia gives another interesting perspective. I have found people who have the reins to development -- be it politicians or bureaucrats or technocrats or businessmen -- are committed to making the lives -- of not just theirs but others too -- better. Secondly, in places like Singapore life, time and talents have value and are precious. They may not be ideal societies, but there's plenty to learn from them.
pradeep
so right about the people in power there. the ministers, especially, sounded so clued in. but yeah, the civic groups don't seem to have much of a space in the administrative scheme of things.
leads us to the old question: "one protests but is mostly not heard. the other's not encouraged to protest but still gets what he wants (well, almost). who's better off?" :)
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