Another Response - To Li Yu

I would have to say that Singapore might be an exception - at the moment. Singapore is a very young nation, and we cannot yet see the effect that Singapore 's form of government- right now a socialist democracy may have in the future.

At the moment, our government is still governing the country decently. However, in the future this might not be so. Singapore might not be as politically and economically stable in the future as it is now with this form of government. We are very lucky that our government is not corrupt. At least it appears to have little, if any, corruption. If the government was corrupt, Singapore would not last long with this form of government. A one-party government which is corrupt heralds hell for the country.

I think that Singapore, so as to ensure the stability that we have at the moment, should have at least a credible opposition to provide checks and balances to the government. This opposition need not be critical, and tear down the work of the government. Instead, the opposition should, upon seeing cracks, instead of haranguing the government on it, mend the cracks, improving the society, and at the same time improving their own political position and credibility.

Therefore, I believe that Singapore's political atmosphere and position has to change, otherwise, if PAP becomes corrupt, or not as competent as it was before, and when or if this happens, there will be no one to take over the reins. A one-party government is always risky. It great is the government is all full of virtues and wants the best for the country and her citizens. However, the world is not perfect, and there is bound to be a day that the government that comes to power is not the kind of government we want to be under. At that point, to ask for an alternative option or government to lead Singapore might be too late.

Therefore, true democracy will lead to stability in the long run, as both the incumbents and the opposition will fight to make the country a better place to get into or remain as the government. However a one-party democracy, which isn't really a democracy at all, may not be good for the country in the long run.

Joel.