SINGAPORE Singaporean Political History 1963 1965 Malaysian Malaysia

SINGAPORE

Singaporean Political History 1963 – 1965 Malaysian – Malaysia versus Malayan Malaysia 1965 -1990 – Lee Kuan Yew – Developmental state – 1969 consolidated state’s viability 1990 – 2004 – Goh Chok Tong – more consensual – defamation cases – 1997 election vindicated Goh 2004 - Lee Hsien Loong – policies of father continued

Institutions and Political Groups Lee Kuan Yew – Prime Minister until 1990 – successful in making open and pragmatic decisions but moved toward authoritarianism – Senior Minister – Minister Mentor – Son, Lee Hsien Loong, became Prime Minister – LKY becomes Minister Mentor Political Parties – PAP dominant party since 1957 – The Socialist Front offered greatest competition in the 1960 s – technical competence, low levels of corruption, factionalized opposition, rigid rules circumscribing activities of political parties, censorship, and concerns about the ability of others to sustain prosperity have led to PAP dominance – Democratic Party – Workers Party consider getting two seats in the parliament of victory – opposition leaders often sued and bankrupted – districts that vote for other parties may be the last to receive housing maintenance Legislature – Unicameral system – no more than half of representatives come from Group representation constituencies that provide ethnic representation – three non-constituency seats reserved for opposition without voting rights on money bills, constitutional amendments, or votes of confidence, nine merit appointments with similar limitations

Democratization Singapore does not meet the Western definition of democracy with full civil liberties and competitive choices of leaders but it does achieve law and order and economic growth without relying on oppression Hegemonic electoral authoritarian regime No tradition of loyal opposition within Chinese tradition according to Lee Kuan Yew One-party systems can provide policy options through debates among the leadership and mechanisms for communicating with the public such as Citizen Consultative Committees “When your Singapore, your existence depends on performance – extraordinary performance, better than your competitors – when that performance disappears because the system on which it’s been based becomes eroded, then you’ve lost everything. ”

Economic Development Mixture capitalist and socialist economy with emphasis put on the former Geographic location greatest asset Ranked among the world’s freest economies Initial strategy emphasized manufacturing and outward oriented export strategy and contributed to the regions highest growth rates Only between 2000 and 2003 did country experience two years of growth rates below 7% State intervention addressed problems as varied increasing protectionist policies in targeted markets, economic pressures on the shipping industry and high wages Shift to financial and insurance sectors (knowledge based economy) 300 billion dollars of foreign investment in 2005 High rate of national savings needed to find investment other than in the home market Pursued closer ties with the United States, China, India, Mexico, Switzerland, Korea, Panama, Australia and oil rich states in the Persian Gulf Proponent of regional integration of economies through ASEAN Best transportation infrastructures in the world, superb medical care, the highest standard of living in Southeast Asia, and a highly education make prospects for Singapore look good

The Singaporean State Patriarchal state or Hegelian state – strong state No important resources, small size, minor defensive capabilities People are responsive to the institutions of the state that has co-opted competing interests No massive dislocation apart from forced expulsion from Malaysia Recipient of Western aid during the Cold War increased state resources Victory over communists justified administrative state Skilled bureaucracy and leadership Most disciplined society in Southeast Asia

Foreign Policy Anti-Communist foreign policy from the founding through the 70 s and 80 s Tensions with the United States in the 80 s as Singapore lost Generalized System of Preferences and perceived U. S. involvement in domestic politics Michael Fay case enabled Singapore to express its sovereignty vis a vis the U. S. 9/11 changed climate and led Singapore to cooperate closely with the United States in counter terror efforts including token membership in the U. S. coalition of the willing Relations with China and the U. S. balance one another with investments in China and trade relations with U. S. and arms purchases Leading investor in Southeast Asia Concerned about cross strait relations with Indonesia and Malaysia

Conclusion Strategic position places Singapore in the middle of global commerce Smooth transition in power assures the PAP will continue to play a dominant role in the island’s politics As a red dot, with a high per capita income, comparison with other states in the region is difficult