There seems to be no clear answer to the above often asked question, but who cares? Those who have lived and worked in this place in south-east Asia, or have even just visited, describe it as Paradise on earth. It's rich, stable, safe, clean. It even seems to be immune to natural disasters such as earthquakes, that often happen in the neighboring islands of Indonesia. How cool is that?
Education and healthcare are excellent,compared to western standards; so is the overall economic situation, despite the lack of natural resources. On the 'democracy' level it's ranked rather low as there's only one political party , and there are restrictions on certain civil rights. (Well, one can't have it all).
I felt the urge to write this short post on Singapore after recently reading in the newspapers that an indian Imam (islamic worship leader) was fined and expelled for remarks against christians and jews in his Friday sermon at a mosque.
It should be said, that the population of Singapore is made up of three main layers: Chinese (the majority), Malays (the indigenous), and Indians. Christianity as a religion comes only fourth after islam, buddhism, and hinduism; the jews are very few in number. However, the principle is important here. The incident with the Imam shows that ethnical and religious harmony is regarded by the authorities as crucial, and rightly so.
I' ve read somewhere that Singapore is on the list of 'nations in transit'. I don't really know what it means for a nation to be in transit; it seems to me Singapore should keep things as they are now. Change could be bad for its future.
On the whole, I think the world can learn a lot from the position and prosperity of Singapore.
Religious harmony should be the top priority for any country.
ReplyDeleteI like the Singapore airport, especially that it is situated so close to the sea.
I totally agree with you. Of course, ethnical harmony is also part of the priority formula.
DeleteA paradise - can you imagine the beauty, the flowers, greenery? And the food must be interesting! The culture of the far east is so different than the west. I like what I learned here about Singapore.
ReplyDeleteIt appears Singapore combines both worlds, east and west, in a most successful manner. It has it all, whatever one's budget.
DeleteI think change can be good in certain circumstances but not so good in other areas. Great post, Duta, thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Change doesn't always make things better; sometimes it makes them worse. If things go well with one party why create a mess with more political parties and more politicians.
DeleteI think it was a right thing to do to remove that iman. Religious leaders should be preaching peace and harmony instead of inciting hatred towards other religions, and I wish the UK had done the same, but it is too late now.
ReplyDeleteKudos to the Singapore authorities for the way they dealt with the problem! I understand the Imam has apologized for his inciting remarks - which is also a positive thing.
DeleteInteresting post about Singapore, Duta. I didn't know what the population and religions were there. I always learn something when I come over to visit.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
ps yes, my grandmother's doily is quite
special to me. It's the only thing I
have from a women I barely knew. I was
very young when she passed, being the
youngest child and all. But her doily
keeps me close to her. : )
I'm glad you feel you've learnt something from my post.
DeleteAs for your granny's doily displayed on your last post - I can understand your sentiments for it and the woman who crocheted it.
Hello Duta! Interesting post on Singapour but to be honest with you, I don't like it much (I know it pretty well and even decline living there)... hahaha... have a great week :)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to why you don't like the place.
DeleteSecurity - wealth - clean streets - modern building and so on, doesn't mean a wonderful city. It would be a long comment to explain. When one lives there, one sees behind the scenes. I was very quickly disappointed. I would say a place without a soul. With many hidden sad things that tourists never get to know... That said, I have a family member who love living there... hahaha...
DeleteHave a great Easter! See you next week :)
Thanks for elaborating.
DeleteSadly, most if not all places in the world have a "behind the scenes" reality.
A lovely post. I fervently wish we could get along, despite our differences.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. To get along in a country based on immigration like your Canada, is a great art of living.
DeleteSingapore has always been an interesting city/state to me. In this case, it's hard to understand why religious leaders feel the need to find fault with others when they should be doing the opposite. It sounds like it's a beautiful area with lots going for it, with a multi-racial population that is in harmony for the most part. The lights, sights, food and all, I've always wanted to travel there. Interesting post, Duta!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, religion is the "root of evil" in many places on the globe. Why? Well, it has to do with power, influence, money -quite similar to what goes on in secular politics.
DeleteSingapore has always been a bit of a mystery to me, too. I haven't really thought about this land until I read recently that it was one of the richest countries in the world. But, those things don't matter to me (I choose to live in Greece, when I could be living in my native Canada). Of course, one cannot have it all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this informative post on Singapore.
Wishing you a wonderful Thursday!
Poppy
I suppose you're often asked why you've chosen to live in Greece and not in Canada. Well, I know why I couldn't have chosen Canada - the climate. The climate of a place is at the top of my agenda. Cold is not good for me.
DeleteWe are going to go to Singapore in the next couple of years! I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Wish you the very best with your travels and your stay there, when the time comes.
DeleteHi Duta, I have to admit I know nothing about Singapore. It's true that religion often divides and pits one group against another.
ReplyDeleteThe comments by TheREadersTales said some pretty interesting things about seeing behind the scenes, what the tourists don't see. It could be pretty on the outside but it's what people don't see, that makes a country great or not great.
They used to say scandinavian countries were great:homogenous population,stable,progressive regime.
DeleteAmerica's president wants America "to be great again" whatever that means.
This is interesting about Singapore, I really know nothing about the country. Yes change can be good or bad
ReplyDeleteYes,it's a rather "quiet, hidden" place in Asia. Indeed, change is a two -edged sword: it can be either good or bad.
Delete