Of course, this report only adds additional detail to that which most people already know. Or at least those who keep track of sources of information aside from the mainstream media. I will not debate the extent of neutrality of this report. Nonetheless, it serves as an authoritative (meaning reliable, not authoritarian!) external reminder of what we often fail to realize amidst the limited availability of local press coverage over such issues. As it is often said, you’ve got to see it to believe it.

US Department of State – 2008 Human Rights Report

Singapore is a parliamentary republic in which the People’s Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, overwhelmingly dominates politics. The population was approximately 4.6 million, with foreign workers accounting for nearly one fifth of the total. Opposition parties exist, and the May 2006 parliamentary elections were generally fair and free of tampering; however, the PAP placed formidable obstacles in the path of political opponents. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

The government has broad powers to limit citizens’ rights and to handicap political opposition, which it used. Caning is an allowable punishment for numerous offenses. The following human rights problems also were reported: preventive detention, executive influence over the judiciary, infringement of citizens’ privacy rights, restriction of speech and press freedom and the practice of self-censorship by journalists, restriction of freedoms of assembly and association, limited restriction of freedom of religion, and some trafficking in persons.

…… or is this just part of a western conspiracy to do Singapore in?

Related posts:

1. to the critics of democracy and human rights
2. My Country, My Home.
3. A Tribute to the Civil Rights Movement
4. 12/5/2008 – 四川汶川大地震