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stifledlocal27 karma

My hypothesis is that pap members are drawn (duped?) into the party by rhetoric to serve the public but then find rules, regulations & norms within the party that prevent them from speaking up as they would like. Do you think this is the case? I cannot otherwise fathom why there is so much groupthink in the pap even though they like to tell us there is so much debate.

stifledlocal25 karma

The challenge seems to be that firstly, the so called constitution here does not carry the same weight as in more developed democracies. Secondly, that laws here are crafted vaguely. Thirdly, that courts are conservative in their interpretations in order not to be accused of advocacy. Fourthly, that laws are crafted such that parliament has the final say (hence courts will repeat it is a matter of policy, not law, as in the ridiculous counting fiasco of the EP). Fifthly, the media and citizens don't flag this out as questionable behavior and hold the gahmen to account for this.

stifledlocal7 karma

What would the core elements of such civic education be? I have noticed that any talk of human rights is frowned upon. The education ministry also talks about civic virtues like responsibility, without the mirror aspect of rights. Other mature democracies always mention "rights & responsibilities" together, but not in sunny singapore.