My 3 month sojourn in Singapore with my daughter Yamini's family is coming to an end. I and my wife will be leaving for Hyderabad in another 10 days.
I must have come to Singapore at least a dozen times. Or even more. Lost count of number of visits to this fascinating island city country. Every stay here is one of pure relaxation, peace and quiet enjoyment.
People here are the proverbial ideal live and let live type. Mind you, three major religious groups of citizens live here, Chinese, Muslims and devout Hindus.
No restrictions on your movements, your religious faiths or ways of enjoying life. You enjoy what you are entitled to and no one comes in your way.
The environment, law and order situation, transport systems are all near perfect Ten. Hardly any thing to crib or complain. Efficient bus transport, Mass rapid Transport trains and cab systems are all in place and accessible at any time. Wonderful eating places with whatever cuisine you want are all available. The majority of Singaporeans eat outside. Generally their kitchens are clean and neat. Hardly used kitchens.
You cannot see any policemen anywhere. People automatically honour traffic lights, stand in a respectable line where required and surprisingly disciplined.
How they achieved is a remarkable achievement of the rulers of this Republic starting with their legendary Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who ruled for a record 31 years. After relinquishing the post of Prime Minister he remained in the cabinet for 9 more years as a Senior Minister, under younger Prime Ministers, guiding the government to work for the welfare of people like he did for 31 years. For a total span of 41 years, from 1959 to 2001, he guided the government of Singapore.
He established viable codes of conduct for ministers and made every one realize what is good governance. At the common man's level there is no corruption. Zero tolerance for corrupt officials, including Ministers and the Prime Minister.
Singapore had risen from slums, trade union rivalries, and poverty like a Sphinx, to become an enviable example for the whole world to see how a Republic must function for the welfare of the citizens.
Housing, education and health care were given the importance they deserve, and all welfare schemes were implemented faithfully. Today Singapore has the best Housing Development Board apartments all over the city for the low and medium income families. Beautiful self contained orderly apartment blocks. Well maintained, no garbage on the walkways and common areas.
The government schools known as Public Schools are the best schools, faculty wise and looks and maintenance of large roomy buildings. One can easily mistake a Public School as a highly priced private school. School education is free for all citizens.
Hospitals run by government are ten times better than big Corporate Hospitals in India. Well qualified doctors and Specialists are available in government hospitals.
Thats it. Education, Housing and Health care are taken care of. Strict implementation of law and order rules leads to discipline. Lack of corruption leads to people's faith in the government.
That is something of an achievement, for Humanity to understand that if you have proper, disciplined leaders, civilizations will prosper.
