Singapore is a fine country

by Mr Adolf Brelage

Meintjeskop Ditaba, No II/1998

Just before touch-down at Singapore's Changi International Airport the announcement comes, "PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT THE DEATH PENALTY IS MANDATORY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING IN SINGAPORE". This statement is not a "warning" or a "maybe".It is a fact. Some may argue that this is a rather grim welcome to a country, but the message is clear and drug abuse is practically non-existent in Singapore.

On further exploration of Singapore, visitors are astounded by the clinical cleanliness of streets, sidewalks and shopping centres, in fact every square inch of the 630sq mile island state. Apart from the striking tidiness, Singapore has developed into one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. It has a per capita income of US$25 000 (twenty-five-thousand) and total foreign reserves in excess of US$ 100 billion. How is this possible? Because, basic rules and regulations are indicated very clearly:

No littering                   Fine S$500 (approx: R1800)

No spitting                    Fine S$500

No smoking                   Fine S$500

No chewing gum:         Fine S$500

No jay-walking:            Fine S$50

Chewing gum is officially banned in Singapore and no smoking is allowed in air conditioned buildings, buses and trains. Still, it seems almost unnatural that everyone complies to these rules and regulations. There is another very important aspect of keeping not only he city clean, but also law and order in Singapore. All these rules and regulations are defined in the law books and enforced to the letter of the word.

Thinking of appeal after being sentenced to jail for five years for stealing a walkman? Think again. If a criminal is wasting the time of the courts in Singapore, his/her sentence will be increased, and in Singapore, five years does not mean reconsidering the case after two or three years, so that the offender can be released for "good behaviour" in prison. Good behaviour is the standard in a Singapore prison, so it does not earn inmates an early release.

But, a crime free, socio-economically stabilised and cash rich society was not a privilege experienced by Singaporeans thirty years ago. In the 1960's, Singapore faced similar obstacles to those South Africa faces today. The island was mosquito infested and considered a safe haven for criminals and prostitutes on the shipping gateway to the rest of Asia and the Far East. The infrastructure was very poorly developed with open seweraqe canals throughout the city.

Today, Singapore is an ultra-modern, developed country. Singapore serves as a perfect example that "it can be done". By enforcing punitive measures to clean up the country, eradicating crime and corruption, providing education, and creating a workers culture, Singapore has set the example for others to follow. Rules and regulations are not a threat anymore, but a way of life. Comparing Singapore to South Africa, it is clear that we have all the ingredients to follow suit and excel the most unimaginable expectations. Singapore has absolutely no natural resources, even water has to be imported from neighbouring countries. Singapore's only real resource is its people who continuously strive for better living standards through hard work. We have the resources, the infrastructure and the people to do the same.