From the Guardian, Fear is the weapon that stifles dissent.

Choice quotes include:

Most Singaporeans have been denied the opportunity to make an informed choice about what they want. Expression is tightly controlled, as are rights of association and assembly.

Fear of the unknown is used to stifle dissent and opposition

The senior statesman, who is still in government with the odd title of minister mentor…

Registering opposition by boycotting the polls is not really an option since those who don’t cast ballots face fines and having their right to vote suspended.

The mainstream media is virtually entirely controlled by the government, resulting in a massive imbalance in coverage between the PAP and the rest and the election commission is a department in the prime minister’s office.

Virtually everyone who is anyone likes to be seen to be associated with PAP so the party has no problem recruiting candidates, volunteers or cash.

Still, over tea and coffee today, I concluded that I am always very embarrased whilst trying to defend Singapore, because the best (and probably the only) line I can use to retort their criticisms is that ‘it’s economically successful’.

What a lame-ass answer, huh?

there is nought so sweet as the smell of carbon wafting out of the photocopying room.

nor a sound as pure as the clicking of fingers over keyboards, and the flicking of pages through textbooks.

but above all, there is no pain worse than a papercut -
except that long cold lonely march into the exam hall.