One is
inevitably reminded of Plato's prohibition on music in his ideal republic. Wayward
rhythms too dangerous for a community.
After a forty-two year ban music will be allowed once more at Thaipusam in Singapore this year, restricted to three specific stages well away from residential areas. Rationale for the historic ban alleged outbreaks of fighting among competing musicians forty-two years ago. Wild street musos.
Certainly a famously tight-lid kept on the community here, described by one of the city-state's chief propagandists as the "world's most successful society" in the same edition of the Straits Times today carrying the Thaipusam item. Mr. Kishore Mahbubani touted by fans as one of the top fifty intellectuals on the planet; or else of the last century it may have been.
The long opinion piece of Mr. Mahbubani's returned to the question raised in recent days of the selection of the President. When the Republic of Singapore was still a pup presidents were appointed by parliament. Subsequently a rush of democratic spirit saw the last number delivered to that office by election. Mr. Mahbubani, like some other commentators recently, had become concerned that a democratic vote might not be the best option. Firstly the problem of a populist president capturing the position (Thaksin in Thailand); then the matter of an independent president at odds with the ruling party—ill-boding for the most successful society in the world. On a positive note, appointed presidents might open the door to representation from the minorities. (Canada & New Zealand.)
Context. In the last parliamentary election the long-ruling PAP in Singapore managed to win back a large part of the vote lost in the previous election, which had produced six opposition candidates. A Jubilee 50th year of celebration, the death of the former PM (father of the nation and also of the current incumbent) and some generous social programs aiding the cause. In the Presidential election in-between these two parliamentary, four years ago, the government preferred candidate, a former PAP Minister himself, surprised by scraping home by 0.35% margin. Dangerous prospect ahead identified by the celebrated scholar.
Straits Times, 18 Jan 2016
After a forty-two year ban music will be allowed once more at Thaipusam in Singapore this year, restricted to three specific stages well away from residential areas. Rationale for the historic ban alleged outbreaks of fighting among competing musicians forty-two years ago. Wild street musos.
Certainly a famously tight-lid kept on the community here, described by one of the city-state's chief propagandists as the "world's most successful society" in the same edition of the Straits Times today carrying the Thaipusam item. Mr. Kishore Mahbubani touted by fans as one of the top fifty intellectuals on the planet; or else of the last century it may have been.
The long opinion piece of Mr. Mahbubani's returned to the question raised in recent days of the selection of the President. When the Republic of Singapore was still a pup presidents were appointed by parliament. Subsequently a rush of democratic spirit saw the last number delivered to that office by election. Mr. Mahbubani, like some other commentators recently, had become concerned that a democratic vote might not be the best option. Firstly the problem of a populist president capturing the position (Thaksin in Thailand); then the matter of an independent president at odds with the ruling party—ill-boding for the most successful society in the world. On a positive note, appointed presidents might open the door to representation from the minorities. (Canada & New Zealand.)
Context. In the last parliamentary election the long-ruling PAP in Singapore managed to win back a large part of the vote lost in the previous election, which had produced six opposition candidates. A Jubilee 50th year of celebration, the death of the former PM (father of the nation and also of the current incumbent) and some generous social programs aiding the cause. In the Presidential election in-between these two parliamentary, four years ago, the government preferred candidate, a former PAP Minister himself, surprised by scraping home by 0.35% margin. Dangerous prospect ahead identified by the celebrated scholar.
Straits Times, 18 Jan 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment