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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 37, Number 5. 3rd April 1974

[Introduction]

There was a time not very long ago when this little island of only 224 square miles (227 when the tides ebbed) was no more than a tiny tropical colony that embodied the very quintessence of the mysterious and exotic Orient. And, like the Hong Kong of Somerset Maugham's novels, Singapore conjured up visions of incense rising from the altars of temples, mosques, of bustling markets and multicoloured streets and delicate oriental beauties gliding past.

Today, little remains of the substance of these romantic visions. The visitor to Singapore would probably be impressed. Most Singaporeans in the republic would appear to be very much happy and prosperous. All but the island on which it sits is man's creation. Despite the few natural resources and limited space, Singapore has become one of South East Asia's main manufacturing centres and may soon be the world's third biggest port. And as Singaporeans are fond of noting, the city is perhaps the greenest and cleanest in Asia.

The spectacular achievements of Singapore has, among other things, meant for its 2.1 million citizens, the region's highest standard of living. In the galaxy of third world countries, all newly independent ex-colonies, where many make their homes in tin huts or grass sheds, most Singaporeans reside in modern, government built high rise apartments and new ones are being built every half-hour.

Criticism of any sort, radical or otherwise is largely confined to a small group of students, journalists, and left-wingers many of whom reside in Lee's highly efficient political detention centres. However, gradually, a few dissenting views have been coming forthwith from abroad and the book by T.J.S. George who is the political editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review, presents a well argued, polemical and damning picture that raises profoundly pertinent questions which bear thinking.