Straits Times Forum
Dec 22, 2009
KILLER LITTER
No one to blame but ourselves
LAST Friday's editorial, 'Killer litter: The long, long traversal', raised an important point that many Singaporeans are most uncomfortable with: a deficiency in 'cultural maturation'. Signs of this are everywhere, which is unflattering of course, and we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Since independence, the catch phrase has always been 'survival' - through a finely tuned set of priorities. Against all odds, Singapore did just that, and much more. However, the outward material success cannot hide the disquieting lack of civility, respect and concern for others among many in the population.
We have paid a high price to turn this small island into the envy of the world. But at home, we constantly have to deal with behaviour unbecoming of people of a First World nation.
We have laws and by-laws and overt signs to keep people in line because they have lost touch with how well-educated people should behave. But indeed, if Singaporeans are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
It seems the rat race has robbed many Singaporeans of their humanness. And since we are constantly reminded that we must not relax or be complacent, the finish line is nowhere in sight. The legacy will not go away and there is no turning back either.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said a distinct Singapore culture will take several generations to come about. I just hope he is right but I also hope it will be a mature one as well.
Lee Seck Kay
