There has always been a hard edge to Singapore’s style of government. The popular description for it is “Gucci fascism.” But, if the recent speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam opening the new session of parliament and setting out the government’s agenda is anything to go by, Singapore has become all warm and cuddly. The six goals of the government, read Tan, will be “strengthening social safety nets, enhancing retirement adequacy, supporting families and communities, creating a better quality of life and opportunities for adults to have a fulfilling career, and enabling young Singaporeans to fulfill their potential.”
