A Perfect Prediction

This quote fits well with Singapore today. Guess who said this.

I am told [repression] is like making love – it's always easier the second time.

The first time there may be pangs of conscience, a sense of guilt. But once embarked on this course, with constant repetition, you get more and more brazen in the attack and in the scope of the attack.

All you have to do is to dissolve organizations and societies and banish or detain the key political workers in these societies.

Then an intimidated press and the government-controlled radio together can regularly sing your praises, and slowly and steadily the people are made to forget the evil things that have already been done.

Or if these things are referred to again they're conveniently distorted and distorted with impunity, because there will be no opposition to contradict.

Does corruption control undermine fairness and stability in society?

Muhammed Ali, Acting Assistant Director, Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, Singapore gave this presentation in Bangkok, Thailand:

In Singapore we have a very strong anti-corruption policy which recognises that corruption control:
a. has a strategic significance in national development;
b. provides a source of competitive advantage. Investors are happy doing business
if there is an efficient, clean and transparent environment without being
encumbered by bribery;
c. is part and parcel of good governance for the common good of the citizens;
d. contributes to the meritocratic ideal, levelling the playing field because unchecked corruption has the following detrimental effects;
e. distorts accepted and cherished values, particularly achievement orientedness and diligence;
f. undermines fairness and stability in society;
g. subverts the course of justice and weakens the rule of law especially if bribes are paid to prevent law enforcement, there will be contempt and hostility towards authority

I think e through f make corruption control appear like a bad idea. Even though this is likely an error, I believe, Thaksin also thought corruption control was bad for Thailand!