Towards a Singaporean Civil Society

Pragmatic Philanthropy

“…142 Other types of associations, such as trade unions, student groups, and the women's movement started to flourish during this period as well. 143 Without the presence of an authoritarian government overtly adversarial to civil society and monopolizing the provision of welfare, pre-independence Singapore was able to experience a hint of nascent civil society.…”

“…144 Second, the utmost priority of the government's policy agenda back then was economic development. 145 Successful accomplishment on this front was reflected in the government's efficient provision of public benefits, leaving no space and few opportunities for civil society groups. 146 From the perspective of the PAP, a powerful centralized government, superseding other segments of society, was absolutely crucial to maintaining both the social and the economic well-being of the newborn city-state.…”

“…He acknowledged past government policies and attitudes as resembling a "banyan tree" that gave no room for civil society to grow, calling for a "pruning" of the tree (yet keeping the tree as the core of society). 153 But after losing four seats to the opposition in the 1991 general election, the PAP realized a more liberalized stance toward civil society did not result in more votes. Going forward, PAP gave less emphasis to its renewed state-civil society relations.…”

Old Money—The History of Giving in Asia

“…138 During this pre-independence era, civil society in Singapore was quite vibrant in the form of ethnic self-help organizations. 139 As authoritarian as it may have been, the British colonial government did not impede the indigenous growth of these groups and may have in fact indirectly created the room for civil society's growth through subpar provision of social services. 140,141 In the 1950s and 1960s, these groups contributed to Singapore's fight for independence.…”

“…139 As authoritarian as it may have been, the British colonial government did not impede the indigenous growth of these groups and may have in fact indirectly created the room for civil society's growth through subpar provision of social services. 140,141 In the 1950s and 1960s, these groups contributed to Singapore's fight for independence. 142 Other types of associations, such as trade unions, student groups, and the women's movement started to flourish during this period as well.…”