All over the globe the rising oil and food prices seems to have an equilibrium effect on the people. Hardships and Stress. And in response to those stresses and perceived hardships people take it to the streets to express their displeasure, anger and rage.India and Malaysia raised gasoline prices last month with the two Asian countries citing soaring oil costs as they struggle under the growing burden of subsidies for the motor fuel.Prices in Malaysia rose a dramatic 40 percent.
The price hike in India, the second this year, was smaller, about 11 percent in New Delhi, the capital, but will still weigh on consumers. India also raised prices on diesel fuel and cooking gas.In Malaysia, long lines of vehicles formed at gasoline stations overnight to fill up before midnight when the new pricing came into effect, and brawls broke out as some motorists tried to jump the queue. Angry protesters fueled by the opposition parties cries for change in the government leadership has taken to the streets to protest the sudden increase in the fuel prices which they claimed to be aimed in increasing the government coffers without the regard of the needs of the masses.
In Indonesia, thousands of students across the country took to the streets in opposition to fight the government's plan to raise fuel prices. Although smaller in number, the rally was reminiscent of a wave of student demonstrations in May 1998 that led to the resignation of then president Suharto after 32 years in power.The scene is also similar up north in Thailand as thousands of truckers went on a half-day strike in Bangkok demanding government help against rising fuel prices. Roads were blocked into Bangkok, piling more pressure on a government already facing a prolonged street protest over its attempt to change the constitution.
As we see the streets protests across the globe and more prominently in the streets of our immediate neighbours, we should be asking ourselves why is it we Singaporeans are sheltered and seems nonchalant with the happenings around us. Are we just not affected? The only close resemblance of a protest over the rising oil and food prices were those that were organised by Chee Soon Juan and 18 others. If we could even called it a street protest.We could explain our lack of response to what is happening around us to eight simple reasons.
1) The Heart : Are we Scarry Cat?
Do you think we will take it out to the streets with big banners saying that we are unhappy with the price increase? That will never happen at least in my lifetime or our children lifetime. Unlike our neighbours in the north or the south, Singaporeans is never known to openly expressed our displeasure with any government policies. I supposed that the only riots that had occurred in Singapore was way back in the 50s.
2) Energy Booster : The $ 4 billion payouts.
The government had announced a $ 4 billion GST offset package to all Singaporeans with the lower income receiving a larger portion. Though the GST offset package may not be a lot but it is helpful lessening the pain considerably. The payouts has had a positive effect on Singaporeans in general.
3) The Legs - Help is Just a Walk Awake.
Singaporeans know for a fact that complaining will be futile and that nothing good will come out of it. So instead of complaining they do the next logical step that is to seek help from their Member of Parliament. The MPs will be able to give them some sort of financial assistance and the government has been quite generous in giving out handouts through agencies such as the Resident's Committee (RC) and the Community Development Council (CDC).
4) The Brain - Are we Just more Well Informed & Rational.
To a certain extent it is true that Singaporeans as a whole are more well informed of what is happening outside its borders and the far reaches of the globe. This could be due to the fact that television ownership is amongst the highest in the world with every household in Singapore owning at least one television set. The viewership to the free to air channels such as Channel News Asia has also increased steadily. The print media has also complemented in circulating news.Singaporeans are generally appreciative that the prices increases are necessary and are an expected reaction to the increasing oil prices because of global shortages. They are also aware that businesses are free to adjust prices in response to their cost structures.
5) The Memory: We have a Rather Short Term Memory.
We may not be daring enough to take it to the streets but we are not short in the department of complaint. If there is one thing that Singaporeans in general are good at that would be to complain over every single thing that they can think of, from why the road is not straight to why the rubbish is not collected. We will complain for two days, murmurmed in silence and in two or so days, we will get used to the changes, accept it and lovewill be back to normal.
6) The Hand: We don't Want to Waste our Time
Let's faced it will we transcend beyond the boundaries of verbal complain to actually doing something about it. Personally 'I wouldn't write bother to write a a letter of complaint to the government and including a proposal with alternative suggestions to the government because I'd just get a standard 'Thank You' reply from the government thanking me for the letter.
7) Pain Sensors: We have a high threshold of pain
Singaporeans in general have a very high threshold of pain. When the GST increased was announced, people were expected to be badly hit with the increase but the GST pay out annnouncement increase our tolerance to the GST increase. When the oil prices went spiralling up, we were expecting public transport fares to shoot up by more than 1 per cent but the 1 cent increase lowers the expectation. Although they are not overjoyed, most feel that they can live with a 1 cent increase in their bus fares.
8) The Skin: We do not feel the heat
The Singapore's enigma is best describe as "The frog in the Hot Water" podigy. 'The challenges that Singaporeans faced are are calibrated with little increments over time making us less susceptible to the increase in heat if it is done a little at a time. The opposite polar effect would be Malaysia's sudden increase in the oil prices by 41% increasing massive public protest.
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