Major events of this period

The Straits Times, May 28, 1959 Taxi drivers have all told me that they will vote PAP as they will pay lower taxi fees, no fines and have a carefree time. I asked if taxi drivers and owners would have a carefree time if the pay packets of the man-in-the-street started to shrink progressively as it has done in other welfare states. They were positive that the income level of all people would rise under the PAP as they were superior economists. Hawkers said they would all vote PAP as they already had the streets to themselves and it was people and traffic that must detour. I asked shopkeepers what they felt about hawkers outside their shops and in their back lanes. They said they paid rent, taxes and have a fixed address so that they would not be here today and gone tomorrow. But they were full of the milk of kindness for the hawkers who undersell them. As this benefit would come on an island-wide basis, they also would vote PAP. The workers and contractors earning money from the naval and air bases want the colonial bases removed forthwith and not in planned stages. This would improve their position as they wish to take over the bases themselves for the benefit of the people of Singapore; and so they are for PAP. Civil servants, clerks and all classes of white-collar workers are full of the expectation of liberation and freedom of the pattern set by the City Council. In the new Utopian state, big-time capital and large business houses may go across the Straits or the seas. It is good riddance to hot money. After that, all classes of workers and businessmen will have greater prosperity. They will have so much money that they will all be riding in taxis. The result will be that bus workers and owners and trishaw riders will be facing a lean time. The Utopian state with all its economic experts will not be beaten. They will nationalise all public transport, despite their experience of other countries. There is nothing that the new government cannot do for the individual or for bigger or smaller groups. The Fabians and the Atlees have nothing to teach them. As to money, there may be a little shortage now and then.But due to their superior knowledge of economics, they can produce money out of their hats to meet all difficulties. The problems of work, wealth and happiness will be solved in Singapore for all the world to learn. -- ES, Singapore Next: I will vote for... Previous Moses' start page Leslie's start page Chee Beng's start page Nura's start page Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.