f3 - totalitārisms

Although Singapore's laws are largely inherited from English common law due to its history as a former colony of the British Empire, the PAP government is also critical of fully embracing liberal democratic values, which it typifies as a "Western concept" and claims that there should not be a 'one-size-fits-all' solution to a democracy.

For example, laws restricting freedom of speech exist to prohibit speech that may breed ill will or cause disharmony within Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society. For example, in 2005, three bloggers were convicted of sedition for posting racist remarks targeting minorities.[28] In 2021, a former Ngee Ann Polytechnic senior lecturer was sentenced to five weeks' jail and a $6,000 fine for making racist remarks to an inter-ethnic couple in public.[29]

Public demonstrations in Singapore are tightly controlled under the Public Order Act, requiring police permits for public gatherings. Even at the designated Speakers' Corner, strict rules apply. The government justifies these controls as necessary for maintaining public order and harmony in a multi-ethnic society, but critics argue that the laws severely limit freedom of expression and assembly.

In addition, some offences that could be deemed as minor crimes in other countries such as vandalism can lead to heavy fines or corporal punishment (caning). In addition, the death penalty for murder and drug trafficking remains in force. Critics have also accused the PAP of ruling Singapore like a nanny state, making Singaporeans having a sheltered perspective of the world.