ABSTRACT
When it comes to dealing with political criticism, the Singapore State has always insisted on what it calls ‘the need for rigorous and robust response’. But it is often hard to know exactly what form of criticism would invite the State’s wrath. For the State does not prosecute all oppositions and people of different political views. Some civil society groups like Think Centre, and AWARE for advancing women’s causes apparently flourish, and books probing PAP’s hold on power are available in the bookshops and read in universities. When the State finds it necessary to ‘respond’, however, it often does so with a heavy hand and high drama.
