Why are Singaporeans a Third World people? Public figures react to Tommy Koh's comments

They have some way to go in civic-mindedness, consideration and kindness, say observers

Norms such as queueing up to enter the MRT train and giving up one's seat to a person in need are now clearly established and people are more likely to abide by them, says SMU sociologist Paulin Straughan.
Norms such as queueing up to enter the MRT train and giving up one's seat to a person in need are now clearly established and people are more likely to abide by them, says SMU sociologist Paulin Straughan. ST FILE PHOTO
Norms such as queueing up to enter the MRT train and giving up one's seat to a person in need are now clearly established and people are more likely to abide by them, says SMU sociologist Paulin Straughan.
DR WILLIAM WAN
Linette Lai
Political Correspondent
Updated
Oct 11, 2019, 11:14 AM
Published
Oct 06, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Professor Kishore Mahbubani recounts a recent occasion when his maid asked for time off to go to the airport.

"Why?" he asked. Her friend had broken her arm, the maid explained, and her employer had decided to pack her off. She wanted to say goodbye to her friend who was flying home.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 06, 2019, with the headline Why are Singaporeans a Third World people? Public figures react to Tommy Koh's comments. Subscribe

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