I mean hey, if authoritarianism is a plus to you, have at it. Not to mention the government promising X, then doing the opposite, then quietly passing a law to make it legal.
And no, petty theft is not that uncommon in Singapore, it’s just not broadly reported on. Not to mention the 3 public knife incidents in the last few weeks.
Yes, you can leave stuff on a table, yes it’s remarkably safe to walk around at night, but to pretend things don’t get stolen, people don’t get robbed is fanciful but regularly promoted by the government.
I friend of a friend worked for the SPF and said “a lot of crime never makes the news”.
And don’t get me wrong it’s a very unique place with a lot of benefits. But it’s also a system with some weak checks and balances that so far has been run by pretty benevolent leaders, but it’s a bit weird being there and seeing it in action. There is definitely a bit of “if we don’t talk about it it’s not a problem”.
Friend left their phone in mall bathroom and 4 hours later when she went back it was still there.