Loosening State Control in Singapore: The Emergence of Local Capital as a Political Force

Abstract

This chapter provides the observation that the Singapore state, until recently, was a notable example of a strong state. ‘State strength’ in a capitalist society is understood to comprise essentially two characteristics. First, a strong capitalist state will operate with considerable autonomy from social forces, particularly capital-owning classes; second, it will have a considerable capacity to organise social forces according to state-defined criteria. Corporatism is most often mentioned in relation to the fascist regimes of pre-war Europe and the bureaucratic-authoritarian governments of Latin America. People's Action Party (PAP) leaders have made it clear that definite limits will be maintained on this political liberalisation. The requirements of a more assertive middle class are also beginning to change the ground rules by which local politics is played. An authoritarian state generally finds the business community one of the most difficult sectors of society to control.