EVOLVING PAP IDEOLOGY: BEYOND DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM

Abstract

Scholarly literature on the leadership and government of the People's Action Party (PAP) proliferates. These studies have dealt diversely with its historical, political, socio-economic and organisational aspects. While most writings do make both direct and indirect referencesto the PAP's ideological stand, the discussions are often brief and unspecific. However, there is a general agreement among critics and intellectuals alike that the PAP's directions have shifted from its originally professed ideology of a Democratic Socialism. The focus of this academic exercise traces the ideological development of the PAP by examining its approach towards policy implementation and societal structuring since its inception in 1954. At the same time, attention is drawn to the changing political, economic and social circumstances which correspond with the party leadership's rationale and justification for their ideological reinterpretation. The conclusion points clearly to a PAP deviation from orthodox Democratic Socialist practices and principles. What evolved from the PAP's dominant rule throughout the period of study (1954-1932) are indications suggesting the emergence of a corporatist paternalistic order in Singapore.