re: This ol baw never heard of Singapore his life

A benevolent dictatorship has always been recognized as the most effective and efficient form of government. The problem is that it is entirely dependent upon the competency and benevolence of the ruler. As soon as a bad dictator gets in power, there are no safeguards to prevent that ruler from destroying the economy and/or repressing the people. This results in states which boom and bust.

The guard rails of a constitutional democratic republic tend to restrict action, but also are less prone to bad despotic rulers because of the numerous checks on their power and means of removing leaders from positions of authority. As a result, these governments tend to be more stable and consistent over time.

Singapore was fortunate to have one of the most competent and benevolent dictators in world history as its leader post independence, and subsequent leadership has followed his vision.