Singapore has, at various times, used the pretext of police investigation to detain individuals who have openly criticised public policy in the mass media. [1]

Singapore has, at various times, used the pretext of police investigation to detain individuals who have openly criticised public policy in the mass media. [1] and [2] are recent examples. What it comes down to is rule by fear — Singaporeans, having read about said people being detained in the news, become conditioned into being scared of getting into trouble and breaking the law. [1] http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2013/04/25/singapore-probes-cartoonist-for-alleged-racial-insensitivity/ http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2013/04/25/singapore-probes... [2] http://www.lianainfilms.com/2013/02/in-which-lim-makes-me-kopi-at-the-internal-affairs-office/ http://www.lianainfilms.com/2013/02/in-which-lim-makes-me-ko...