Rewards come at a high price

Singapore has swift justice and consistent rulings but the way it works means there are social costs. PHOTO/FILE

Singapore is called the "City in a Garden" and having had my first experience of it this week, I have to agree that is exactly what it appears. The cleanest city I have experienced and an overwhelming sense of greenness.

The purpose of my trip is justice issues, principally around court modernisation, youth justice and restorative justice.

Singapore was mostly about looking at an incredibly streamlined justice system which works quickly, certainly, and in a very user-friendly way.

I say "user-friendly" in that it is a simple and smooth-flowing justice system for someone drawn into the courts by charges, infringement notices, suing or being sued by someone. Those arrested will be charged and tried within six months.

All documents can be filed electronically, appeals heard speedily, and sentences administered quickly; be they by fines, caning or imprisonment.

Of course, it helps that the 5.2 million citizens all live on an island the size of Lake Taupo and so there is only one court in each jurisdiction, one prison and one authority.

That all sounds great and I can imagine many would agree with me that rapidity through the systems, certainty and consistency of sentence are great but it is what the justice system in Singapore does not have which would be a bit frightening to those running up against the law if it were the same in New Zealand. No legal aid is available from the state but every law firm is expected to provide 10 per cent of cases for free - pro bono.

All matters are heard by a judge alone and the idea of being judged by a jury of your peers does not exist.

Little in the way of damage or graffiti occurs because such charges carry the cane or rattan, but so do drink-driving, prostitution and some serious violence and drugs matters. The old-age pension doesn't exist and welfare benefits are scarce, so people work long into their 70s, until old enough to be looked after by family. But if they have no family or their family is in poor circumstances, then the outlook is not good.

Similar to New Zealand, there are some concerns about the use of technology by government agencies and the ability to monitor the use of IT.

Citizens have identifying numbers, which allows them to interact with the government to track dealings and proceedings. But for this service and ability, some privacy freedoms are sacrificed. To live in a country with huge levels of social responsibility, clean air, clean buildings free from graffiti, high individual GDP, good education and achievement prospects is desirable, but this comes at a price.

In the 60s, most families lived in one-room apartments and they were large families consisting of three generations. Today, their rate of GDP per head of population is $55,000, while New Zealand's is $30,000.

A neighbouring country such as Myanmar has a GDP per head of population of $800, so Singapore has made incredible gains and will continue to do so due to the drive of the government and the compliance and willingness of the population.

Much as I'd love New Zealanders to see the rewards Singaporeans enjoy, I, like most Kiwis, would not be willing to pay that price in terms of freedoms and support for those in need of help.