Why I love Taiwan

The following few paragraphs from Temasek Review's article summed up why I love Taiwan's politics.

In spite of all its deficiencies, the Taiwanese system is one which works because of separation of powers between branches of the government under the Constitution, a relatively free media to report wrong-doings of politicians and civil servants and an independent judiciary which dares to prosecute government leaders.

As a result, the performance of the government is subjected to intense scrutiny, thereby ensuring that leaders are honest, accountable and transparent because any small mistake made will be exposed, blown up and made public. There is nowhere to hide.

A strong, robust and transparent political system ingrained with proper checks and balance and supported by a free press, informed citizenry and independent judiciary is the best bulwark against human fallibility and weakness, not a one-party state which lacks the political will and determination to check on itself.

To the casual observer, Taiwan's political scene is chaotic and partisan-driven. Even locals think they need to be more efficient. But no one will say that it is a failed system. I have seen peaceful mass protests, and protesters against then-President Chen Shui-bian are protected by the police, which is something that I doubt we will see here. The free press helps the Taiwanese in holding the government accountable, and their politicians are not above apologising for their mistakes, or even resigning because of them.

What I have seen in Taiwan shows me what Singapore could potentially be: a true home for Singaporeans, a home that Singaporeans feel they belong to, that they can meaningfully contribute to the governance of the country. In that respect, our 44-year-old "democracy" has a long way to go before catching up to Taiwan's younger democracy, let alone the US.