SS Notes 1:

Chapter 2 5.1: Traffic Control

Factors: Area Licensing Scheme, Electronic Road Pricing, Park & Ride Scheme and Vehicle Quota
System

ALS: The Area Licensing Scheme is an important factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore.
Under this scheme, motorists had to pay to enter restricted zones. Gantries were set up to monitor
motorists who entered the restricted zones. This decreased the overall number of cars entering the
CBD, one of the restricted zones. For example, before the implementation of the ALS 32500 cars
entered the CBD every morning. After the implementation of the ALS, only 7700 cars entered the
CBD. As motorists have to pay to enter the CBD, they are deterred from entering the CBD frequently.
Thus the ALS is an important factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore.

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ERP: The ERP is an important factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore. It uses up-to-date
technology to monitor motorists entering the CBD and charge them accordingly. For example, a car
entering the CBD will have to pay $3.00 while bus would have to pay $4.50. As motorists have to pay
to enter the CBD, they are deterred from entering the CBD frequently. Thus, the ERP is an important
factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore

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PRS: The PRS is an important factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore. Under this scheme,
motorists could park their cars at car parks outside the CBD. They could then take public transport
into the CBD, reducing the total amount of vehicles entering the CBD. For example, 7700 additional
parking lots were created outside the CBD. The additional parking space gave motorists an incentive
to take public transport as it was more convenient. Thus the PRS is an important factor in controlling
the flow of traffic in Singapore.

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VQS: The VQS is an important factor in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore. Under this system,
a specific number of new cars are issued based on the quota set by the LTA. Car buyers must bid for
a COE before purchasing a car, paying a quota premium if their bid is successful. In this way there is a
limit on the number of new cars that can be purchased. For example, on April 2006 the quota for
new motorcycles was 514 and the quota premium was $851. Thus the VQS is an important factor in
controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore.

Basis of Comparison:

ERP>ALS: The ERP is more technologically efficient than the ALS at controlling the flow of traffic in
Singapore. This is due to the automated gantries employed by the ERP as compared to the manual
gantries set up by the ALS. The ALS was too labor-intensive and the Cisco guards employed were
prone to making mistakes. Thus the ERP is more important in controlling the flow of traffic in
Singapore.

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ERP>PRS: The ERP is more successful than the PRS in controlling the flow of traffic in Singapore. The
ERP managed to reduce the total amount of motorists entering the CBD by 20% as compared to the
ALS. However, the PRS cost millions of dollars but failed as motorists did not find it worthwhile to
leave their cars parked outside the CBD all day. Thus, the ERP is more important in controlling the
flow of traffic in Singapore.

ERP>VQS: The ERP is more successful than the VQS in controlling the flow of traffic in the CBD. While
the VQS reduces the overall number of cars allowed on the roads, the ERP is able to specifically
target the CBD area, a problematic area in Singapore. Thus, the ERP is more important in controlling
the flow of traffic in Singapore.

Chapter 2 6.3: Promoting Population Growth

Factors: Graduate Mothers Scheme, Three or More policy, Pro-family measures and Foreign Talent

GMS: The GMS is an important factor in promoting population growth. It was introduced in 1984 to
encourage marriages among graduates and to encourage graduates to have more children. This is
due to the low birth rate among the well-educated in Singapore. Graduates were thus given
incentives to have more children. For example, graduate mothers who gave birth to three or more
children were given tax reliefs and priority for primary school admission for their children. Thus the
GMS is an important factor in promoting population growth.

ToM: The three or more policy is an important factor in promoting population growth. It was
introduced in 1987 to bring Singapore’s population growth back to the replacement level of 2.1
children per woman. Incentives were given to parents who had three or more children. For example,
income tax reliefs were given for the first four children, monthly subsidies were given to working
mothers with children in childcare centers and priority in public housing was given to families with
three or more children. Thus the three or more policy is an important factor in promoting population
growth.

PFM: The Pro-family measures package is an important factor in promoting population growth. It
was introduced in 2004 with the aim of reducing the costs of raising children as well as improving on
the lack of childcare arrangements available. Certain measures were put into place such as equalized
medical benefits which allowed both parents to make medical claims for their children as well as a 5-
day work week for the Civil Service in order for them to spend more time with their families. Thus
the pro-family measures are an important factor in promoting population growth.

AFT: Attracting foreign talent is an important factor in promoting population growth. In 1989,
Singapore relaxed its immigration policy to attract specialized foreign talent. They were offered
easier entry into Singapore, subsidized housing and an attractive education package for the children
of these foreign talents. For example, in 2004 over 350 000 PRs and 800 000 foreigners were living in
Singapore, increasing the population of the country. The government hoped that some of these
individuals would develop an attachment to Singapore and take up permanent residence or
citizenship. Thus attracting foreign talent is an important factor in promoting population growth.

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Basis of Comparison:
PFM> GMS: The pro-family measures are a more important factor in promoting population growth
than the GMS when we look at the number of people targeted. The GMS only targeted graduates
which let to unrest among the less-educated. This displeasure led to the GMS being withdrawn after
one year of implementation. The pro-family measures target all Singaporeans and offer a balanced
package. Thus pro-family measures are a more important factor in promoting population growth.

PFM>ToM: The pro-family measures are a more important factor in promoting population growth
than the three or more policy when we look at the number of people targeted. The three or more
policy only targeted rich and large families while the pro-family measures targeted all Singaporean
parents regardless of how many children they had. Thus, the pro-family measures are a more
important factor in promoting population growth.

PFM>AFT: The pro-family measures are a more important factor in promoting population growth
than attracting foreign talent when we look at long term impact. Attracting foreign talent cannot be
a permanent solution to promote population growth as ultimately, many foreign talents view
Singapore as a stepping stone to bigger countries. Thus, not many foreign talents would choose to
stay in Singapore. Pro-family measures cater to Singaporean citizens, people who already have an
attachment to the country. In this way pro-family measures offer a more stable way of promoting
population growth as attracting foreign talent only provides an initial influx of people. Thus, pro-
family measures are a more important factor in promoting population growth.

Chapter 2 7.2: Meeting the challenges of an ageing population

Factors: Individual Responsibility, Financial Planning, Family Support and Community Help

IR: Individual responsibility is an important factor in meeting the challenges of an ageing population.
The individual can ensure that he ages gracefully through early lifelong planning. For example, the
individual is encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle by watching his diet and exercising regularly.
The individual is also encouraged to be financially prepared for old age by planning early. Individuals
can do this by attending retirement talks and reading relevant materials. With a healthy lifestyle for
example, the chances of falling ill decreases. Thus, individual responsibility is an important factor in
meeting the challenges of an ageing population.

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FS: Family support is an important factor in meeting the challenges of an ageing population. The
family is the main source of emotional, social and financial support. The government has introduced
some measures to strengthen familial bonds. For example, Senior Citizens Week is held every
November which encourages senior citizens to stay active in the family, Grandparents’ day is also
commemorated in appreciation of the elderly. Thus, family support is an important factor in meeting
the challenges of an ageing population.

CH: Community help is an important factor in meeting the challenges of an ageing population. The
community can give social and emotional support and provide healthcare services. For example,
organizations such as the Home Nursing Foundation for Elders provide services such as free health
checks and organize recreational activities for senior citizens. These help senior citizens remain
physically, mentally and socially active. Thus community help is an important factor in meeting the
challenges of an ageing population.
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GS: Government support is an important factor in meeting the challenges of an ageing population.
The government introduces laws to protect the interests of senior citizens. This ensures that senior
citizens are not left financially vulnerable. For example, taxpayers can claim an income tax deduction
for taking care of elderly parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. Also, first-time buyers of
government flats can get a housing grant if they buy a flat in the area where their parents live. Thus,
government support is an important factor in meeting the challenges of an ageing population.

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Basis of Comparison:

IR>FS: Individual responsibility is a more important factor than family support as it targets the root
cause of the problem. If the individual is financially, physically and mentally well, there is no further
need for the other factors to intervene. *(Can be used as one paragraph)*

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IR>CH: Individual responsibility is a more important factor than Community help as it is more
effective in encouraging self-sufficiency. Individual responsibility encourages the individual to take
care of his own affairs, be it health or financial issues. This sort of self-dependency is more desirable
in meeting the challenges of an ageing population. Community help may cause the individual to self-
degenerate as they do not feel the need to take care of themselves due to the availability of welfare
organizations. Thus individual responsibility is a more important factor.

IR>GS: Individual responsibility is a more important factor than government support as it is more
effective at meeting the different needs of every individual. Government support can only impose
“one size fits all” laws which may not be effective in meeting everyone’s needs. However individual
responsibility can be tailored to suit each individual’s needs and offers a more personalized
alternative. Thus, individual responsibility is a more important factor.

SS Notes 2:

Chapter 3 3.2: Managing healthcare in Singapore

Factors: Encouraging Self Reliance, Keeping Healthcare affordable, Promoting a healthy lifestyle and
Working with organizations

ESR: Encouraging self-reliance is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. This helps
Singaporeans pay for their healthcare without resorting to the government for help. This lightens the
government’s load which eradicates the need for raised taxes. For example, Medisave and
Medishield, two government policies, are made available to Singaporeans that help to manage
healthcare in Singapore. Under Medisave, the individual and his employer make monthly
contributions to CPF. Of this, 6.5% goes to Medisave which can then be used to pay for certain
medical treatments. Medishield was introduced as an extension of Medisave. It is a national
healthcare insurance scheme which can be paid for by Medisave. It pays for large medical bills that
Medisave does not cover. Medishield pays for 80% of the healthcare deductible under this system.
The other 20% may be paid for in cash or via Medisave. Thus, encouraging self-reliance is an
important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

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KHA: Keeping healthcare affordable is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. The
government provides safety nets to ensure that healthcare remains affordable to aid self-reliance.
This is done through various policies such as, government subsidies and Medifund. In these policies,
subsidies are given to government hospitals to ensure that healthcare services are available to all. In
2000, such subsidies made up 25% of government spending on healthcare. Medifund was set up in
1993 to provide help to those who do not contribute to CPF as their monthly income is too low. It
started with a fund of $200 million and the interest from this is given to public hospitals. Thus
keeping healthcare affordable is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

PHL: Promoting a healthy lifestyle is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. It is

one way of coping with rising costs of healthcare. For example, schools and workplaces have
programs to emphasize the need to maintain good health. Thus, promoting a healthy lifestyle is an
important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. People in good health will not need medical
treatment and the individual can then save on medical expenses.

WO: Working with organizations is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

Voluntary welfare organizations and some private organizations are given grants to run community
hospitals, nursing homes and day rehabilitation centers. For example, St. Luke’s Hospital and St.
Andrew’s Hospital are examples of community hospitals. This helps take the burden off the
government and the individual. Thus working with organizations is an important factor in managing
healthcare in Singapore.

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Basis of Comparison:

ESR>KHA: Encouraging self-reliance is a more important factor than keeping healthcare affordable
when we look at the reliability. Medisave is a set savings amount set aside in an individual’s CPF.
Keeping healthcare affordable is subject to governmental control. Even if the policies set by the
government change, the individual can always depend on his Medisave and Medishield to pay for his
healthcare fees. Thus encouraging self reliance is a more important factor.

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ESR>PHL: Encouraging self-reliance is a more important factor than promoting a healthy lifestyle
when we look at reliability. While leading a healthy lifestyle decreases the chances of falling ill it
does not fully eradicate all chance of sickness. Encouraging self-reliance is therefore a much more
reliable method as we can always depend on ourselves. Thus encouraging self-reliance is a more
important factor.

ERS>WO: Encouraging self-reliance is a more important factor than working with organizations in
terms of long term impact. Working with organizations cannot be a long term solution as an
individual cannot depend on welfare organizations indefinitely. These organizations have limited
grants and cannot support everyone, encouraging self-reliance is much better at ensuring every
individual has access to healthcare. Thus encouraging self-reliance is a more important factor.

Chapter 3 4.2: Managing the problems of the NHS

Factors: Managing government spending, increasing efficiency and providing quality service

MGS: Managing government spending is an important factor of managing the problems of the NHS.
In the 1980s, the Thatcher government tried to manage the NHS by reducing government spending
in an effort to curb abuse by doctors and patients alike. This caused massive disapproval among the
British public as it implied a loss of quality. In 2000, the Blair administration decided to increase
government spending and improve the quality of the NHS. For example, in 2000-2001 the budget for
NHS was £55 billion while the budget in 2003-2004 was £69 billion. Thus managing government
spending is an important factor of managing the problems of the NHS.

IE: Increasing efficiency is an important factor of managing the problems of the NHS. The NHS was a
very resource-intensive service. There were insufficient doctors, nurses and facilities to cope with
the overwhelming demand for the NHS. Therefore measures were set up to increase the efficiency
of the NHS. For example, Margaret Thatcher introduced privatization which outsourced non-medical
services to private contractors in order to allow hospitals to concentrate on providing quality service
to its patients. Citizens were also encouraged to be more independent. Medicine, dental and optical
treatments were no longer free except for a few groups of people. Thus increasing efficiency is an
important factor of managing the problems of the NHS.

PQS: Providing quality service is an important factor of managing the problems of the NHS. The
overwhelming demand for the NHS led to many people feeling that the NHS had poor standards.
Thus measures were set up to improve the quality of the service provided by the NHS. For example,
the NHS plan was introduced in 2000 which increased government spending and worked towards
providing faster and more convenient services. One way was to let the NHS make use of the facilities
in private hospitals without having the patient pay for it. The NHS Improvement Plan was also
introduced in 2004 which gave patients the right to choose from four different healthcare providers,
as well as access to their personal HealthSpace on the internet. Also, the NHS Direct service was
introduced under this plan which allowed patients with minor illnesses to call for medical advice
over the phone. This allowed them to save a trip to the doctor. Thus, providing quality service is an
important factor of managing the problems of the NHS.

Basis of Comparison:

PQS>MGS: Providing quality service is a more important factor than managing government spending
in terms of popularity. Managing government spending is incredibly unpopular with the British
public. Leaders like Margaret Thatcher realized that reducing government spending meant losing
their support; this meant that these leaders would likely be voted out in the next General Election. It
is thus impossible to reduce government spending for long as the British public is so against it.
Providing quality service is on the other hand is popular with the British public. Thus, providing
quality service is a more important factor.

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PQS>IE: Providing quality service is a more important factor than increasing efficiency in terms of
being able to cater to the public’s expectations. British public is more concerned about the quality of
service they receive from NHS hospitals. Although increasing efficiency focuses on removing non-
medical services from the burden of the NHS it does not actually ensure quality service. The
Providing quality services focuses on the actual medical services provided, ensuring that they are up
to the public’s expectations. Thus it is a more important factor as it caters more to the public’s needs
than increasing efficiency.

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SS Notes 3:

Chapter 4 4.1: Causes of conflict in Sri Lanka

Factors: Citizenship rights, Sinhala Only policy, University Admission Criteria and Resettlement

CR: Citizenship rights are an important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka. The Ceylon Citizenship Act of
1948 granted citizenship only to those who were either born in Sri Lanka or those whose forefathers
were born there. This displaced many Indian Tamils and left them without basic rights such as
education and voting regardless of their contributions to the country’s economy. For example, over
1 million Tamils were made stateless in 1948. Thus citizenship rights are an important cause of
conflict in Sri Lanka.

SOP: The Sinhala Only Policy is an important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka. Under the Official
Language Act passed in 1956, Sinhala was declared the country’s official language. Tamils in
government service were given three years to learn Sinhala or be dismissed. They were thus upset as
they found it difficult to get jobs or be promoted. This led to heightened tensions between the
Sinhalese and the Tamils. For example, rioting occurred and over a hundred deaths resulted in a
demonstration against the Act. Thus the Sinhala Only policy is an important cause of conflict in Sri
Lanka.

UAC: University admission criteria are an important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka. In 1970, the
government introduced a new admission criterion which reserved a fixed number of places in the
Universities. Also, Tamils had to score higher marks than Sinhalese in order to enter into more
respectable courses such as Medicine and Engineering. For example, Tamils had to score 250 marks
to get into Medicine or Engineering while Sinhalese only had to score 229 and 227 marks
respectively. This discrepancy in required marks caused much anger among the Tamils which led to
heightened tensions which eventually led to violence. Thus, university admission criteria are an
important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka.

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Res: Resettlement is an important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka. In the 1950s, Sinhalese peasants and
Buddhist monks were resettled into areas mainly populated by Tamils. Tamil lands were given to the
Sinhalese which led to heightened tensions between the two races. For example, whole villages
were emptied and driven out by the Sri Lankan Army. Many Tamils were unhappy that the
government basically took their land to give to the Sinhalese. Also, the Tamils were upset that such
large numbers of Sinhalese were relocated into traditionally Tamil areas. This led to heightened
tensions between the two races which eventually escalated to violence. Thus resettlement is an
important cause of conflict in Sri Lanka

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Basis of Comparisons:

CR>SOP: Citizenship rights are a more important cause of conflict than the Sinhala Only policy in the
number of people affected. Citizenship rights displaced all Indian Tamils while the Sinhala Only policy
only applied to Tamils in the Civil Service. Thus Citizenship rights are a more important cause of
conflict.

CR>UAC: Citizenship rights are a more important cause of conflict than University Admission criteria
as citizenship rights are the root cause. Without basic rights such as voting, the Tamils were unable
to vote against such racially discriminatory policies which allowed the mainly Sinhalese government
free reign in discriminating against them. Thus, Citizenship rights are a more important cause of
conflict. *(Can be used as one paragraph for all the factors)*

CR>Res: Citizenship rights are a more important cause of conflict than resettlement in the long-term
impact. The lack of citizenship rights displaced over one million Tamils initially, this left them with
nowhere to go and refugee camps had to be set up in order to accommodate all these people. These
Tamils can never gain citizenship in Sri Lanka. In resettlement, only Tamil lands were occupied by the
Sinhalese. Tamils were not forced to leave the country. Thus, Citizenship rights are a more important
cause of conflict.

Chapter 4 5.1: Consequences of the Sri Lankan conflict

Factors: Political consequence, Economic consequence, and social consequence

PC: Political consequence is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan Conflict. Armed conflict
arose out of the intense displeasure of the Tamils at their discrimination. An armed group, the Tamil
Tigers, was formed which resorted to attacking Sinhalese as well as Tamil officials who supported the
ruling party. Many incidences of violence ensued including the 1983 riots where 13 Sinhalese
soldiers were killed by the Tamil Tigers. Foreign intervention is another example of such
consequence. On 3 June 1987, the Indian government sent 20 ships to Jaffna to provide supplies to
the Tamils living there. The Indian Air Force also dropped supplies into the Jaffna the following day.
In doing so, it violated Sri Lankan Airspace. Thus, political consequence is an important consequence
of the Sri Lankan Conflict.

EC: Economic consequence is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan Conflict. Unemployment
arose due to all the disruptive riots that led to thousands of factory and plantation workers losing
their jobs. Many of these jobless were Sinhalese who took part in looting and vandalism. The
unstable situation also led to loss of investments from other countries. The amount of foreign
investments fell from $70 million in 1982 to $20 million in 1986. Thus, Economic consequence is an
important consequence of the Sri Lankan Conflict.
SC: Social consequence is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan Conflict. Sri Lankan Tamils
were driven out of their homeland, many of them fled to Tamil Nadu in India. It is estimated that
65,000 Tamils still remain as refugees in India. High Security Zones were set up by the Sri Lankan
army to combat the Tamil Tigers. Tamils living in these zones had to flee when the army came in to
fight the Tamil Tigers. Thus, Social consequence is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan
Conflict.

Basis of Comparison:

PC>EC: Political consequence is a more important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict than
Economic consequence based on the severity of the impact. Armed conflict resulted in many deaths
and loss of property while Economic consequence only resulted in unemployment and overall loss of
income. These economic problems would not matter if you were dead due to armed conflict. Thus,
political consequence is a more important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.

PC>SC: Political consequence is a more important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict than social
consequence as it is the root cause. Tamils fled from Sri Lanka due to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka.
They feared for their lives due to the extremist actions taken by both sides. Thus Political
consequence is a more important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.

Chapter 4 8.1: Causes of conflict in Northern Ireland

Factors: Divided loyalties, Unequal allocation of housing, unequal employment opportunities, lack of
voting rights and lack of opportunities for social interaction

DL: Divided loyalties are an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland. Most Protestants view
themselves as British and wish to remain part of the UK while Catholics wish to be reunited with the
Republic of Ireland. This loyalty to different countries makes them intolerant of each other. For
example, many Catholics resent the history of English conquest where Catholics were mistreated.
Thus divided loyalties are an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland.

UH: Unequal allocation of housing is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland. Catholics in
Northern Ireland find the allocation of public housing by the government to be unfair. Large Catholic
families have to often wait long periods of time in order to get a house; more houses were given
instead to Protestants. For example, a house would be allocated to a single Protestant woman rather
than a Catholic family with children. Thus unequal allocation of housing is an important cause of
conflict in Northern Ireland.

UE: Unequal employment is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland. Equally qualified
Catholics are refused jobs over Protestants and many Catholics do not have the same opportunities
in getting the jobs that they want. For example, fewer Catholics were in senior positions in the public
or private sectors and the number of Catholics engineers and civil servants were not proportionate
to their numbers in the country. Thus unequal employment is an important cause of conflict in
Northern Ireland.

VR: Lack of voting rights is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland. Before 1969, only
those who owned houses and businesses were allowed to vote. Households were entitled to two
votes while companies were entitled to more votes depending on their size. Since many companies
were owned by the richer Protestants, the voting system was unfair to the poor Catholic population.
For example, voting districts were often drawn up to include a larger proportion of Protestants. Thus
lack of voting rights is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland.

SI: Lack of social interaction is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland. Protestant children
are taught in different schools from the Catholics. In addition, Catholics and Protestants lived in
separate residential areas. For example, Protestants children are taught British history and play
British sports while Catholic children learn Irish history and play Irish sports. Thus lack of social
interaction is an important cause of conflict in Northern Ireland.

Basis of Comparison:

SI>DL: Lack of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict than divided loyalties as it is
the root cause. The lack of understanding between the two parties stems from a lack of interaction
and experience of each other. Many Protestants are taught nothing about the Catholic faith and vice
versa. This has led to both parties mistrusting each other, leading to intolerance. Even though both
parties have divided loyalties to different countries, it does not necessarily mean both sides have to
act on their beliefs. With more social interaction both sides can simply agree to disagree. Thus lack
of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict. *(Can be used as one paragraph for all the
factors)*

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SI>UH: Lack of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict than unequal housing
allocation as it is the root cause. Lack of understanding between the two sides is the underlying
problem of the conflict, which left alone only becomes worse. Unequal housing allocation is a side
effect of this misunderstanding which is not a permanent consequence. Catholic families do
eventually get houses, albeit at a later time. Thus lack of social interaction is a more important cause
of conflict.

SI>UE: Lack of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict than unequal employment
based on root cause. Many Protestant employers are unwilling to hire Catholics due to the lack of
knowledge they have about them. This ignorance has bred suspicion and stops Protestant employers
from hiring them. Thus lack of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict.

SI>VR: Lack of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict than voting rights as it is the
root cause. Due to the ignorance Protestants have of Catholics, they in turn become suspicious and
intolerable of them; therefore they impose discriminatory policies on the poorer Catholics. If both
sides understood each other better, then it would not matter that the majority that can vote are
Protestants as the Protestants would have no reason to discriminate against them anyway. Thus lack
of social interaction is a more important cause of conflict.

Chapter 4 10.1: Impact of Northern Ireland conflict

Factors: Social Segregation, declining economy and political reform

SS: Social segregation is an important impact of the Northern Ireland conflict. People in Northern
Ireland grow up in an atmosphere of tension and violence and segregation between the Protestants
and the Catholics is implemented. For example, it is possible for young people in Northern Ireland to
grow up not having met someone from the other community. Thus social segregation is an
important impact of the Northern Ireland conflict.

DE: Declining economy is an important impact of the Northern Ireland conflict. The conflict in
Northern Ireland has led to decreased domestic and foreign investments in the country. For
example, the daily cost of maintaining the British Army and providing compensation for the victims
of the conflict was £500,000. Thus, declining economy is an important impact of the Northern
Ireland conflict.

PR: Political reform is an important impact of the Northern Ireland conflict. Civil rights protests put
pressure on the Northern Ireland government to reform. For example, after two civil rights marches,
the Northern Ireland government agreed to abolish the unfair voting system.

Basis of Comparison:

PR>SS: Political reform is more important than Social segregation based on the severity of the
impact. The reforms to the government allowed for anti-discriminatory policies to be passed which
put an end to some of the worse causes of the conflict. Social segregation is but a minor side effect
of the lack of trust between the two sides, something which the government can work towards
eradicating in time. Thus Political reform is more important than Social segregation.

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PR>DE: Political reform is more important than the declining economy based on long-term impact.
Political reform will ensure that no further conflict will ensue and gives hope for a peaceful Northern
Ireland. The declining economy will pick up again once the conflict is over, something which the
political reforms are helping to achieve. Thus political reform is more important than the declining
economy.

SS Notes 4:

Chapter 5 3.1: Challenges of a multi-ethnic society

Factors: Managing perception of different racial groups, managing perception of different religious
groups and managing threats from external forces

Race: Managing perception of different racial groups is a key challenge of a multi-ethnic society. The
lack of understanding among racial groups can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people.
An example of this is the 1964 race riots. The PAP participated in the Federal Election in Malaysia,
displeasing the UMNO party in the process. The PAP called for a non-communal approach to politics
while the UMNO favored the Malays. An anti-PAP campaign was thus launched that claimed the PAP
was anti-Malay and highlighted the poverty of Malays in Singapore. This caused race riots which
resulted in 36 people dead and 560 others injured. This shows how easily the peace and harmony in
Singapore can be broken. Thus, managing perception of different racial groups is a key challenge of a
multi-ethnic society.

Religion: Managing perception of religious groups is a key challenge of a multi-ethnic society.

Differences in religious beliefs and practices are issues that can be used to create tension in
Singapore. An example of this is the 1950s Hertogh riots. A Dutch couple was imprisoned by the
Japanese in the 1940s and placed their daughter Maria in the care of a Malay lady, Aminah. Maria
was consequently raised as a Muslim and married a Malay teacher at the age of 13. When her
parents demanded that custody of Maria be returned to them, a court trial ensued. The court
decided to award Maria to her birth parents. This caused unhappiness among the Malays as they felt
the British legal system was biased against Muslims. Riots ensued as a result of escalated tensions
which resulted in 5 dead and 100 others injured. The riots show how religious issues can cause
hostility and distrust among the people. Thus managing perceptions of religious groups is a key
challenge of a multi-ethnic society.

EF: Threats from external forces is a key challenge of a multi-ethnic society. In countries like
Singapore, the threat of transnational terrorism is prevalent. Acts of terrorism can test the social
bonds of the people in Singapore. An example of this is the JI activities in 2001. Thirty-four members
were arrested for their involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001-2002. These activities
include fund-raising and the purchase of materials for making bombs. As a result of these arrests,
Muslim organizations unanimously condemned the JI group and some Singaporeans harbored
feelings of mutual suspicion and distrust. These mixed reactions showed an urgent need to ensure
that social cohesion was not affected by the JI arrests. Thus threats from external forces are a key
challenge of a multi-ethnic society.

Basis of Comparison:

Race>all others: Managing perceptions of different racial groups is the most important challenge of a
multi-ethnic society as mixed perceptions of racial groups is the root problem. If all of Singapore
practiced racial harmony, even if there were threats from external factors or mixed perceptions of
religious groups, there would still be no problem as the whole of Singapore would remain one united
people. Thus, managing perceptions of different racial groups is the most important challenge of a
multi-ethnic society.

Chapter 5 4.1: Managing ethnic diversity

Factors: Building a national identity, protecting minority groups and developing a common space.

NI: Building a national identity is an important way of managing ethnic diversity. It is important that
each individual does not see himself as exclusively part of any racial or religious group, but rather as
one united people. This is achieved through a number of ways. For example, the policy of multi-
racialism ensures that no race is disadvantaged or favored over the others, no special rights are
given to any particular racial or religious group and everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
Since everyone is considered a valued member of Singaporean society, a sense of national identity is
fostered. Common practices also help build a national identity; loyalty and national pride are
inculcated in all Singaporeans through practices like reciting the pledge and singing the national
anthem. This helps Singaporeans see themselves as one people. Thus building a national identity is
an important way of managing ethnic diversity.

MG: Safeguarding the interests of minority groups is an important way of managing ethnic diversity.
It is important to ensure that no minority group is discriminated against and that everyone has a say
in governance. This is achieved through a number of ways. For example, minority representation
ensures equal representation in two ways. The PCMR consisting of members from minority racial
and religious groups ensures no discriminatory law is passed in Parliament. GRCs require at least one
of the candidates in a contesting team to be from a minority racial community. With these two
methods, equal representation is ensured as no minority group is excluded from governance. Self-
help groups also play an important role in helping less fortunate members of their community get
aid for their studies and training for their jobs. This helps Singaporeans to cope and compete with
each other on an equal footing. People from the minority groups will also be able to improve their
social and economic positions in society. Thus safeguarding the interests of minority groups is an
important way of managing ethnic diversity.

CS: Developing a common space is an important way of managing ethnic diversity. This common
space provides opportunities for Singaporeans to interact. As a result, understanding among
Singaporeans from the different races can be deepened. This is achieved through a number of ways.
Common living space provided by public housing is a way to promote ethnic integration. By ensuring
that there is an even distribution of the different races in housing estates, chances for social
interaction is increased leading to better ethnic cohesion. Opportunities offered by educational
institutions also help develop a common space. Students from different races and religions study
together. The daily interaction provides an opportunity for friendships to be cultivated and
strengthened. The implementation of CCAs also helps promote closer bonds among youths of all
races. Students from different races come together to play games and work on a task. This helps
build teamwork among them. Thus developing a common space is an important way of managing
ethnic diversity.

Basis of Comparison:

NI>All others: Building a national identity is the most important factor over all the other factors in
managing ethnic diversity as it targets the root cause of the problem. If the entire country views
itself as one united Singapore, then there is no need for the other factors to intervene as there
would be no minority races or need for integration but rather a single race; Singaporeans. Thus
building a national identity is the most important factor in managing ethnic diversity.

SS Notes 5:

Chapter 3 3.2: Managing healthcare in Singapore (sub-points)

Factors: Medisave, Medishield, government subsidies, Medifund, restructuring of hospitals and

means-testing

Medisave: Medisave is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. A certain amount of

money is channeled into the individual’s Medisave account from his monthly CPF contributions. This
can be used to pay hospital bills and other medical treatment. For example, 33% of the individual’s
salary goes into his CPF contribution, of which 6.5% of it is stored in his Medisave account. This
encourages Singaporeans to be responsible for their own health and lightens the government’s load,
which means the government does not need to raise taxes to meet rising healthcare costs. Thus
Medisave is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

Medishield: Medishield is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. Medishield is the

national health insurance scheme. Singaporeans can pay for this scheme using their Medisave. This
is used to pay for large hospital bills not covered under Medisave. For example, Medishield pays 80%
of the amount left after the payment of the deductible. This helps people who require long-term
treatment of more serious illnesses to pay for their hospitalization. Thus Medishield is an important
factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

GS: Government subsidies are an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. Direct
subsidies are given to government hospitals, polyclinics and some nursing homes. This helps these
hospitals to keep their costs affordable for the public and helps offset the rising costs of providing
healthcare. For example in 2000, subsidies made up one quarter of government spending on
healthcare. The government also gives different rates of subsidies to different classes of wards in
government hospitals. For example, the patients in C class wards receive 80% subsidy. This helps
lower income Singaporeans to continue to be self-reliant by providing a safety net. Thus government
subsidies are an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

Medifund: Medifund is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. Medifund was set
up in 1993 as a way of helping lower income Singaporeans who earn less than $50 a month and thus
do not contribute to CPF, with their healthcare bills. Patients who need help can apply for the fund
at the hospital where they are being treated. Medifund started with a fund of $200 million and the
interest earned from this fund is given to public hospitals. For example, 58% of the fund goes to
inpatients in Class B2/C wards. This ensures that no person is in a situation where medical services
are not given to him because he cannot afford it. Thus Medifund is an important factor in managing
healthcare in Singapore.

Restructuring: Restructuring of hospitals is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

One of the ways the government managed rising healthcare costs was through the restructuring of
hospitals in the 1990s. This gave hospitals more freedom to reorganize to meet the needs of
Singaporeans. For example, general hospitals such as Alexandra Hospital and Changi General
Hospital were restructured. This allowed the government to reduce the amount of subsidies to these
hospitals, lightening the government’s load. Thus restricting of hospitals is an important factor in
managing healthcare in Singapore.

MT: Means-testing is an important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore. It was implemented

in 2009 as a way of checking whether patients are able to pay for healthcare and awarding different
amounts of subsidy accordingly. For example, those who earn $3,200 and below will receive 65%
subsidy if they stay in a B2 class ward. This ensures that subsidies provided by the government
benefits patients who need them most. This also ensures a fairer distribution of resources by giving
those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare the most subsidies. Thus means-testing is an
important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

Basis of Comparison:

Medisave>all others: Medisave is the most important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore as
it targets the root cause. If the individual has sufficient funds in his Medisave and is able to afford
Medishield as a result, then there is no need for the other factors to intervene as the costs of
healthcare will be easily affordable and the individual will not need subsidies or government help.
Thus, Medisave is the most important factor in managing healthcare in Singapore.

Chapter 4 5.1: Consequence of conflict in Sri Lanka (sub-points)

Factors: Armed conflict, foreign intervention, unemployment, loss of investments from other
countries, fall in the number of tourists and Sri Lankans driven out of their homeland

AC: Armed conflict is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict. In 1976, a new political
party, the Tamil United Liberation Front was formed which rallied for a separate independent state
in Sri Lanka known as Tamil Eelam. As their demands were not met, a militant group, the LTTE or
Tamil Tigers was formed. The Tamil Tigers attack the Sinhalese, as well as Tamils in the police force
and Tamil members and supporters of the ruling party. They attack anyone that does not support
the proposed separate state. This has led to a long war with the Sri Lankan government, lasting for
20 years and has cost more than 60,000 lives. This shows how a militant group like the Tamil Tigers
has caused violent clashes with the Sri Lankan government as a result of the Sri Lankan conflict. Thus
armed conflict is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.

FI: Foreign intervention is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict. The Sinhalese-Tamil
conflict attracted the attention of India who initially, tried to mediate the conflict between the two
sides. However, on 3 June 1987, the Indian government sent 20 Indian ships to Jaffna to provide
food and petroleum products to the Sri Lankan Tamils. When the ships were turned back, the Indian
Air Force dropped food and medical supplies in Jaffna the following day. In doing so, it violated Sri
Lankan airspace. India then sent a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka in order to seize weapons from
the uncooperative Tamil Tigers. This resulted in many clashes between the peacekeeping force and
the Tamil Tigers. The peacekeeping force was later withdrawn in 1990. This shows how India, as a
foreign power intervened on behalf of the Tamils in Sri Lanka as a result of the conflict. Thus foreign
intervention is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.

Unemployment: Unemployment is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict. The Sri
Lankan riots in July 1983 led to massive unemployment as thousands of factory workers, the self-
employed and plantation workers lost their jobs. For example, many Tamil owned businesses and
factories were destroyed with the loss of 25,000 jobs. It was also reported that 150,000 jobs had
been lost and that 90% of these jobs belonged to the Sinhalese. This shows that both sides suffered
losses in the Sri Lankan conflict. Thus, unemployment is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan
conflict.

Loss of investments: Loss of investments from other countries is an important consequence of the
Sri Lankan conflict. Due to the instability of the Sri Lankan economy caused by the ongoing conflict
deterred investors from other countries from investing in Sri Lanka. This caused the economy to
become stagnant. For example, foreign investments fell from $70 million in 1982 to $20 million in
1986. Thus loss of investments from other countries is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan
conflict.

Tourists: Fall in the number of tourists is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.
Tourism contributes significantly to Sri Lanka’s economy. However this was adversely affected by the
violence and internal conflict. After the 1983 riots, tourist arrivals steadily decreased resulting in a
loss of jobs. For example the number of tourist arrivals fell from 400,000 in 1982 to 200,000 in 1986.
This has had an adverse impact on the economy. Thus fall in the number of tourists is an important
consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.
Displacement: Sri Lankan Tamils driven out of their homeland is an important consequence of the Sri
Lankan conflict. The conflict has caused large-scale displacement beyond its borders. For example,
thousands of Tamils fled to Tamil Nadu in South India in the 1983 riots. High security zones also
caused large-scale displacement as Tamils had to flee when the Sri Lankan army entered these zones
to take on the Tamil Tigers. This has caused many Tamils to live in overcrowded refugee camps as a
result of the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers. Thus Sri Lankan
Tamils driven out of their homeland is an important consequence of the Sri Lankan conflict.

Basis of Comparison:

Armed Conflict > all others: Armed conflict is the most important consequence as it is the root cause
of all the other consequences. If not for the violent acts carried out by the Tamil Tigers, India would
never have intervened and all the economic problems that arose due to the violent upheaval would
never have occurred. Sri Lankan Tamils would also not have been driven out of the homeland as the
Sri Lankan government would not have set up HSZs to combat the Tamil Tigers. Thus, armed conflict
is the most important consequence.