Professor Tommy Koh previously stirred debate when, during a conference, he remarked that Singaporeans are Third World people, even though the country itself is deserving of its first world status.
Explaining his remark, Koh suggested 5 tests that Singaporeans must pass to be considered a First World people.
These five tests have to do with the every day habits and outlook that we have:
- Do you litter?
- Do you keep public toilets clean?
- Are you civic minded and polite?
- Are you a culture-loving person?
- Are you loving of nature and do not waste energy, water and food?
Koh acknowledged that the use of the term 'Third World' is unfair to those who live in those countries but display 'First World' habits and tendencies.
He however stood by his comments that Singaporeans are not First World people - not yet, at least. He thus encouraged more Singaporeans to do more to pass these five tests.
What do you think of these 5 tests proposed by Koh?
