What is Meritocracy?

Meritocracy.

No, it's not a new character from the new X-men movie. It is a word that is commonly bruit in our unique country. Our government swears by "Meritocracy" as if it's the gospel truth.

To put it simply, "meritocracy" is premised on the fact that you get to where you are because of what you've achieved, and that in that process of getting to where you are, there is no discrimination, no bias and no prejudice or whatsoever. You reap what you sow; that's meritocracy.

Using this analogy: a man slogs on his farm, tilling the land, and when harvest time comes, reaps a bountiful harvest which he parlays for a profit. You can't deny that this man deserves his profit. That's meritocracy because he invested his time and sweat to reap the sweet fruit of his literally physical labours. No one begrudges him his moolah.

Singapore is a country that believes firmly in meritocracy. Our Prime Minister is where he is, because he is the most talented for that position, and not because he's the son of his illustrious father. Similarly, our PM's wife is where she is, because of her achievements and track record, and not because she's the wife of the PM nor the daughter-in-law of PM's illustrious father.

Repeat this after me continuously, and you will be hypnotised to believe the truth of what you've been reciting.

So meritocracy is alive in Singapore, and kicking until someone else kicks the bucket.

God save us all.