Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ There were some reasons for optimism in 2022. As travel resumed, borders reopened and luggage was once again packed. As Singapore progressed towards a post-pandemic world, masks were removed and New Year’s resolutions were made for a better year. On the other hand, this year has been filled with so much absurdity that it may be difficult to recall some of the more serious and major events that have changed Singapore during the past 12 months. Here are some of the defining moments that shaped Singapore in 2022.
Escalating dispute over the death penalty
The continuing protest by campaigners to abolish the death sentence erupted earlier this year. It began in March, when executions resumed following the end of the outbreak, and has progressed to the point that reportedly 11 individuals have been executed this year. Local activist organization Transformative Justice Collective led a campaign urging the government put an end to the killings. Protests were conducted across the nation, and the media highlighted the stories of numerous prisoners who were scheduled to be executed.
The international outrage spread to Malaysia, New York, the European Union, and billionaire Richard Branson, whom the administration chose to challenge to a live TV discussion, which did not happen. The administration ignored the protests and proceeded to carry out executions while vehemently defending the policy. The Ministry of Home Affairs referred to its own ambiguous research to assert that Singaporeans support the death sentence. Moreover, the narcotics police and the courts have also reported that none of the killings were carried out for an unfair reason.
Long-anticipated revocation of S377a
It was a significant and long-awaited year for those who pushed to repeal Section 377a of the Singapore Criminal Code, which made sex between males unlawful. The colonial-era law was ultimately removed in August, and the announcement was made by the prime minister. However, LGBT rights took one stride forward and one step back when another law protecting the definition of marriage from legal challenges was enacted at the same time (aka no chance of same-sex marriages soon). Many MPs brought up their LGBT friends as they argued against their rights, making the discussion in the House of Representatives difficult to watch. However, the repeal of 377a was accomplished after years of conservative opposition and protests.
Monkeypox pandemic
In the middle of a viral pandemic, another outbreak arrived without a break. The nation faced the possibility of a second pandemic. Monkeypox infection reports continued to emerge on a global scale, with illnesses spreading closer to the city-state. It took only a short time for Singapore to report its first case, which quickly grew to at least fifteen. However, the outbreak of monkeypox was contained as a result of the health officials’ extensive training in dealing with the coronavirus. As a result, the outbreak was very minor and was effectively handled.
Chicken ban
Malaysia’s announcement earlier this year that it would cease delivering fresh chickens owing to months of supply challenges and rising costs sparked a brief chicken crisis in Singapore. This caused widespread panic in stores, and shelves and shelves of chicken were sold out. Trolls also advertised the birds on Carousell for almost a million dollars. However, the prohibition did not last long, and chicken producers are currently in good standing.
Experience with COVID-19
Singapore registered its first COVID-19 infection two years ago, and since then the count has been fluctuating. This year, there were sporadic increases in infection rates, particularly following significant holiday events such as Hari Raya Haji and Formula One racing weekends. However, overall, it appears that the pandemic is over. As a result, restrictions were eased, boundaries were opened, large-scale events and gatherings are now permitted, and the only remaining concern is wearing masks on public transports. Further, the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to anyone aged 12 and older in vaccination sites whose hours of operation have recently been extended.
