On Aug 9, Singapore observed the 40th anniversary of its declaration of independence. Over the years, the Chinese-predominated ex-colony of the British Empire has developed into an economically and educationally advanced, as well as technologically sophisticated, city-state.

Despite its indisputable achievements in these fields, younger generations of Singaporeans are feeling the effects of state-enforced boredom brought on by the de-politicisation of their country. As universal youth culture cuts across national borders, young Malaysians also share the sentiment in relation to their own country.

However, history shows that, at its inception as a republic, Singapore was not boring at all. On the contrary, it was full of political excitement to the extent that some issues were harmful to human security on both sides of the Causeway.