Even though Singapore's most vocal media academic Cherian George openly writes and speaks about the People's Action Party (PAP)'s relationship with the Internet and the populace, it is not everyday that he does it.

But when he does, I can imagine the PAP wince.

Here are 9 truisms from his most recent Question-and-Answer  and other blog posts that the PAP probably wished Cherian George would stop saying about them.

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1. Why being hyper-rational is the same as being an uncomprehending savant.

"Intellectually, I don't think there is anything the government doesn't grasp."

"The problem is application. I think it is genuinely difficult for the PAP's heart to act according to what its head tells it."

2. Why trying to set the agenda online will only result in death.

"I assume that it wants to remain in power and fairly dominant. This is a realistic target, but it must moderate its expectations. It cannot dominate to the extent it used to, and if it tries to be domineering, it will slide faster."

3. Why the force of the argument is greater than just using force.

"First, it must have confidence in itself that it can win debates fair and square, without recourse to unnecessary force."

4. How to win support and make friends: The Beginner's Guide.

"Second, it must have confidence that democracy works, and that the majority of Singaporeans would support a government that does the right thing in the right way."

5. On letting professionals be professionals.

"Third, arising from this confidence, it must relax its grip on the mainstream media and allow professional journalists to do their job of fearlessly serving the public interest."

6. How not to win arguments in this day and age.

"And fourth, stop using laws like defamation or contempt against critics when you could persuade more people by simply engaging the debate. Basically, never pull rank online. Win respect by being right, repeatedly."

7. On why the days of being a hardliner are numbered.

"I have heard the same ideas from individuals in the establishment, who believe such reforms would be very good for the PAP. The problem is that, to some in the PAP, these steps sound like a softening, or even a surrender. To them, the hard line seems more reassuring in the short term, even though it is self-destructive in the long term."

8. On how the PAP is not critical enough of itself in public.

"Compared with most states, the PAP government has traditionally scored an A* in tinkering with policies to stay responsive to the needs of the majority..."

"Nevertheless, the PM showcased the PAP's technocratic talents, trying to tackle key concerns over housing, healthcare and schooling."

"Judging by PM Lee’s speech, it certainly doesn't look as if the PAP believes that its politics requires a new way forward."

9. Why a miracle is needed to renew the PAP with capable people.

"The PAP’s best hope is that, somewhere in Singapore today, is a handful of men and women with the independence of mind, boldness of vision, and determination to serve that characterised the party’s founding generation of leaders."

"Thanks to the cadre system, it's only with the blessings of the current leadership can they climb the party hierarchy – and the current leadership is unlikely to sanctify young turks with radically different views."

Top photo from here

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