Worlds apart? London mayor’s Singapore visit triggers clash over city reputations

A social media post by London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling his city and Singapore global powerhouses has ignited scrutiny of both places, with critics arguing that they are worlds apart.

Khan, who was in Singapore this week, posted a picture of himself standing in front of the Marina Bay skyline on Sunday with the caption: “This is what it looks like when two global powerhouses unite. Delighted to be here to bang the drum for London and supercharge the strong ties between our countries.”

Social media users were quick to point out the differences, particularly when it came to law and order. While some called Singapore too authoritarian and strict, others pointed out that London’s crime rates made it unsafe.

“In Singapore people do not get randomly stabbed, randomly mugged, have their bikes randomly stolen, nor get to watch other people randomly not pay for public transport,” one user said. “Khan would do well to learn from Singapore. But I’m not holding my breath on that.”

Another user said: “The former colony has now surpassed its former colonial master as the latter forgot how to govern.”

In response to the criticism, a spokesman for Khan told This Week in Asia that the mayor was leading a business delegation to Singapore to foster stronger ties between the countries.