Singapore is never a truly democracy other than a family dynasty
Singapore is a democracy, just an illiberal one. Even Lee Kuan Yew, critical of democracy for its inefficiencies and populism, admits that democracy is a 'superior form of government' in the long term.
What is ‘true democracy’ as you define? Presidential style like the US and Taiwan? Parliamentary system like Japan and Australia? Or direct democracy in the case of Switzerland? Rotating governments?
In Singapore, the Prime Minister and his party has to contest for elections and defend their policies in the parliament.
Fake news law:
Policy on population size:
And yes, the ruling party (PAP) has to respond to the people's concern.
Take housing for example, the PAP suffered a major electoral setback in 2011 and housing is one major issue. They have been addressing the issue since then, and housing affordability has improved over the years.
Increase in housing supply:
Price:
See the spike 2018? The government took immediate measures after that.
2nd July 2018: Private home prices
jumped by 9.1 per cent year-on-year
4th July 2018: Central Bank warns of 'euphoria', government monitoring housing market closely
5th July 2018: Heavy cooling measures announced, effective from 6th July
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/new...v-expected-but-heavy-handed-analysts-10503276
October 2018: Increase in average minimum unit size for private property
https://www.asiaone.com/business/bigger-average-unit-size-expected-temper-condo-prices-singapore
Without 'true democracy', you think the government would take such swift actions to address the people's concern?
We would be living in expensive nano-flats like Hong Kong.