Lai See | Could Singapore be one of the 'external forces'?

We have been worried lately by the "external forces" that Leung Chun-ying and the central government speak of with such certainty. Ever mindful of national security, Lai See has put his ear to the ground in the hope of being able to help identify these "forces". Our efforts so far have not been convincing.

People we have consulted suggest McDonald's on account of the huge business it is doing at Admiralty feeding the students. It has been noted that its staff are wearing black T-shirts in sympathy with the Umbrella Movement - a clear indication of subversive tendencies. Could McDonald's be a CIA front?

Another suggestion is Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The thinking here is that in closing some of the streets without bringing the city to a grinding halt it demonstrates Hong Kong's suitability for grand prix racing.

Green groups are also suspected for seeking to influence others with radical ideas about fresh air and aversion to motor vehicles. We are open to submissions from those of you that are aware of other possible "external forces".

One of the more interesting suggestions is that the dirty tricks department in Singapore had been providing support to undermine a rival financial centre. Unruly scenes of protesters clashing with police, together with pictures of tear gas swirling around Hong Kong's streets and police using pepper spray, are in stark contrast to the serenity of Singapore's tree-lined streets where families can live in peace and quiet and people can go about their business without the stress and unruliness found in Hong Kong.

Or could it be the Singapore authorities are learning from Hong Kong just in case Singaporeans decide, once Lee Kuan Yew is gone, that they are not entirely happy with their political arrangements?