Singapore appears to be very strict. In reality though, my opinion is that Singaporeans enjoy greater freedoms than most foreigners, including, arguably, people from the land of the free.
For instance, you can walk around with a bottle of liquor in your hands and drink freely from it. However, if you get too rowdy or start harassing someone, then you'll have to enjoy its consequences as well.
Singapore's strictness on all manner of illicit activity results in a lot of safety for its people. You can walk around the streets any time you want, and if you're feeling adventurous down a dark alley or two. Chances are, you will survive, with both dignity and cash intact. I'm not saying that there is no crime in Singapore, but there is no pervasive undercurrent of fear for people living here