Russia became a democratic country too quickly, while China is enjoying a level of prosperity as it opens up slowly to the rest of the world. I agree that having too many restrictions will hamper creativity, but having too much freedom is also bad. Just look at the chaos in Indonesia at the moment. That is why there is still a need for the Internal Security Act. If used properly, the ISA is capable of stopping troublemakers who are out to disturb the peace and harmony of Singapore that the government has so painstakingly established over the years.
Recruits go on to occupy some of the top positions in the government.
Those who qualify can easily get prestigious positions in high-paying private sector jobs of their asking. The only motivation to join the Indian civil service is possibly because of one's sense of higher calling to serve the nation and its people. So it is not surprising when Indian civil servants refuse to take orders from the politicians who abuse power and privileges to help their kin, property mafias, stock market manipulators, tax evaders, liquor lobbies, and criminal elements who help out politicians during elections. This situation is more appalling in the case of law-enforcement agencies such as the state police. Indian Police Service officers also belong to the UPSC cadres.