Is this for real? Readers get ‘political’ over Nas Daily’s videos on Singapore

National pride. Anti-government sentiments. A population who loves to complain and is ungrateful and negative. Credibility of online content. Freedom of speech. No, it is not Our Singapore Conversation in session, though it might as well be with the range of topics that surfaced after travel vlogger Nuseir Yassin, founder of Nas Daily, hit back sharply at those who questioned why he was "so effusive in his praise" of Singapore in various videos, challenging him to take up citizenship to see what it is like to live here. Mr Yassin labelled his critics "crybabies", sparking a social media storm. Here are some of the comments from Facebook users.

I don't understand you guys. Nas Daily has 8.2 million followers worldwide. He puts up videos to promote Singapore to the rest of the world. Isn't this a good thing for Singapore? Why do you guys have a problem when Singapore is portrayed positively? Don't you guys love Singapore, your own country? ANG TECK HUAT

Nas Daily, continue to do what you enjoy. I am one proud Singaporean! Thank you for those awesome and wonderful videos! MARY CHIA

Nas Daily, I have a fantastic idea for your next video. "I got the most amazing culture shock — first time in my life — I realise there's a country where the citizens feel negative when praised. They prefer to be criticised. Could it be their secret to success in building this country?" ESTELLE CHOW

Someone who looks and admires a beautiful cake does not know what it tastes like until he takes a bite of that cake. Giving a glowing review of the appearance of the beautiful cake may get him many "likes" from the baker, but for the paying customers who bought the cake based on its appearance and are disappointed with the taste, their opinions matter more than any review writers. DAVID FOO

Such a coincidence you met our prime minister on the bridge. A sponsored show, it must be. JUSTIN GOH

As vlogger, he has to be able to accept both positive and negative comments. His response to critics is arrogant and condescending. AU KAH KAY

He came in with a different perspective and he liked what he saw. He is allowed to have that opinion. Sure, we have our problems, but it doesn't mean that Nas Daily can't see what is positive in our country. Sure, I may disagree with his views, but does the disagreement invalidate his opinions? No. IGNATIUS LOUIS YAMATO

Some detractors just want you to show only the ugly aspects of Singapore. They expect this island nation to run on 100 per cent faultless efficiency. What they want is a foolproof Government who can do no wrong and they think the opposition can do the job better than the Government. There are many dissatisfied and disgruntled people with many criticisms, but they offer no viable actions and solutions other than to have this Government kicked out. CHAI MIN FOOK

You can say this country offers this and that as its unique attractions, but calling a place "an almost perfect country" just shows he's not well-rounded in his observations and his followers prefer opinions that sound good rather than have any critical thinking or questioning. MICHAEL FUNG

Personally, I think he doesn't understand Singaporeans and Singapore well enough to give us a lecture. VINCENT GOH

I just feel people reacted that way because he took a very simplistic view of Singapore and got really defensive when people challenged him… The fellow has major endorsements. No way an ordinary nobody can get permits to shoot at Changi Airport, fly a drone in the city centre or shoot at PUB's property. SIVARAJ PRAGASM

He didn't give a simplistic view of Singapore... I travel often and know enough to say that Singapore really provides a lot... The problems we raised, many countries face them, too. Are we expecting Singapore to be a utopia? JUNITY TAY MAY MAY

While it is true that we are fortunate enough in Singapore, where systems and services are better-run than some other countries, and that we enjoy peace and relative stability, it doesn't mean that all is rosy and that we can feel contented with our performance. Granted, the comments were perhaps overly negative. However, if we have the capacity to do better, especially in terms of improving the lives of citizens, we should do so. Hence, no matter how well we are doing compared with other countries, the concerns on the ground should not be swept under the carpet. IAN HONG

He did a video on Singapore, not a series about how your government operates? Don't confuse your government with your country… There's still time to be proud. Malaysians and Indonesians are your best examples. He does a video about Singapore, they comment saying their countries are better. A video on Singapore's cuisine appears on YouTube, they will make sure they are there to claim it as theirs. Are their governments perfect? But they sure are thick-skinned and proud of their roots… If you're so critical and negative all the time, I hope you don't spread it to your children. Don't like the videos that others make, do one yourself. I am looking forward to it. LAU YU HUI

Gratefulness is what's lacking in so many people.

Instead of saying "I've to go to work today", we ought to be saying, "I get to have work today". If we can replace all our grouses to "I get to ....", we'll find ourselves being grateful living in a country with no natural disasters, agencies to help the poor or extremely poor provided they are able to flag their situation, a decent roof over our heads, cheap hawker meals, and convenient public transport etc. It's not wrong to grumble, I guess. However, we must still be grateful. Nas Daily's video is such a breath of fresh air. MAGDALENE BERNADETTE TAN

The comments are amazing, never felt so ashamed of being Singaporean. The only thing I see is stress and all the toxicity. Keep the political agenda and your first world problems aside and to yourselves. No one needs them, seriously. MUHAMMAD AZRUL B AKASHAH

Out of all the comments from people around the world that post about his videos...it's sad to see that Singaporeans' comments are the worst. It just shows how spoilt, childish, insensitive and uncivilised some people can be. ANDREW LEE

He goes to a place for a few days, touches the surface and then takes off, and he thinks he knows the place? This guy has perspective? He lives in his own vlogger bubble. OLYMPIAKOS DIMITRY

I wonder how many people who complain about Nas Daily, purposely seek out, take videos and pictures of the bad and ugly things when they are on vacation in another country. Foreigners diss Singapore? Complain! Foreigners praise Singapore? Also complain… we have our problems and we're not perfect. But is it necessary to diss him? TERENCE FOONG

His review is not going to change the world. Relax, people. PRAISIE HUANG

*Comments were first posted on TODAY's Facebook page and TODAY Readers Facebook group. They are edited for language and clarity.