The Strait Times website ran this article on 26 May 2009 (Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times):
'Hybrid system' for Parliament?
By Zakir Hussain
NOMINATED MP Siew Kum Hong on Monday called for a hybrid Parliament in which 'a limited number of seats' could be 'allocated by way of proportional representation', while the majority would still be filled the way they are now.
This would allow for more diverse views in Parliament, he said, adding that it would also be 'more consistent with democratic principles than a scheme like the Nominated MP scheme'.
Under proportional representation, parties are allocated seats based on their share of the popular vote.
Mr Siew also welcomed the three principles outlined by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong over the weekend to guide political changes that President SR Nathan had hinted at in his address to Parliament last Monday.
Mr Goh said the changes must be fair to all political parties; should result in a strong, effective Government; and must ensure diverse and opposition views are represented in Parliament.
Mr Siew said that these objectives accept that a fair electoral system is critical for its legitimacy, and that it is in Singapore's interest to have diverse views in the House.
'I applaud the SM, and the Government, for taking this stance,' he said.
Mr Siew also called for a reduction in the size of group representation constituencies (GRCs) and an increase in the number of single member constituencies.
'These moves, together with clear commitments to refrain from the constant redrawing of electoral boundaries and to openly publish the reasons and justifications for any such redrawing, will go a long way towards restoring Singaporeans' respect for the political process in Singapore,' he said.
He felt the moves would also make citizens more willing to take part in the political process, and convince them that the PAP is serious about political change, even if this meant its absolute dominance of the House could be at risk.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Teach Character Values
The Straits Times ran this article on 26 May 2009:
Teach character values
By Derrick Ho
THE apparent lack of civility and gracious behaviour during the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) saga is a clear indication that Singapore is still lagging behind in graciousness, said MP Lim Biow Chuan (Maine Parade GRC) on Tuesday.
He urged schools to teach basic character values to students all the way till university level.
'The only point which I wish to make is that if the reports are accurate, then civility and gracious behaviour during the Aware extraordinary general meeting was clearly missing. While I accept that emotions were highly charged.... I would submit that this cannot be the level of behaviour which we should promote as acceptable,' he said of the 'raucous behaviour' during the EGM.
Citing other examples, Mr Lim said graciousness among Singaporeans seems to 'be an elusive target which is moving further and further away'.
Unruly road behaviour and the need to still rely on campaigns to encourage commuters to give up seats to the elderly, and shoppers to return their trolleys, were some instances Mr Lim raised in his speech during the debate on the President's address.
He said regardless of Singapore's economic situation, 'well-mannered, courteous and considerate' fellow citizens will make life more pleasant'.
Mr Lim said if Singapore is serious about wanting to promote a more civil society, parents must play a part in inculcating values themselves and not 'sub-contract' it to their domestic helper or rely solely on teachers.
Raising a similar point, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parilamentary Secretatary for Education and Home Affairs, urged the government and society not to lose sight of its principles and 'fundamentals' during tough times and ensure that children continue to attend school and focus on their studies.'
He noted that a good number of youths drop out of school because they can get by, working at McDonald's for $4 per hour by leaving school immediately rather than wait 12 long years of education to earn a trade certificate.
Acknowledging that dual income families may not be able to spend more time with their children, Mr Lim urged the Ministry of Education to consider teaching basic character values through the entire school curriculum from primary school level all the way to university.
'We should make character education an integral part of the education system and not just another non-examinable subject. We must evaluate out school principals and administrators not on how many students that they can produce with outstanding academic results but how well they mould their students.'
Mr Lim also asked the government to take the lead in nurturing graciousness by showing more compassion to the poor. Citing an example, he said many HDB tenants were asked to pay a higher rental when their family income goes up, regardless of the number of family members the tenant has to support.
'When it comes to dealing with the poorer segment of our society, we take quite a tough approach with these tenants,' Mr Lim said. 'We have failed to come across as being compassionate and mindful of their difficulties... Can we not afford these people a greater sense of compassion by the government? Can we not give our residents more encouragement when they try to better their lives to earn a higher income?'
Teach character values
By Derrick Ho
THE apparent lack of civility and gracious behaviour during the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) saga is a clear indication that Singapore is still lagging behind in graciousness, said MP Lim Biow Chuan (Maine Parade GRC) on Tuesday.
He urged schools to teach basic character values to students all the way till university level.
'The only point which I wish to make is that if the reports are accurate, then civility and gracious behaviour during the Aware extraordinary general meeting was clearly missing. While I accept that emotions were highly charged.... I would submit that this cannot be the level of behaviour which we should promote as acceptable,' he said of the 'raucous behaviour' during the EGM.
Citing other examples, Mr Lim said graciousness among Singaporeans seems to 'be an elusive target which is moving further and further away'.
Unruly road behaviour and the need to still rely on campaigns to encourage commuters to give up seats to the elderly, and shoppers to return their trolleys, were some instances Mr Lim raised in his speech during the debate on the President's address.
He said regardless of Singapore's economic situation, 'well-mannered, courteous and considerate' fellow citizens will make life more pleasant'.
Mr Lim said if Singapore is serious about wanting to promote a more civil society, parents must play a part in inculcating values themselves and not 'sub-contract' it to their domestic helper or rely solely on teachers.
Raising a similar point, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parilamentary Secretatary for Education and Home Affairs, urged the government and society not to lose sight of its principles and 'fundamentals' during tough times and ensure that children continue to attend school and focus on their studies.'
He noted that a good number of youths drop out of school because they can get by, working at McDonald's for $4 per hour by leaving school immediately rather than wait 12 long years of education to earn a trade certificate.
Acknowledging that dual income families may not be able to spend more time with their children, Mr Lim urged the Ministry of Education to consider teaching basic character values through the entire school curriculum from primary school level all the way to university.
'We should make character education an integral part of the education system and not just another non-examinable subject. We must evaluate out school principals and administrators not on how many students that they can produce with outstanding academic results but how well they mould their students.'
Mr Lim also asked the government to take the lead in nurturing graciousness by showing more compassion to the poor. Citing an example, he said many HDB tenants were asked to pay a higher rental when their family income goes up, regardless of the number of family members the tenant has to support.
'When it comes to dealing with the poorer segment of our society, we take quite a tough approach with these tenants,' Mr Lim said. 'We have failed to come across as being compassionate and mindful of their difficulties... Can we not afford these people a greater sense of compassion by the government? Can we not give our residents more encouragement when they try to better their lives to earn a higher income?'
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lorry Load of Trouble
The New Paper ran this article on 26 May 2009:
Lorry load of trouble
By Ho Lian-Yi
It's common to hear Singaporeans gripe about having to be packed like sardines on trains and buses during peak hours.
But take a look at these pictures - and see how foreign workers are being transported daily.
They put up with bumpy rides and battle the elements. Worse, it is dangerous.
Four workers were killed last Monday after the lorry that was carrying them crashed into a trailer at Tuas.
We spoke to a few foreign workers to find out what it's like to travel on the back of a lorry.
Mr Arman, 29, a Bangladeshi, told The New Paper that he gets to sit in the front of the lorry these days - one of the perks of being a supervisor.
But he still remembers vividly the "scary" rides at the back.
The ride from his workers' quarters in Yishun to his worksite in Haig Road takes 25 minutes.
When the drive brakes suddenly, "those behind also come to the front", he said.
He has also seen workers getting hit by low-lying branches - causing injury in some cases.
What is really dangerous, Mr Arman said, is when companies carry equipment and men on the same lorry. When it's overloaded, workers have to sit on the machinery.
He said his workers bought a 5m-long canvas sheet to protect themselves from the rain. When it pours, they huddle under the sheet, holding hands.
Despite the recent accident, nothing has changed, Mr Arman said.
Another Bangladeshi workers, 38, who declined to be named, said that recently, one of his colleagues injured his leg falling off a lorry when it surged forward before he had properly climbed onboard.
Although he has worked in Singapore for 19 years, he said he had to take lorries only in the last two years. Previously, he lived onsite.
The lorry rides are very bumpy, he said. And that hurts his spine.
"One year, two years, so much damage to my back," he said.
Sometimes, when the lorry ends up behind a rubbish truck, the stench is unbearable, he said.
He added that when the workers get caught in the rain and fall sick, some foremen are unsympathetic.
Other workers though, had better experiences.
Indian national Muthu Senthil, 28, who has worked in Singapore for five years, takes the lorry from Tuas to Marina Bay at 7am every day. It's a 45-minute ride.
While there are no seat belts, he said everyone holds on to the handlebars at the side tightly. And people do not fall off as the driver moves off only after the workers have told him that everyone is secure.
No mixing
They also do not mix equipment with workers.
"If they need to get equipment, they'll make a second trip," Mr Senthil said.
Singapore roads are straight, he added, and not dangerous.
Mr Bala Supramaniam, 27, said his driver, a Singaporean, was "very good" and cleans his lorry every day.
"He follows the speed limit, even on the highway," he said.
His lorry has plywood planks securely bolted to the sides for the workers to sit, and handles to grasp.
Mr Bala deals with the dust and smoke of the roads with a handkerchief over his mouth.
What he is unhappy about is the way many workers get on or off a lorry while it's still moving.
All the foreign workers we spoke to said they preferred to be transported by bus. But most were not optimistic that there will be changes any time soon.
Said Mr Arman, "If I tell my boss, buy a bus for us, he'll say, 'waste money for what?'"
Lorry load of trouble
By Ho Lian-Yi
It's common to hear Singaporeans gripe about having to be packed like sardines on trains and buses during peak hours.
But take a look at these pictures - and see how foreign workers are being transported daily.
They put up with bumpy rides and battle the elements. Worse, it is dangerous.
Four workers were killed last Monday after the lorry that was carrying them crashed into a trailer at Tuas.
We spoke to a few foreign workers to find out what it's like to travel on the back of a lorry.
Mr Arman, 29, a Bangladeshi, told The New Paper that he gets to sit in the front of the lorry these days - one of the perks of being a supervisor.
But he still remembers vividly the "scary" rides at the back.
The ride from his workers' quarters in Yishun to his worksite in Haig Road takes 25 minutes.
When the drive brakes suddenly, "those behind also come to the front", he said.
He has also seen workers getting hit by low-lying branches - causing injury in some cases.
What is really dangerous, Mr Arman said, is when companies carry equipment and men on the same lorry. When it's overloaded, workers have to sit on the machinery.
He said his workers bought a 5m-long canvas sheet to protect themselves from the rain. When it pours, they huddle under the sheet, holding hands.
Despite the recent accident, nothing has changed, Mr Arman said.
Another Bangladeshi workers, 38, who declined to be named, said that recently, one of his colleagues injured his leg falling off a lorry when it surged forward before he had properly climbed onboard.
Although he has worked in Singapore for 19 years, he said he had to take lorries only in the last two years. Previously, he lived onsite.
The lorry rides are very bumpy, he said. And that hurts his spine.
"One year, two years, so much damage to my back," he said.
Sometimes, when the lorry ends up behind a rubbish truck, the stench is unbearable, he said.
He added that when the workers get caught in the rain and fall sick, some foremen are unsympathetic.
Other workers though, had better experiences.
Indian national Muthu Senthil, 28, who has worked in Singapore for five years, takes the lorry from Tuas to Marina Bay at 7am every day. It's a 45-minute ride.
While there are no seat belts, he said everyone holds on to the handlebars at the side tightly. And people do not fall off as the driver moves off only after the workers have told him that everyone is secure.
No mixing
They also do not mix equipment with workers.
"If they need to get equipment, they'll make a second trip," Mr Senthil said.
Singapore roads are straight, he added, and not dangerous.
Mr Bala Supramaniam, 27, said his driver, a Singaporean, was "very good" and cleans his lorry every day.
"He follows the speed limit, even on the highway," he said.
His lorry has plywood planks securely bolted to the sides for the workers to sit, and handles to grasp.
Mr Bala deals with the dust and smoke of the roads with a handkerchief over his mouth.
What he is unhappy about is the way many workers get on or off a lorry while it's still moving.
All the foreign workers we spoke to said they preferred to be transported by bus. But most were not optimistic that there will be changes any time soon.
Said Mr Arman, "If I tell my boss, buy a bus for us, he'll say, 'waste money for what?'"
Only Elected Opposition Offers 'Effective Checks'
The Straits Times ran this article on 26 May 2009:
Only elected opposition offers 'effective checks'
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent
THE ruling party says the effectiveness of Singapore's political system lies in its internal checks and its ability to serve the people, but only an elected opposition can provide effective checks and balances, Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) declared yesterday.
The leader of the Workers' Party said this is because the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) currently dominates the House, can amend the Constitution freely, and controls key levers of power in the country.
What if one day it were to abuse its powers, trample on people's rights or become corrupt? 'What can the people do then?' asked Mr Low.
NMP Siew Kum Hong calls for a 'hybrid system' for Parliament
NOMINATED MP Siew Kum Hong yesterday called for a hybrid Parliament in which 'a limited number of seats' could be 'allocated by way of proportional representation', while the majority would still be filled the way they are now.
This would allow for more diverse views in Parliament, he said, adding that it would also be 'more consistent with democratic principles than a scheme like the Nominated MP scheme'.
Under proportional representation, parties are allocated seats based on their share of the popular vote.
Only elected opposition offers 'effective checks'
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent
THE ruling party says the effectiveness of Singapore's political system lies in its internal checks and its ability to serve the people, but only an elected opposition can provide effective checks and balances, Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) declared yesterday.
The leader of the Workers' Party said this is because the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) currently dominates the House, can amend the Constitution freely, and controls key levers of power in the country.
What if one day it were to abuse its powers, trample on people's rights or become corrupt? 'What can the people do then?' asked Mr Low.
NMP Siew Kum Hong calls for a 'hybrid system' for Parliament
NOMINATED MP Siew Kum Hong yesterday called for a hybrid Parliament in which 'a limited number of seats' could be 'allocated by way of proportional representation', while the majority would still be filled the way they are now.
This would allow for more diverse views in Parliament, he said, adding that it would also be 'more consistent with democratic principles than a scheme like the Nominated MP scheme'.
Under proportional representation, parties are allocated seats based on their share of the popular vote.
We Are Not Funding NMP
The Electric New Paper ran this article on 26 May 2009:
We are not funding NMP
By Liew Hanqing
NETIZENS were abuzz over a meeting between him and Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong last month.
But Mr Johan Skarendal, 29, a member of the Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), has rubbished online allegations that Mr Siew had asked for and is receiving foreign funding from his organisation.
Mr Skarendal said SILC is a foundation which assists democracy development, by supporting organisations and individuals who promote democracy and human rights.
It is affiliated to the Liberal Party, one of the four political parties in the Swedish government since 2006.
In recent weeks, Mr Siew has been the target of what seems like an organised online campaign to oppose his re-nomination as a NMP.
Flamed online
He has been flamed extensively on several forums and blogs, and has even received nasty e-mails from his detractors.
Mr Skarendal told The New Paper that though he met Mr Siew during his visit to Singapore last month, the issue of funding was never broached.
He said: 'I met him (Mr Siew) for one hour to discuss his work in parliament, and his views on current affairs and the civil society in Singapore.'
He added that SILC is one of several Swedish organisations carrying out government policy in the democracy assistance field.
'All of our project proposals must pass through rigorous screening and evaluation before decisions are made to fund a project,' he said.
He stressed that Mr Siew did not ask about the possibility of funding, and neither did he mention the possibility to Mr Siew.
'The current allegations against him are clearly nothing but hot air with the intent to defame him, and as such are criminal in nature,' Mr Skarendal said.
When contacted, Mr Siew declined comment as he has already made a police report.
In an 18 May entry on his blog (siewkumhong.blogspot.com), Mr Siew wrote: 'I did not at any time ask for, and have not at any time been offered or accepted, any sort of funding from any local or foreign entity, including the Swedish politician named in the latest attack.
'The only sources of income (or funding) that I have, are my employer and the Government of Singapore (in the form of my monthly NMP allowance).'
He quashed online allegations of links with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).
Mr Siew described the latest attacks as going 'beyond anything that a reasonable person could possibly perceive as being a valid or legitimate exercise of the right to free speech.'
He added that he would not tolerate the latest wave of 'character assassination' from 'cowards hiding behind the perceived anonymity of the Internet'.
Mr Skarendal said his latest visit to Singapore was with Mr Henrik Ehrenberg, head of the allied Christian Democratic International Center.
They met with several 'human rights defenders and civil society members', but Mr Skarendal declined to say who, because it would be 'impolite' to do so.
He confirmed that he had met with SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan during the recent visit. They first met in February 2003 when Dr Chee visited Sweden.
We are not funding NMP
By Liew Hanqing
NETIZENS were abuzz over a meeting between him and Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong last month.
But Mr Johan Skarendal, 29, a member of the Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), has rubbished online allegations that Mr Siew had asked for and is receiving foreign funding from his organisation.
Mr Skarendal said SILC is a foundation which assists democracy development, by supporting organisations and individuals who promote democracy and human rights.
It is affiliated to the Liberal Party, one of the four political parties in the Swedish government since 2006.
In recent weeks, Mr Siew has been the target of what seems like an organised online campaign to oppose his re-nomination as a NMP.
Flamed online
He has been flamed extensively on several forums and blogs, and has even received nasty e-mails from his detractors.
Mr Skarendal told The New Paper that though he met Mr Siew during his visit to Singapore last month, the issue of funding was never broached.
He said: 'I met him (Mr Siew) for one hour to discuss his work in parliament, and his views on current affairs and the civil society in Singapore.'
He added that SILC is one of several Swedish organisations carrying out government policy in the democracy assistance field.
'All of our project proposals must pass through rigorous screening and evaluation before decisions are made to fund a project,' he said.
He stressed that Mr Siew did not ask about the possibility of funding, and neither did he mention the possibility to Mr Siew.
'The current allegations against him are clearly nothing but hot air with the intent to defame him, and as such are criminal in nature,' Mr Skarendal said.
When contacted, Mr Siew declined comment as he has already made a police report.
In an 18 May entry on his blog (siewkumhong.blogspot.com), Mr Siew wrote: 'I did not at any time ask for, and have not at any time been offered or accepted, any sort of funding from any local or foreign entity, including the Swedish politician named in the latest attack.
'The only sources of income (or funding) that I have, are my employer and the Government of Singapore (in the form of my monthly NMP allowance).'
He quashed online allegations of links with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).
Mr Siew described the latest attacks as going 'beyond anything that a reasonable person could possibly perceive as being a valid or legitimate exercise of the right to free speech.'
He added that he would not tolerate the latest wave of 'character assassination' from 'cowards hiding behind the perceived anonymity of the Internet'.
Mr Skarendal said his latest visit to Singapore was with Mr Henrik Ehrenberg, head of the allied Christian Democratic International Center.
They met with several 'human rights defenders and civil society members', but Mr Skarendal declined to say who, because it would be 'impolite' to do so.
He confirmed that he had met with SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan during the recent visit. They first met in February 2003 when Dr Chee visited Sweden.
Call for Political Change
Today ran this article on 26 May 2009:
'Start with electoral boundaries’
By Alicia Wong
THOUGH it may put the People’s Action Party’s dominance at risk, the “sheer symbolism” of having smaller Group Representation Constituencies (GRC) and more Single Member Constituencies (SMC) willl “go a long way towards convincing Singaporeans that the PAP is serious about political change,” said Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong.
President S R Nathan had last week signalled that Singapore’s political system must evolve as society changes.
In Mr Siew’s view, clear commitments to not constantly re-draw the electoral boundaries, and publishing the reasons should the Government do so, will help restore Singaporean’s respect for the process and increase their desire to vote.
“That has to be the starting place if we truly want Singapore politics to evolve and Singaporeans to participate,” argued Mr Siew, who saw a “longstanding problem of political apathy and disengagement”.
MP Low Thia Kiang (Hougang) called for the strengthening of external checks and balances in the political system, in the form of the Opposition.
It is not enough that the losing candidate is appointed as a Non-Constituency MP, he argued; elected MPs have the benefit of Meet the People sessions which help them grasp issues on the ground. Also, given the chance to represent a constituency gives the Opposition party space for events to widen its networks.
In contrast to Mr Siew’s view, Reach chairman Amy Khor believes there is “a growing political maturity and vigorous, no holds barred debate on issues of the day”. She cited discussions on the Reach portal on electricity prices and the NMP nominations.
MP Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Ponggol) agreed society is becoming more “outspoken” as channels of communication between the Government and people grow. Recent episodes in civil society and sports associations also show “a cry for openness and transparency”, he noted.
Dr Khor said “cautious” experimentation is the way forward. With Singapore’s small size, there is no “manoeuvre room to embark on bold political experimentation without risking everything that has been painstakingly built up over the past few decades”, she warned.
'Start with electoral boundaries’
By Alicia Wong
THOUGH it may put the People’s Action Party’s dominance at risk, the “sheer symbolism” of having smaller Group Representation Constituencies (GRC) and more Single Member Constituencies (SMC) willl “go a long way towards convincing Singaporeans that the PAP is serious about political change,” said Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong.
President S R Nathan had last week signalled that Singapore’s political system must evolve as society changes.
In Mr Siew’s view, clear commitments to not constantly re-draw the electoral boundaries, and publishing the reasons should the Government do so, will help restore Singaporean’s respect for the process and increase their desire to vote.
“That has to be the starting place if we truly want Singapore politics to evolve and Singaporeans to participate,” argued Mr Siew, who saw a “longstanding problem of political apathy and disengagement”.
MP Low Thia Kiang (Hougang) called for the strengthening of external checks and balances in the political system, in the form of the Opposition.
It is not enough that the losing candidate is appointed as a Non-Constituency MP, he argued; elected MPs have the benefit of Meet the People sessions which help them grasp issues on the ground. Also, given the chance to represent a constituency gives the Opposition party space for events to widen its networks.
In contrast to Mr Siew’s view, Reach chairman Amy Khor believes there is “a growing political maturity and vigorous, no holds barred debate on issues of the day”. She cited discussions on the Reach portal on electricity prices and the NMP nominations.
MP Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Ponggol) agreed society is becoming more “outspoken” as channels of communication between the Government and people grow. Recent episodes in civil society and sports associations also show “a cry for openness and transparency”, he noted.
Dr Khor said “cautious” experimentation is the way forward. With Singapore’s small size, there is no “manoeuvre room to embark on bold political experimentation without risking everything that has been painstakingly built up over the past few decades”, she warned.
MPs Call for Greater Openness
Today ran this article on 26 May 2009:
MPs call for greater openness from Temasek and GIC
By Alicia Wong
AS THE world economy took one knock after another in the past year, Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore Investment Corp’s (GIC’s) investment decisions have also come in for some hard questions inside and outside of Parliament.
Yesterday, in their debate on the President’s May 18 address, Members of Parliament (MPs) added their voices to the call for more openness from the two investment companies in matters of public interest, as they homed in on Temasek’s recent divestment of its stake in Bank of America (BofA).
MP Inderjit Singh (Ang Mo Kio) called for a complete review on the management and investment of Singapore’s reserves, given how Temasek and GIC had deviated from what they were chartered to do. While GIC once followed conservative principles in long-term investments that delivered good returns, it has recently been investing in “more risky investments,” said Mr Singh.
Meanwhile, Temasek, which used to invest in Singapore or Government-linked companies in their early stages of development, “in fact moved more into what GIC used to do”, so that the two are “starting to look almost similar”.
A complete review of how Singapore’s reserves are managed from now on, would “require top-levelpolicy thinking on what the core objectives are, that these two funds should serve and how they should be managed,” said Mr Singh.
With Singapore’s reserves meant as “long-term shelter” for its citizens, “is it appropriate to allow GIC and Temasek to continue investing the way they have done in recent years, make somewhat speculative investments, like the way private wealth is shown to have been managed?” he questioned.
If Temasek does not return to its original investment roots, should there be another entity to invest and bring up Singapore-based companies, asked Mr Singh, “and most importantly, should we allow so much of our reserves to be placed with GIC and Temasek, or ... managed by people who understand these are meant to be long-term investments”?
On the BofA stake sale, Temasek had on May 15confirmed it sold its 3-per-cent shareholding through a series of sales in the first quarter — but kept mum on its reasons up till a week later, when it said that its “investment thesis” as well as the “risk-return environment” had changed. Still, it did not disclose the loss incurred on the deal, which stemmed from its 2007 US$5.9-billion investment in Merrill Lynch ($8.5 billion) that was later taken over by BofA.
Temasek’s reticence on the matter spawned even more speculation over the size of the loss, with some estimates hitting as high as US$4.6 billion.
MP Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Ponggol) highlighted how citizens speculated — online and offline — on Temasek’s reasons for divesting the BofA stake and the loss incurred. “Clearly, the public wanted to know the rationale and reasons behind the decision to sell what was originally meant to be a long term investment made with public funds,” he said.
“Unfortunately, due to the lack of information, speculation and discontent were rife,” he added.
While Temasek’s statement last Thursday was a “step in the right direction”, said Mr Palmer, “questions still remain”. While it is not expected to give detailed investment strategies, “answers to pertinent questions given after the fact, which will not impact investment outcome, would appear to be another matter”.
MP Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah) said: “We lost money that took generations and many good years to create. They are investing Singaporeans’ money and Singaporeans deserve greater accountability in how our money is being spent.”
Mr Zaqy highlighted the need to address issues such as matching the commercial objectives of the investment funds to the social objectives of the reserves. He also asked if there should be greater transparency “given to the public of the bonuses and performance of its staff”?
MPs call for greater openness from Temasek and GIC
By Alicia Wong
AS THE world economy took one knock after another in the past year, Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore Investment Corp’s (GIC’s) investment decisions have also come in for some hard questions inside and outside of Parliament.
Yesterday, in their debate on the President’s May 18 address, Members of Parliament (MPs) added their voices to the call for more openness from the two investment companies in matters of public interest, as they homed in on Temasek’s recent divestment of its stake in Bank of America (BofA).
MP Inderjit Singh (Ang Mo Kio) called for a complete review on the management and investment of Singapore’s reserves, given how Temasek and GIC had deviated from what they were chartered to do. While GIC once followed conservative principles in long-term investments that delivered good returns, it has recently been investing in “more risky investments,” said Mr Singh.
Meanwhile, Temasek, which used to invest in Singapore or Government-linked companies in their early stages of development, “in fact moved more into what GIC used to do”, so that the two are “starting to look almost similar”.
A complete review of how Singapore’s reserves are managed from now on, would “require top-levelpolicy thinking on what the core objectives are, that these two funds should serve and how they should be managed,” said Mr Singh.
With Singapore’s reserves meant as “long-term shelter” for its citizens, “is it appropriate to allow GIC and Temasek to continue investing the way they have done in recent years, make somewhat speculative investments, like the way private wealth is shown to have been managed?” he questioned.
If Temasek does not return to its original investment roots, should there be another entity to invest and bring up Singapore-based companies, asked Mr Singh, “and most importantly, should we allow so much of our reserves to be placed with GIC and Temasek, or ... managed by people who understand these are meant to be long-term investments”?
On the BofA stake sale, Temasek had on May 15confirmed it sold its 3-per-cent shareholding through a series of sales in the first quarter — but kept mum on its reasons up till a week later, when it said that its “investment thesis” as well as the “risk-return environment” had changed. Still, it did not disclose the loss incurred on the deal, which stemmed from its 2007 US$5.9-billion investment in Merrill Lynch ($8.5 billion) that was later taken over by BofA.
Temasek’s reticence on the matter spawned even more speculation over the size of the loss, with some estimates hitting as high as US$4.6 billion.
MP Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Ponggol) highlighted how citizens speculated — online and offline — on Temasek’s reasons for divesting the BofA stake and the loss incurred. “Clearly, the public wanted to know the rationale and reasons behind the decision to sell what was originally meant to be a long term investment made with public funds,” he said.
“Unfortunately, due to the lack of information, speculation and discontent were rife,” he added.
While Temasek’s statement last Thursday was a “step in the right direction”, said Mr Palmer, “questions still remain”. While it is not expected to give detailed investment strategies, “answers to pertinent questions given after the fact, which will not impact investment outcome, would appear to be another matter”.
MP Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah) said: “We lost money that took generations and many good years to create. They are investing Singaporeans’ money and Singaporeans deserve greater accountability in how our money is being spent.”
Mr Zaqy highlighted the need to address issues such as matching the commercial objectives of the investment funds to the social objectives of the reserves. He also asked if there should be greater transparency “given to the public of the bonuses and performance of its staff”?
Call for a Review of Foreign Worker Policy
Today ran this article on 26 May 2009:
Call for a review of foreign worker policy
By Neo Chai Chin
Should Singapore tighten its “liberal” foreign worker policies? Some Members of Parliament think so and have called for a Government review.
Jurong MP Halimah Yacob urged for a review of foreign worker quotas to reflect today’s situation of higher unemployment and weaker job creation. She warned of a “hollowing out of skills” among locals, should large numbers of foreigners occupy jobs in a particular sector.
“There are now so many foreign workers even in the services sector that Singaporeans are beginning to feel squeezed out,” she said. For their part, Singaporeans must be prepared to work in new sectors or work further away from home.
Ang Mo Kio MP Inderjit Singh believes Singapore needs more pro-active measures such as a minimum-wage system to make some jobs more attractive to locals — a call the Opposition has made in the past — as well as reserving certain jobs for Singaporeans.
Middle- and lower-income groups here will be worse off over time with the current liberal policies due to “artificially depressed” wages — a result of “competition for low value-added jobs from foreigners”, he said.
Call for a review of foreign worker policy
By Neo Chai Chin
Should Singapore tighten its “liberal” foreign worker policies? Some Members of Parliament think so and have called for a Government review.
Jurong MP Halimah Yacob urged for a review of foreign worker quotas to reflect today’s situation of higher unemployment and weaker job creation. She warned of a “hollowing out of skills” among locals, should large numbers of foreigners occupy jobs in a particular sector.
“There are now so many foreign workers even in the services sector that Singaporeans are beginning to feel squeezed out,” she said. For their part, Singaporeans must be prepared to work in new sectors or work further away from home.
Ang Mo Kio MP Inderjit Singh believes Singapore needs more pro-active measures such as a minimum-wage system to make some jobs more attractive to locals — a call the Opposition has made in the past — as well as reserving certain jobs for Singaporeans.
Middle- and lower-income groups here will be worse off over time with the current liberal policies due to “artificially depressed” wages — a result of “competition for low value-added jobs from foreigners”, he said.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi Set to Testify as Outcry Grows
AFP ran this article on 26 May 2009:
Myanmar's Suu Kyi set to testify as outcry grows
Myanmar pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was set to testify at her trial, as European and Asian foreign ministers stepped up international pressure on the ruling junta to free her.
The military regime said it would reopen the court to diplomats and journalists for part of the day in a small concession to global criticism of its treatment of the 63-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Critics say Aung San Suu Kyi's trial, on charges of breaching her house arrest over an incident in which a US man swam to her house, is an excuse for Myanmar's ruling generals to lock her up for elections due next year.
The spokesman for her opposition party, Nyan Win, said the defence felt that the mostly closed proceedings at the notorious Insein Prison near the main city of Yangon were being rushed through.
"She will be questioned by the judge (on Tuesday)... This was a surprise to us because we need more time to discuss the case with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Nyan Win said on Monday night.
Aung San Suu Kyi pleaded innocent last week to the charges, under which she faces between three and five years in jail. She has been detained for 13 of the last 19 years, mostly under house arrest.
The defence is also planning to call Tin Oo , the detained deputy leader of her opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party, as one of its witnesses.
Asked whether he thought the ruling junta would allow testimony by Tin Oo, who has been in jail or under house arrest since 2003, Nyan Win told AFP: "They have to, otherwise it will be one-sided."
Diplomats from all foreign embassies in Yangon had been told to report to the court early on Tuesday for a briefing by a magistrate, and they would be allowed to attend the trial later in the day, a western diplomat said.
Authorities will also allow 10 journalists from local media and 11 from international organisations to report on part of the proceedings.
The trial has provoked a storm of international outrage.
More than 40 foreign ministers from Asia and Europe meeting in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi this week are to jointly call for the release Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a draft statement.
"In light of the concern about the recent development to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ministers... called for the early release of those under detention and the lifting of restriction placed on political parties," said the draft statement.
During a meeting Monday with Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win on the sidelines of the talks, the EU called for Aung San Suu Kyi's immediate release.
In a rare move, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) last week expressed "grave concern" over her treatment. Myanmar's neighbours normally prefer not to be seen as intervening in the affairs of their members.
Myanmar issued an angry rebuttal to the statement on Monday.
The junta is also trying the American intruder, John Yettaw, and two female aides who live with Aung San Suu Kyi in the house.
Yettaw has said that he swam across a lake to the house to warn her of his belief that she would be assassinated, but the junta accuses Aung San Suu Kyi of illegally communicating with and sheltering him.
The latest, six-year period of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is due to expire on Wednesday but Myanmar authorities have not said whether they will extend the term.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her deputy Tin Oo have both been detained since an incident in 2003 in which their motorcade came under attack during a political tour.
Wednesday is also the 19th anniversary of Myanmar's last democratic elections. The NLD won a landslide victory in the polls, but the military never allowed it to take office.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi set to testify as outcry grows
Myanmar pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was set to testify at her trial, as European and Asian foreign ministers stepped up international pressure on the ruling junta to free her.
The military regime said it would reopen the court to diplomats and journalists for part of the day in a small concession to global criticism of its treatment of the 63-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Critics say Aung San Suu Kyi's trial, on charges of breaching her house arrest over an incident in which a US man swam to her house, is an excuse for Myanmar's ruling generals to lock her up for elections due next year.
The spokesman for her opposition party, Nyan Win, said the defence felt that the mostly closed proceedings at the notorious Insein Prison near the main city of Yangon were being rushed through.
"She will be questioned by the judge (on Tuesday)... This was a surprise to us because we need more time to discuss the case with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Nyan Win said on Monday night.
Aung San Suu Kyi pleaded innocent last week to the charges, under which she faces between three and five years in jail. She has been detained for 13 of the last 19 years, mostly under house arrest.
The defence is also planning to call Tin Oo , the detained deputy leader of her opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party, as one of its witnesses.
Asked whether he thought the ruling junta would allow testimony by Tin Oo, who has been in jail or under house arrest since 2003, Nyan Win told AFP: "They have to, otherwise it will be one-sided."
Diplomats from all foreign embassies in Yangon had been told to report to the court early on Tuesday for a briefing by a magistrate, and they would be allowed to attend the trial later in the day, a western diplomat said.
Authorities will also allow 10 journalists from local media and 11 from international organisations to report on part of the proceedings.
The trial has provoked a storm of international outrage.
More than 40 foreign ministers from Asia and Europe meeting in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi this week are to jointly call for the release Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a draft statement.
"In light of the concern about the recent development to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ministers... called for the early release of those under detention and the lifting of restriction placed on political parties," said the draft statement.
During a meeting Monday with Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win on the sidelines of the talks, the EU called for Aung San Suu Kyi's immediate release.
In a rare move, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) last week expressed "grave concern" over her treatment. Myanmar's neighbours normally prefer not to be seen as intervening in the affairs of their members.
Myanmar issued an angry rebuttal to the statement on Monday.
The junta is also trying the American intruder, John Yettaw, and two female aides who live with Aung San Suu Kyi in the house.
Yettaw has said that he swam across a lake to the house to warn her of his belief that she would be assassinated, but the junta accuses Aung San Suu Kyi of illegally communicating with and sheltering him.
The latest, six-year period of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is due to expire on Wednesday but Myanmar authorities have not said whether they will extend the term.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her deputy Tin Oo have both been detained since an incident in 2003 in which their motorcade came under attack during a political tour.
Wednesday is also the 19th anniversary of Myanmar's last democratic elections. The NLD won a landslide victory in the polls, but the military never allowed it to take office.
Chinese Worker Jailed for 10 Weeks
The Straits Times ran this story on 25 May 2009:
Jailed for 10 weeks
A CHINESE national who threatened to jump from the top of the Ministry of Manpower building last month had no intention of doing so, a district court heard on Monday.
Zhao Er Hui's purpose of calling the police on April 1 was to intimidate MOM officers to intervene into his work-related issues with his employer.
The 32-year-old was jailed for 10 weeks after he admitted to criminal trespass at the seven-storey MOM building at Havelock Road that day.
Jailed for 10 weeks
A CHINESE national who threatened to jump from the top of the Ministry of Manpower building last month had no intention of doing so, a district court heard on Monday.
Zhao Er Hui's purpose of calling the police on April 1 was to intimidate MOM officers to intervene into his work-related issues with his employer.
The 32-year-old was jailed for 10 weeks after he admitted to criminal trespass at the seven-storey MOM building at Havelock Road that day.
Profitable, So Deducted Staff Pay Given Back
This article was published in The Business Times on 25 May 2009:
Profitable, so deducted staff pay given back
LIKE many other companies, Knight Frank has cut staff pay as one way of riding out the downturn. But unlike most, it's ready to pay back the amount taken away - when it does well.
Staff whose pay was cut by 10-20 per cent for the months of February to April have been paid back the deducted amount.
Knight Frank chairman Tan Tiong Cheng told BT that this was done after the company managed to 'scrape through' and make a profit for the year ended April 30, 2009.
And while the pay cut remains for the current financial year, Knight Frank will return the deducted amount again should it do well.
The group has a total headcount of about 560 people in Singapore. That's excluding its network of about 700 associates or agents who don't earn a salary but are paid commissions on sales instead.
Executive directors and directors took the biggest pay cut of 20 per cent from Feb 1, with other staff seeing their salaries trimmed between 10 and 15 per cent, again with more senior staff members taking the bigger hit. Those earning less than $2,000 a month were spared.
Mr Tan declined to say just how much profit the company made for the financial year just ended. However, he disclosed that turnover fell 25-30 per cent - investment sales and residential agency businesses were hit by the property slump, but valuation did 'extremely well' and retail agency also chalked up good numbers.
On a group basis, including the results of subsidiaries such as Knight Frank Shopping Centre Management, Knight Frank Estate Management (which does property and facilities management) and Knight Frank Property Network (the associates arm), revenue took a small dent.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records show that the company made an after-tax profit of $5.4 million and had revenue of $37.2 million for the year ended April 30, 2007. Figures for the year ended April 30, 2008 were not listed.
Profitable, so deducted staff pay given back
LIKE many other companies, Knight Frank has cut staff pay as one way of riding out the downturn. But unlike most, it's ready to pay back the amount taken away - when it does well.
Staff whose pay was cut by 10-20 per cent for the months of February to April have been paid back the deducted amount.
Knight Frank chairman Tan Tiong Cheng told BT that this was done after the company managed to 'scrape through' and make a profit for the year ended April 30, 2009.
And while the pay cut remains for the current financial year, Knight Frank will return the deducted amount again should it do well.
The group has a total headcount of about 560 people in Singapore. That's excluding its network of about 700 associates or agents who don't earn a salary but are paid commissions on sales instead.
Executive directors and directors took the biggest pay cut of 20 per cent from Feb 1, with other staff seeing their salaries trimmed between 10 and 15 per cent, again with more senior staff members taking the bigger hit. Those earning less than $2,000 a month were spared.
Mr Tan declined to say just how much profit the company made for the financial year just ended. However, he disclosed that turnover fell 25-30 per cent - investment sales and residential agency businesses were hit by the property slump, but valuation did 'extremely well' and retail agency also chalked up good numbers.
On a group basis, including the results of subsidiaries such as Knight Frank Shopping Centre Management, Knight Frank Estate Management (which does property and facilities management) and Knight Frank Property Network (the associates arm), revenue took a small dent.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records show that the company made an after-tax profit of $5.4 million and had revenue of $37.2 million for the year ended April 30, 2007. Figures for the year ended April 30, 2008 were not listed.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Three NGOs Form Coalition Called Solidarity for Migrant Workers
Channel NewsAsia ran this article on 24 May 2009:
Three NGOs form coalition called Solidarity for Migrant Workers
By Lynda Hong
SINGAPORE : Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have said they are seeing a huge impact on foreign workers due to the economic recession.
Thus, despite more steps being taken to improve the working conditions of foreign workers, NGOs want to further strengthen activism for them.
Three NGOs - Migrant Voices, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) and Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) - have come together to form a coalition called the Solidarity for Migrant Workers, which taps on the expertise of the three foreign worker NGOs.
Up to 160 foreign workers attended the launch of the new coalition on Sunday afternoon.
Three NGOs form coalition called Solidarity for Migrant Workers
By Lynda Hong
SINGAPORE : Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have said they are seeing a huge impact on foreign workers due to the economic recession.
Thus, despite more steps being taken to improve the working conditions of foreign workers, NGOs want to further strengthen activism for them.
Three NGOs - Migrant Voices, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) and Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) - have come together to form a coalition called the Solidarity for Migrant Workers, which taps on the expertise of the three foreign worker NGOs.
Up to 160 foreign workers attended the launch of the new coalition on Sunday afternoon.
Talking Point: Role of bloggers in Online Citizenry
Alex Au of Yawning Bread is one of three guests in this episode of Talking Point about the role of blggers in online citizenry. Thanks to Singapore Enquirer for posting this up.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Dark Documentary on China Underbelly Chills Cannes
AFP ran this article on 24 May 2009:
Dark documentary on China underbelly chills Cannes
By Claire Rosemberg
CANNES, France (AFP) - At a festival chock-full of cinematic violence, a documentary by a young Chinese film-maker brought more darkness to Cannes with a harrowing portrayal of life in Beijing's underbelly.
"I'm relating reality as it is in China today," director Zhao Liang told AFP in an interview.
His "Petition" documents the plight of China's judicial "petitioners" -- people from across the land who gather in Beijing in the hope of righting legal wrongs suffered back home.
"These people are sacrificing themselves for China," said Zhao, whose work is one of 15 feature-length films selected for screening by the festival but showing out-of-competition for the Palme d'Or award.
"There is a lot of corruption. China's problem today is that justice is not independent," he said.
Often from the most disadvantaged social classes, the petitioners come to Beijing's Complaints Office of the Supreme People's Court after failing to win cases lodged at local or regional level.
Filmed over a decade in alleyways and makeshift huts near the city's South railway station -- a teeming area once known as "Petitioners' City" -- the two-hour documentary focuses on the dire living conditions of the petitioners and their often hopeless quests for judicial redress.
Living off waste, sleeping rough, and locked in relentless red tape, they also face bands of thug "retrievers" sent by local authorities to shoo them home -- which often means jail or a mental hospital.
A 2006 scene shows a group recovering a jaw, a severed hand and other body parts left on a railway track where an old woman was cut down by a passing train while trying to escape retrievers.
The tale of a mother and daughter is told over a decade, from when the girl is 12 to her decision at adulthood to leave a life on the streets and marry. During her fight for justice, the mother spent five years locked up, including months drugged in psychiatric wards.
"Although we are on the road to openness, there is a still a lot to do in China," Zhao said. "This film aims to inform people about the petitioners."
"I see myself as a doctor looking at an ill person," Zhao said. "It is urgent to cure this sickness and look after the ill."
The 38-year-old film-maker said that because "Petition" was a documentary, he did not need to request an official permit in order to film nor did he require official authorisation to show the work at Cannes.
The film is scheduled to screen at a Chinese independent film festival this month. "There is space in China nowadays for this sort of film to be shown," he said.
The "Petitioners" area was razed ahead of the 2008 Olympics, when Zhao's film stops, to make way for the new South Station, Asia's largest rail terminal. But the petitioners are still in Beijing, pushed further away deep into the suburbs.
Peppered with their criticism of party officials and calls for pro-democratic revolt, Zhao said: "I can't say I agree with the petitioners in the film. I have merely related reality."
"I'm interested in the humanity of these people," he added. "In China networks are essential and these people can't pull strings."
"These people are sacrificing themselves for the good of China. I would never become a petitioner myself. I don't have sympathy for them but I do have respect."
Dark documentary on China underbelly chills Cannes
By Claire Rosemberg
CANNES, France (AFP) - At a festival chock-full of cinematic violence, a documentary by a young Chinese film-maker brought more darkness to Cannes with a harrowing portrayal of life in Beijing's underbelly.
"I'm relating reality as it is in China today," director Zhao Liang told AFP in an interview.
His "Petition" documents the plight of China's judicial "petitioners" -- people from across the land who gather in Beijing in the hope of righting legal wrongs suffered back home.
"These people are sacrificing themselves for China," said Zhao, whose work is one of 15 feature-length films selected for screening by the festival but showing out-of-competition for the Palme d'Or award.
"There is a lot of corruption. China's problem today is that justice is not independent," he said.
Often from the most disadvantaged social classes, the petitioners come to Beijing's Complaints Office of the Supreme People's Court after failing to win cases lodged at local or regional level.
Filmed over a decade in alleyways and makeshift huts near the city's South railway station -- a teeming area once known as "Petitioners' City" -- the two-hour documentary focuses on the dire living conditions of the petitioners and their often hopeless quests for judicial redress.
Living off waste, sleeping rough, and locked in relentless red tape, they also face bands of thug "retrievers" sent by local authorities to shoo them home -- which often means jail or a mental hospital.
A 2006 scene shows a group recovering a jaw, a severed hand and other body parts left on a railway track where an old woman was cut down by a passing train while trying to escape retrievers.
The tale of a mother and daughter is told over a decade, from when the girl is 12 to her decision at adulthood to leave a life on the streets and marry. During her fight for justice, the mother spent five years locked up, including months drugged in psychiatric wards.
"Although we are on the road to openness, there is a still a lot to do in China," Zhao said. "This film aims to inform people about the petitioners."
"I see myself as a doctor looking at an ill person," Zhao said. "It is urgent to cure this sickness and look after the ill."
The 38-year-old film-maker said that because "Petition" was a documentary, he did not need to request an official permit in order to film nor did he require official authorisation to show the work at Cannes.
The film is scheduled to screen at a Chinese independent film festival this month. "There is space in China nowadays for this sort of film to be shown," he said.
The "Petitioners" area was razed ahead of the 2008 Olympics, when Zhao's film stops, to make way for the new South Station, Asia's largest rail terminal. But the petitioners are still in Beijing, pushed further away deep into the suburbs.
Peppered with their criticism of party officials and calls for pro-democratic revolt, Zhao said: "I can't say I agree with the petitioners in the film. I have merely related reality."
"I'm interested in the humanity of these people," he added. "In China networks are essential and these people can't pull strings."
"These people are sacrificing themselves for the good of China. I would never become a petitioner myself. I don't have sympathy for them but I do have respect."
Friday, May 22, 2009
Arrests in Chinese Slavery Case
BBC ran this article on 22 May 2009:
Arrests in Chinese slavery case
Police in eastern China have arrested 10 people suspected of beating mentally disabled people forced to work as slaves in brick factories.
State media said the brick kiln owner had bought 32 such people and forced them to work without pay.
The victims, aged between 25 and 45, were freed in a police raid in April.
The case echoes a scandal in 2007, when more than 1,000 labourers - including children were found working in brutal conditions in central Shanxi province.
Following that scandal, China announced a nationwide crackdown on enslavement and child labour.
Terrible conditions
Under terrible conditions, 32 mentally disabled people were forced to work in brick kilns in Jieshou city, in Anhui province, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The 10 are "suspected of beating and treating the mentally handicapped people like slaves," a local police official was quoted as saying.
The victims had been sold to a factory owner for less than $50 (£30) each, after being recruited off the street by a taxi driver promising work food and lodging, the report said.
Unpaid, and working more than 10 hours a day, they were fed little more than steamed dough.
Twelve of those freed have now returned home, while the remainder, many of whom are unable to say where they live, are being kept in local shelters.
Arrests in Chinese slavery case
Police in eastern China have arrested 10 people suspected of beating mentally disabled people forced to work as slaves in brick factories.
State media said the brick kiln owner had bought 32 such people and forced them to work without pay.
The victims, aged between 25 and 45, were freed in a police raid in April.
The case echoes a scandal in 2007, when more than 1,000 labourers - including children were found working in brutal conditions in central Shanxi province.
Following that scandal, China announced a nationwide crackdown on enslavement and child labour.
Terrible conditions
Under terrible conditions, 32 mentally disabled people were forced to work in brick kilns in Jieshou city, in Anhui province, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The 10 are "suspected of beating and treating the mentally handicapped people like slaves," a local police official was quoted as saying.
The victims had been sold to a factory owner for less than $50 (£30) each, after being recruited off the street by a taxi driver promising work food and lodging, the report said.
Unpaid, and working more than 10 hours a day, they were fed little more than steamed dough.
Twelve of those freed have now returned home, while the remainder, many of whom are unable to say where they live, are being kept in local shelters.
In Unity for Her Liberty: a Peace Vigil for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom
MARUAH is organising a peace vigil for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at Speakers' Corner on Sunday, 31 May 2009 at 5pm. Message from MARUAH:
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the democratically-held elections in 1990, has been under house arrest for almost two decades. On 18th May 2009, she was charged with breaching the terms of her house arrest and stood trial. She has borne her trials with dignity. Yet they continue unabated. The world has honoured her with a Nobel Peace Prize and lobbied tirelessly for her freedom but there is a growing helplessness towards the situation as the Myanmar junta continues to keep her in detention without trial.
We find the situation untenable. It will be a grave injustice if we all were to stand by and let this courageous citizen spend all her days as a prisoner. She is due for release at the end of May.
Many among us know that it will not happen. We need to show ASEAN solidarity at the civil society level and act together to ask for her freedom.
Let us then come together throughout ASEAN on the same day at the same time to demand for her freedom. Can we show solidarity by wearing some yellow in our clothing, hold a candlelight vigil and let off 19 yellow-coloured balloons (one for each year she has been under arrest) with her portrait, into the skies?
Come.
Have your silence heard.
This event is jointly organised by MARUAH (SWGAHRM) with other regional NGOs.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the democratically-held elections in 1990, has been under house arrest for almost two decades. On 18th May 2009, she was charged with breaching the terms of her house arrest and stood trial. She has borne her trials with dignity. Yet they continue unabated. The world has honoured her with a Nobel Peace Prize and lobbied tirelessly for her freedom but there is a growing helplessness towards the situation as the Myanmar junta continues to keep her in detention without trial.
We find the situation untenable. It will be a grave injustice if we all were to stand by and let this courageous citizen spend all her days as a prisoner. She is due for release at the end of May.
Many among us know that it will not happen. We need to show ASEAN solidarity at the civil society level and act together to ask for her freedom.
Let us then come together throughout ASEAN on the same day at the same time to demand for her freedom. Can we show solidarity by wearing some yellow in our clothing, hold a candlelight vigil and let off 19 yellow-coloured balloons (one for each year she has been under arrest) with her portrait, into the skies?
Come.
Have your silence heard.
This event is jointly organised by MARUAH (SWGAHRM) with other regional NGOs.
Remembering 22 Singapore Victims of ISA
SGPolitics.net ran this article on 21 May 2009:
Today at 6.30pm, a group of activists held a rally at Hong Lim Park to call for a commission to be set up to investigate and reveal any wrongdoings by state officials in the arrest of 22 Singaporeans under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 1987.
In a statement released by the activists, they expressed outrage over the Government’s use of the ISA to violate the fundamental human rights of a group of young social workers, lawyers, businessmen and theatre practitioners during Operation Spectrum on 21 May 1987.
They said that the ISA, which provides for indefinite detention without trial, is a draconian law that should be abolished.
They also said that if any of those who were detained had committed wrongdoing, they should have been charged in a court of law, and that everyone so charged has the basic right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. In no uncertain terms, they said the ISA is an outright violation of these rights.
After the statement had been read out, Ms Noora Zul recited a poem written by one of the ex-detainees, and Mr Seelan Palay read out a statement written by Mr Francis Seow in commemoration of the 22nd Anniversary of Operation Spectrum.
Finally, the group sang the song Blowing In The Wind by Bob Dylan, which is a song frequently sung at human rights events.
Watch the video of the event
Today at 6.30pm, a group of activists held a rally at Hong Lim Park to call for a commission to be set up to investigate and reveal any wrongdoings by state officials in the arrest of 22 Singaporeans under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 1987.
In a statement released by the activists, they expressed outrage over the Government’s use of the ISA to violate the fundamental human rights of a group of young social workers, lawyers, businessmen and theatre practitioners during Operation Spectrum on 21 May 1987.
They said that the ISA, which provides for indefinite detention without trial, is a draconian law that should be abolished.
They also said that if any of those who were detained had committed wrongdoing, they should have been charged in a court of law, and that everyone so charged has the basic right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. In no uncertain terms, they said the ISA is an outright violation of these rights.
After the statement had been read out, Ms Noora Zul recited a poem written by one of the ex-detainees, and Mr Seelan Palay read out a statement written by Mr Francis Seow in commemoration of the 22nd Anniversary of Operation Spectrum.
Finally, the group sang the song Blowing In The Wind by Bob Dylan, which is a song frequently sung at human rights events.
Watch the video of the event
Ex-ISA Detainees Remember 1987 Arrests
The Straits Times published this article on 22 May 2009:
Ex-ISA detainees remember 1987 arrests
By Sue-Ann Chia from The Straits Times
TWENTY-TWO years after their arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA), at least four of the former detainees attended an event yesterday to commemorate the incident.
They were at the Speakers’ Corner to remember May 21, 1987 - the day 16 Singaporeans were held under the ISA, which provides for detention without trial.
They were accused of being members of a Marxist conspiracy to topple the Government through illegal means. Another six were arrested on June 20 that same year.
Yesterday, a crowd of about 50 people heard the organisers - a group of activists led by artist-cum-film-maker Seelan Palay - criticise the internal security law.
Wearing T-shirts proclaiming their opposition to the ISA, they called for the law to be abolished.
They also suggested setting up a ‘truth and reconciliation committee’ to examine if the arrests were justified and to look into human rights abuses suffered by the detainees 22 years ago.
A poem titled That We May Dream Again, from a new book of the same title by former ISA detainees, was read.
The activists wrapped up the 30- minute event by singing the Bob Dylan song Blowing In The Wind.
Those present at the event included opposition Reform Party secretary- general Kenneth Jeyaretnam, film- makers Tan Pin Pin and Martyn See as well as Singapore Democratic Party’s Gandhi Ambalam and Chee Siok Chin.
Ex-detainee Vincent Cheng, 62, declined to comment.
But another, Ms Teo Soh Lung, 60, said: ‘I’m touched that they remember things from so long ago.’
She noted the event was organised by young people whom she described as very courageous. ‘I hope there can be more openness. I hope the ISA will be abolished.’
Ex-ISA detainees remember 1987 arrests
By Sue-Ann Chia from The Straits Times
TWENTY-TWO years after their arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA), at least four of the former detainees attended an event yesterday to commemorate the incident.
They were at the Speakers’ Corner to remember May 21, 1987 - the day 16 Singaporeans were held under the ISA, which provides for detention without trial.
They were accused of being members of a Marxist conspiracy to topple the Government through illegal means. Another six were arrested on June 20 that same year.
Yesterday, a crowd of about 50 people heard the organisers - a group of activists led by artist-cum-film-maker Seelan Palay - criticise the internal security law.
Wearing T-shirts proclaiming their opposition to the ISA, they called for the law to be abolished.
They also suggested setting up a ‘truth and reconciliation committee’ to examine if the arrests were justified and to look into human rights abuses suffered by the detainees 22 years ago.
A poem titled That We May Dream Again, from a new book of the same title by former ISA detainees, was read.
The activists wrapped up the 30- minute event by singing the Bob Dylan song Blowing In The Wind.
Those present at the event included opposition Reform Party secretary- general Kenneth Jeyaretnam, film- makers Tan Pin Pin and Martyn See as well as Singapore Democratic Party’s Gandhi Ambalam and Chee Siok Chin.
Ex-detainee Vincent Cheng, 62, declined to comment.
But another, Ms Teo Soh Lung, 60, said: ‘I’m touched that they remember things from so long ago.’
She noted the event was organised by young people whom she described as very courageous. ‘I hope there can be more openness. I hope the ISA will be abolished.’
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
MOM Focuses Attention On Developing Globally Competitive Workforce
ChannelNewsAsia ran this article on 19 May 2009:
MOM focuses attention on developing globally competitive workforce
By S.Ramesh
SINGAPORE: Singapore said measures like the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) are efforts not just for the downturn but to also ensure the Republic remains competitive in the long-run.
The Manpower Ministry highlighted its plans in conjunction with the President's address to Parliament.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said a key priority in the next two years is addressing the downturn.
Up to April this year, 94,000 workers and 1,400 companies have committed to training programmes under SPUR.
Me Gan said: "SPUR will encourage companies to save jobs but it is not intended to stop companies totally from retrenchment. Some restructuring is necessary for companies to better position themselves so that they are able to cope with the downturn and emerge from the recession stronger and more competitive."
While SPUR is for a two year period, the Manpower Ministry hopes that Singaporeans will continue to cultivate the attitude of lifelong learning and develop a learning culture even after the economy recovers and the recession is over.
To achieve this, the ministry said it will continue to strengthen the system of Continuing Education and Training (CET). This will be done by expanding the CET infrastructure and recognising the qualifications by employers and workers.
There are now more than 40 CET centres in Singapore. Mr Gan also urged all to be prepared for a second wave of retrenchments, one reason for the release of new tripartite guidelines to manage excess manpower in companies.
He said: "Once we are prepared, whether it comes in the second, third or fourth quarter, it doesn't really matter because we are already prepared. The companies are ready, tighten, strengthen, our workers are already ready. That is the most important task ahead of us."
Moving ahead, the ministry said low wage workers will continue to be helped through Workfare, to ensure they too benefit from the country's progress.
MOM focuses attention on developing globally competitive workforce
By S.Ramesh
SINGAPORE: Singapore said measures like the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) are efforts not just for the downturn but to also ensure the Republic remains competitive in the long-run.
The Manpower Ministry highlighted its plans in conjunction with the President's address to Parliament.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said a key priority in the next two years is addressing the downturn.
Up to April this year, 94,000 workers and 1,400 companies have committed to training programmes under SPUR.
Me Gan said: "SPUR will encourage companies to save jobs but it is not intended to stop companies totally from retrenchment. Some restructuring is necessary for companies to better position themselves so that they are able to cope with the downturn and emerge from the recession stronger and more competitive."
While SPUR is for a two year period, the Manpower Ministry hopes that Singaporeans will continue to cultivate the attitude of lifelong learning and develop a learning culture even after the economy recovers and the recession is over.
To achieve this, the ministry said it will continue to strengthen the system of Continuing Education and Training (CET). This will be done by expanding the CET infrastructure and recognising the qualifications by employers and workers.
There are now more than 40 CET centres in Singapore. Mr Gan also urged all to be prepared for a second wave of retrenchments, one reason for the release of new tripartite guidelines to manage excess manpower in companies.
He said: "Once we are prepared, whether it comes in the second, third or fourth quarter, it doesn't really matter because we are already prepared. The companies are ready, tighten, strengthen, our workers are already ready. That is the most important task ahead of us."
Moving ahead, the ministry said low wage workers will continue to be helped through Workfare, to ensure they too benefit from the country's progress.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Gay Agenda ‘Unfounded’, Says AWARE
Today ran this article on 16 May 2009:
Gay agenda ‘unfounded’
Their stand is clear: “Aware has never promoted homosexuality”.
In a statement yesterday evening, the 24-year-old Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) stressed that its stand has always “been identical to that of the Government”.
“We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society,” the women’s advocacy group stated. “But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination.”
Their comments come in response to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng’s comment that homosexuality was “clearly a major issue to both sides” in the Aware saga.
While welcoming Mr Wong’s reminder of the need for restraint, respect and tolerance, Aware said it was “most regrettable” that some people now think it has a “gay agenda”, and that “wrongful allegations” continue to be perpetuated online and through other channels.
“This is totally unfounded,” it stressed. The allegations by Dr Thio Su Mien and those she “handpicked” to take over Aware’s leadership were based “on the strength of bits of information taken out of context and strung together to create an imaginary and inaccurate picture of Aware’s activities”, said Aware.
But, the current executive committee is moving on, they said. With an expanded membership, they are now putting together programmes for the year. ALICIA WONG
Their stand is clear: “Aware has never promoted homosexuality”.
In a statement yesterday evening, the 24-year-old Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) stressed that its stand has always “been identical to that of the Government”.
“We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society,” the women’s advocacy group stated. “But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination.”
Their comments come in response to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng’s comment that homosexuality was “clearly a major issue to both sides” in the Aware saga.
While welcoming Mr Wong’s reminder of the need for restraint, respect and tolerance, Aware said it was “most regrettable” that some people now think it has a “gay agenda”, and that “wrongful allegations” continue to be perpetuated online and through other channels.
“This is totally unfounded,” it stressed. The allegations by Dr Thio Su Mien and those she “handpicked” to take over Aware’s leadership were based “on the strength of bits of information taken out of context and strung together to create an imaginary and inaccurate picture of Aware’s activities”, said Aware.
But, the current executive committee is moving on, they said. With an expanded membership, they are now putting together programmes for the year.
Gay agenda ‘unfounded’
Their stand is clear: “Aware has never promoted homosexuality”.
In a statement yesterday evening, the 24-year-old Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) stressed that its stand has always “been identical to that of the Government”.
“We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society,” the women’s advocacy group stated. “But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination.”
Their comments come in response to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng’s comment that homosexuality was “clearly a major issue to both sides” in the Aware saga.
While welcoming Mr Wong’s reminder of the need for restraint, respect and tolerance, Aware said it was “most regrettable” that some people now think it has a “gay agenda”, and that “wrongful allegations” continue to be perpetuated online and through other channels.
“This is totally unfounded,” it stressed. The allegations by Dr Thio Su Mien and those she “handpicked” to take over Aware’s leadership were based “on the strength of bits of information taken out of context and strung together to create an imaginary and inaccurate picture of Aware’s activities”, said Aware.
But, the current executive committee is moving on, they said. With an expanded membership, they are now putting together programmes for the year. ALICIA WONG
Their stand is clear: “Aware has never promoted homosexuality”.
In a statement yesterday evening, the 24-year-old Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) stressed that its stand has always “been identical to that of the Government”.
“We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society,” the women’s advocacy group stated. “But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination.”
Their comments come in response to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng’s comment that homosexuality was “clearly a major issue to both sides” in the Aware saga.
While welcoming Mr Wong’s reminder of the need for restraint, respect and tolerance, Aware said it was “most regrettable” that some people now think it has a “gay agenda”, and that “wrongful allegations” continue to be perpetuated online and through other channels.
“This is totally unfounded,” it stressed. The allegations by Dr Thio Su Mien and those she “handpicked” to take over Aware’s leadership were based “on the strength of bits of information taken out of context and strung together to create an imaginary and inaccurate picture of Aware’s activities”, said Aware.
But, the current executive committee is moving on, they said. With an expanded membership, they are now putting together programmes for the year.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Singapore 'Dismayed' Over Suu Kyi Charges
AsiaOne ran this AFP article on 15 May 2009:
Singapore 'dismayed' over Suu Kyi charges
SINGAPORE, May 15, 2009 (AFP) - Singapore said Friday it was "dismayed" after Myanmar's ruling military lodged new charges against detained Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and called for her release.
The city-state said this could set back fellow ASEAN member Myanmar's national reconciliation process.
"We reiterate the call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from detention. We are also concerned about recent reports on her poor health, and that the arrest may exacerbate her condition," the foreign ministry said.
"Singapore is dismayed by this latest development. This is a setback for the national reconciliation process."
The 63-year-old Nobel Peace prize winner and democracy leader is facing five years in jail for allegedly breaching the terms of her house arrest after a US man swam to her lakeside house.
She has already spent most of the past two decades confined to her home after winning 1990 elections which were never recognised by the ruling military authorities.
Singapore and Myanmar belong to the 10-state Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
The Jakarta-based ASEAN secretariat has made no comment about Aung San Suu Kyi's impending trial, which has drawn strong international condemnation.
Myanmar last year ratified ASEAN's new charter, which seeks to set standards of human rights and democracy for member states.
Singapore 'dismayed' over Suu Kyi charges
SINGAPORE, May 15, 2009 (AFP) - Singapore said Friday it was "dismayed" after Myanmar's ruling military lodged new charges against detained Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and called for her release.
The city-state said this could set back fellow ASEAN member Myanmar's national reconciliation process.
"We reiterate the call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from detention. We are also concerned about recent reports on her poor health, and that the arrest may exacerbate her condition," the foreign ministry said.
"Singapore is dismayed by this latest development. This is a setback for the national reconciliation process."
The 63-year-old Nobel Peace prize winner and democracy leader is facing five years in jail for allegedly breaching the terms of her house arrest after a US man swam to her lakeside house.
She has already spent most of the past two decades confined to her home after winning 1990 elections which were never recognised by the ruling military authorities.
Singapore and Myanmar belong to the 10-state Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
The Jakarta-based ASEAN secretariat has made no comment about Aung San Suu Kyi's impending trial, which has drawn strong international condemnation.
Myanmar last year ratified ASEAN's new charter, which seeks to set standards of human rights and democracy for member states.
Questions Over Siew Kum Hong's Role As AWARE 'Legal Adviser'
Today ran this article on 15 May 2009:
Questions over Siew Kum Hong's role as AWARE 'legal adviser'
By Loh Chee Kong
SINGAPORE: After being accused on the Internet of pushing the gay agenda, Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong now finds himself defending his professional conduct following his active role in the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) saga.
TODAY has learnt of an email seeking clarification on whether Mr Siew – a non-practising lawyer – had contravened the Legal Profession Act by rendering pro-bono legal advisory work.
It was sent to four bodies: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), the Law Society, the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and the Singapore Academy of Law.
Neither the AGC nor the Law Society, which govern the conduct of lawyers, was able to respond by press time. SCCA president Angeline Lee said her association was "looking into this matter".
Corporate counsels are not considered to be practising lawyers, who need to renew their practising certificates every year. Section 33 of the Legal Profession Act prohibits any person without such a certificate from providing the services of an advocate or solicitor.
Offenders could be fined up to S$25,000, or jailed for a maximum of six months.
When contacted, the sender of the email, Mr Tongel Yeo, 51, stressed that it was "not about Siew Kum Hong", but the wider question on the extent that corporate counsels could "represent to people that we are legal advisers".
Mr Yeo, himself a corporate counsel who sits on the board of the charity group Methodist Welfare Services, said he had been a passive onlooker in the AWARE saga. He did not attend the extraordinary meeting on May 2, but read the subsequent newspaper reports.
He said: "That's when I read that he was reported to have claimed he was a legal adviser and going to his website, it appears that's what he was doing – advising them."
In response, Mr Siew, who is seeking a second NMP term, was confident he had not breached any regulations.
Reiterating that he was "at all time, cognisant of the fact that I do not hold a practising certificate", Mr Siew said: "It was the members of the Old Guard of AWARE who described me as their legal adviser. I did not hold myself up as such."
He did advise them "on a variety of matters, including my own views on the Constitution of AWARE".
But he stressed: "I believe that all in-house counsels – and in fact, all trained lawyers – do from time to time, state their views of what the law in a specific situation would be, in the context and capacity other than being an advocate or solicitor."
He added: "I hope this is not part of what seems to be an ongoing, orchestrated campaign to target me."
While the legal bodies have not yet sought Mr Siew's response, he said he was considering writing to them to express his position.
Questions over Siew Kum Hong's role as AWARE 'legal adviser'
By Loh Chee Kong
SINGAPORE: After being accused on the Internet of pushing the gay agenda, Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Siew Kum Hong now finds himself defending his professional conduct following his active role in the recent Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) saga.
TODAY has learnt of an email seeking clarification on whether Mr Siew – a non-practising lawyer – had contravened the Legal Profession Act by rendering pro-bono legal advisory work.
It was sent to four bodies: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), the Law Society, the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and the Singapore Academy of Law.
Neither the AGC nor the Law Society, which govern the conduct of lawyers, was able to respond by press time. SCCA president Angeline Lee said her association was "looking into this matter".
Corporate counsels are not considered to be practising lawyers, who need to renew their practising certificates every year. Section 33 of the Legal Profession Act prohibits any person without such a certificate from providing the services of an advocate or solicitor.
Offenders could be fined up to S$25,000, or jailed for a maximum of six months.
When contacted, the sender of the email, Mr Tongel Yeo, 51, stressed that it was "not about Siew Kum Hong", but the wider question on the extent that corporate counsels could "represent to people that we are legal advisers".
Mr Yeo, himself a corporate counsel who sits on the board of the charity group Methodist Welfare Services, said he had been a passive onlooker in the AWARE saga. He did not attend the extraordinary meeting on May 2, but read the subsequent newspaper reports.
He said: "That's when I read that he was reported to have claimed he was a legal adviser and going to his website, it appears that's what he was doing – advising them."
In response, Mr Siew, who is seeking a second NMP term, was confident he had not breached any regulations.
Reiterating that he was "at all time, cognisant of the fact that I do not hold a practising certificate", Mr Siew said: "It was the members of the Old Guard of AWARE who described me as their legal adviser. I did not hold myself up as such."
He did advise them "on a variety of matters, including my own views on the Constitution of AWARE".
But he stressed: "I believe that all in-house counsels – and in fact, all trained lawyers – do from time to time, state their views of what the law in a specific situation would be, in the context and capacity other than being an advocate or solicitor."
He added: "I hope this is not part of what seems to be an ongoing, orchestrated campaign to target me."
While the legal bodies have not yet sought Mr Siew's response, he said he was considering writing to them to express his position.
Media Coverage "Not Sufficiently Balanced" at Times
Today ran this article on 15 May 2009:
Media coverage "not sufficiently balanced" at times
By Zul Othman
SINGAPORE: The daily coverage by selected media of the month-long leadership tussle at the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) was, in the words of Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, "extensive" and "breathless".
However, he also found some of the coverage "excessive" and "not sufficiently balanced".
In response to questions from TODAY regarding the coverage by selected media during the AWARE saga, Mr Wong said that although there were important issues to be addressed – such as the proper limits for religious activism – it was "surely not the most important challenge facing Singapore".
"Whatever happened in AWARE was not going to change Singapore or the government's social policy," said Mr Wong, who is also the Home Affairs Minister.
Mr Wong said the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MICA) had analysed the objectivity of the coverage of the AWARE episode and "found it wanting in some respects". MICA has given its feedback to the relevant editors.
Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Eugene Tan said that "it was possible" that some reporters "were caught up" in the month-long AWARE drama that began on March 28 after a team of newcomers seized nine out 12 positions on its exco.
"Perhaps, it a natural reaction because of their (reporters') own personal views. Still, this is when professionalism comes in – to separate personal views so one can report on the events objectively," he said. These views, Asst Prof Tan said, led to reports that polarised public opinion.
Some felt that selected media had adopted a very liberal attitude and denounced the Old Guard exco's strong views on homosexuality.
But gays and their supporters might have felt that "the papers did not come down hard enough on what was perceived as a religion coming into a secular space", Asst Prof Tan added.
In his email interview with TODAY, Mr Wong warned against the importing of "culture wars between the extreme liberals and conservatives" common in countries, such as the United States.
To ensure that Singapore remains a "communally peaceful society", there is a need to observe "the rules of engagement", Mr Wong said. This also applies to the media - when reporting on the issues, journalists should do it "dispassionately and impartially".
As for those who participate in the Internet, Mr Wong said: "Ultimately, he remains no less accountable for the consequences of his actions in cyberspace as he does in the physical world".
Media coverage "not sufficiently balanced" at times
By Zul Othman
SINGAPORE: The daily coverage by selected media of the month-long leadership tussle at the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) was, in the words of Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, "extensive" and "breathless".
However, he also found some of the coverage "excessive" and "not sufficiently balanced".
In response to questions from TODAY regarding the coverage by selected media during the AWARE saga, Mr Wong said that although there were important issues to be addressed – such as the proper limits for religious activism – it was "surely not the most important challenge facing Singapore".
"Whatever happened in AWARE was not going to change Singapore or the government's social policy," said Mr Wong, who is also the Home Affairs Minister.
Mr Wong said the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MICA) had analysed the objectivity of the coverage of the AWARE episode and "found it wanting in some respects". MICA has given its feedback to the relevant editors.
Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Eugene Tan said that "it was possible" that some reporters "were caught up" in the month-long AWARE drama that began on March 28 after a team of newcomers seized nine out 12 positions on its exco.
"Perhaps, it a natural reaction because of their (reporters') own personal views. Still, this is when professionalism comes in – to separate personal views so one can report on the events objectively," he said. These views, Asst Prof Tan said, led to reports that polarised public opinion.
Some felt that selected media had adopted a very liberal attitude and denounced the Old Guard exco's strong views on homosexuality.
But gays and their supporters might have felt that "the papers did not come down hard enough on what was perceived as a religion coming into a secular space", Asst Prof Tan added.
In his email interview with TODAY, Mr Wong warned against the importing of "culture wars between the extreme liberals and conservatives" common in countries, such as the United States.
To ensure that Singapore remains a "communally peaceful society", there is a need to observe "the rules of engagement", Mr Wong said. This also applies to the media - when reporting on the issues, journalists should do it "dispassionately and impartially".
As for those who participate in the Internet, Mr Wong said: "Ultimately, he remains no less accountable for the consequences of his actions in cyberspace as he does in the physical world".
Myanmar Under Intense Pressure to Free Aung San Suu Kyi
ChannelNewsAsia ran this AFP article on 15 May 2009:
Myanmar under intense pressure to free Aung San Suu Kyi
YANGON: Myanmar faced intense international pressure on Friday to release pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi after she was imprisoned ahead of a new trial next week for breaching the terms of her house arrest.
The ruling military government took the Nobel Peace Prize laureate from her home on Thursday to Yangon's notorious Insein prison, where she was charged over a bizarre incident in which an American man swam to her lakeside residence.
The United States led Western calls for her immediate release while rights groups urged the UN Security Council to intervene to help the 63-year-old, whose trial is due to start at the prison on Monday.
There was no comment from Myanmar's secretive regime, which has kept Aung San Suu Kyi in detention for most of the last 19 years and now looks set to do so past controversial elections that are due next year.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "deeply troubled" by the "baseless" case laid against Aung San Suu Kyi just days before her latest six-year detention was to have expired.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "gravely concerned" while the UN special envoy on human rights in Myanmar, Tomas Ojea Quintana, called for Aung San Suu Kyi to be freed, and said her detention broke the country's laws.
Britain, France and other western nations – which like the United States have imposed sanctions on the country formerly known as Burma – condemned the decision and said it did not bode well for the 2010 elections.
A group of eminent statesmen including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former US President Jimmy Carter also demanded her release.
Indonesia became the first of Myanmar's partners in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to call for the military government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and drop the "arbitrary" new charges against her.
Myanmar authorities are currently holding Aung San Suu Kyi and her two maids, who were also charged, at a house inside the grounds of Insein Prison pending the trial, her lawyers have said.
Stopped by the military government from taking power after leading her National League for Democracy Party from winning a landslide victory in the country's last election in 1990, she now faces a maximum jail term of five years.
The case centred around a mysterious US national, John Yettaw, who was arrested last week after using a pair of homemade flippers to swim across a lake to Aung San Suu Kyi's crumbling house.
Reportedly a Mormon father of seven and Vietnam War veteran, the heavy-set 53-year-old also faces charges of violating the restricted area around her home and breaching immigration conditions.
His motives remain unclear but Irrawaddy magazine, published by Myanmar exiles in Thailand, dismissed speculation about the coincidental timing of the incident before the expiry of her detention order.
It said he was "simply a weird character who acted alone", while Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers have described him as a "fool".
Yettaw had also met with Myanmar exile groups in Thailand and reportedly told them he was working on a faith-based book on heroism, the magazine said.
New York-based Human Rights Watch called on the UN's Ban to press the authorities for her release, accusing the Myanmar military government of taking advantage of the US man's "bizarre stunt" to keep Aung San Suu Kyi detained.
Amnesty International demanded that the UN Security Council "urgently intervene" to secure her release.
Myanmar under intense pressure to free Aung San Suu Kyi
YANGON: Myanmar faced intense international pressure on Friday to release pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi after she was imprisoned ahead of a new trial next week for breaching the terms of her house arrest.
The ruling military government took the Nobel Peace Prize laureate from her home on Thursday to Yangon's notorious Insein prison, where she was charged over a bizarre incident in which an American man swam to her lakeside residence.
The United States led Western calls for her immediate release while rights groups urged the UN Security Council to intervene to help the 63-year-old, whose trial is due to start at the prison on Monday.
There was no comment from Myanmar's secretive regime, which has kept Aung San Suu Kyi in detention for most of the last 19 years and now looks set to do so past controversial elections that are due next year.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "deeply troubled" by the "baseless" case laid against Aung San Suu Kyi just days before her latest six-year detention was to have expired.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "gravely concerned" while the UN special envoy on human rights in Myanmar, Tomas Ojea Quintana, called for Aung San Suu Kyi to be freed, and said her detention broke the country's laws.
Britain, France and other western nations – which like the United States have imposed sanctions on the country formerly known as Burma – condemned the decision and said it did not bode well for the 2010 elections.
A group of eminent statesmen including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former US President Jimmy Carter also demanded her release.
Indonesia became the first of Myanmar's partners in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to call for the military government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and drop the "arbitrary" new charges against her.
Myanmar authorities are currently holding Aung San Suu Kyi and her two maids, who were also charged, at a house inside the grounds of Insein Prison pending the trial, her lawyers have said.
Stopped by the military government from taking power after leading her National League for Democracy Party from winning a landslide victory in the country's last election in 1990, she now faces a maximum jail term of five years.
The case centred around a mysterious US national, John Yettaw, who was arrested last week after using a pair of homemade flippers to swim across a lake to Aung San Suu Kyi's crumbling house.
Reportedly a Mormon father of seven and Vietnam War veteran, the heavy-set 53-year-old also faces charges of violating the restricted area around her home and breaching immigration conditions.
His motives remain unclear but Irrawaddy magazine, published by Myanmar exiles in Thailand, dismissed speculation about the coincidental timing of the incident before the expiry of her detention order.
It said he was "simply a weird character who acted alone", while Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers have described him as a "fool".
Yettaw had also met with Myanmar exile groups in Thailand and reportedly told them he was working on a faith-based book on heroism, the magazine said.
New York-based Human Rights Watch called on the UN's Ban to press the authorities for her release, accusing the Myanmar military government of taking advantage of the US man's "bizarre stunt" to keep Aung San Suu Kyi detained.
Amnesty International demanded that the UN Security Council "urgently intervene" to secure her release.
US Tells Myanmar to Release Aung San Suu Kyi
ChannelNewsAsia ran this AFP article on 15 May 2009:
US tells Myanmar to release Aung San Suu Kyi
WASHINGTON - The United States said Thursday that pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi should be released immediately after Myanmar's military brought new charges against her.
"I am ready to say something more than just that ... we're troubled," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters when asked if he would go further than a statement he released earlier in the day.
"Our bottom line is that she shouldn't be under house arrest. She shouldn't be, and even less so in prison," Kelly said. "Our bottom line is ... she should be released immediately."
Myanmar's military junta charged Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday with breaching the terms of her house arrest over a bizarre incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside house.
The 63-year-old goes on trial on Monday on the charges, which carry a jail term of up to five years and would stretch her detention past its supposed expiry date this month and through controversial elections due in 2010.
Aung San Suu Kyi would not be allowed to return home but would be held at a special house on the grounds of Insein Prison while proceedings were under way, her lawyer Kyi Win added.
In a statement released earlier, Kelly said: "We have seen this report (about the new charges), which is certainly troubling if true."
US tells Myanmar to release Aung San Suu Kyi
WASHINGTON - The United States said Thursday that pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi should be released immediately after Myanmar's military brought new charges against her.
"I am ready to say something more than just that ... we're troubled," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters when asked if he would go further than a statement he released earlier in the day.
"Our bottom line is that she shouldn't be under house arrest. She shouldn't be, and even less so in prison," Kelly said. "Our bottom line is ... she should be released immediately."
Myanmar's military junta charged Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday with breaching the terms of her house arrest over a bizarre incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside house.
The 63-year-old goes on trial on Monday on the charges, which carry a jail term of up to five years and would stretch her detention past its supposed expiry date this month and through controversial elections due in 2010.
Aung San Suu Kyi would not be allowed to return home but would be held at a special house on the grounds of Insein Prison while proceedings were under way, her lawyer Kyi Win added.
In a statement released earlier, Kelly said: "We have seen this report (about the new charges), which is certainly troubling if true."
NMP Hopeful Beatrice Chia Flattered to Be Considered 'Dangerous'
Today ran this story on 15 May 2009:
NMP hopeful Beatrice Chia flattered to be considered 'dangerous'
By Neo Chai Chin
SINGAPORE: She says she is flattered to be considered "more dangerous than Siew Kum Hong", after submitting her application for the post of a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).
And theatre practitioner Beatrice Chia-Richmond has "absolutely no issue with netizens voicing their opinions, approvals or disapprovals", even after reading the scorching comments on the government's REACH website on Thursday night.
TODAY had reported about the deluge of comments to REACH's thread on NMP candidates, and on Thursday night, the number of posts and page views tripled from a day earlier, with 337 comments and 5,661 hits as of 10.45pm.
While some accused NMP hopefuls Chia-Richmond and theatre director Loretta Chen, as well as incumbent Siew of having a "personal agenda", others defended Mr Siew's record in Parliament.
Ms Chia-Richmond said she welcomed the netizens' feedback, although many of her friends were mortified by some of the scathing remarks.
"I would say that it might be too early to presume the issues I would be voicing should I have the opportunity to be in Parliament," she said.
Her body of work has dealt with themes of discrimination, and the "gay theme has been featured often as it is an issue", she said, adding: "As a citizen of Singapore, a working artist, a wife and a young mother, I believe I have many other concerns besides LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues."
Some netizens like Chan Chow Phang believe the NMP nomination should not be determined by a single issue.
Another, Mr Bryan Tan, pointed out that then-First Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong had said in 1989 that the NMP scheme was implemented to evolve a "consensual style of government where alternative views are heard and constructive dissent accommodated".
Mr Siew said he was heartened and comforted by those who had spoken in his favour. But many of those who oppose his re-nomination have "mischaracterised my position", and "there are a number of baseless accusations and misrepresentations there".
Ms Chen said she was "bemused by the comments", adding that as a "working-class artist" - her father was a clerk, mother a homemaker, and her brothers had to quit school early to work - she was capable of handling and raising issues for the arts, youth, elderly and disenfranchised.
"If you truly want an open harmonious society, you must allow for diversity," she added.
A REACH portal spokeswoman told TODAY that "the interest and discussion show that Singaporeans are not an apathetic lot and they will come forward to give views and feedback to REACH when they feel strongly about an issue, and we are heartened".
"As with every issue, there will always be diverse views, so it's not surprising to see different views being expressed on this issue, whether mature or less so," she said, adding that Parliament's NMP Select Committee will make an independent decision based on a set of evaluation criteria.
NMP hopeful Beatrice Chia flattered to be considered 'dangerous'
By Neo Chai Chin
SINGAPORE: She says she is flattered to be considered "more dangerous than Siew Kum Hong", after submitting her application for the post of a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).
And theatre practitioner Beatrice Chia-Richmond has "absolutely no issue with netizens voicing their opinions, approvals or disapprovals", even after reading the scorching comments on the government's REACH website on Thursday night.
TODAY had reported about the deluge of comments to REACH's thread on NMP candidates, and on Thursday night, the number of posts and page views tripled from a day earlier, with 337 comments and 5,661 hits as of 10.45pm.
While some accused NMP hopefuls Chia-Richmond and theatre director Loretta Chen, as well as incumbent Siew of having a "personal agenda", others defended Mr Siew's record in Parliament.
Ms Chia-Richmond said she welcomed the netizens' feedback, although many of her friends were mortified by some of the scathing remarks.
"I would say that it might be too early to presume the issues I would be voicing should I have the opportunity to be in Parliament," she said.
Her body of work has dealt with themes of discrimination, and the "gay theme has been featured often as it is an issue", she said, adding: "As a citizen of Singapore, a working artist, a wife and a young mother, I believe I have many other concerns besides LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues."
Some netizens like Chan Chow Phang believe the NMP nomination should not be determined by a single issue.
Another, Mr Bryan Tan, pointed out that then-First Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong had said in 1989 that the NMP scheme was implemented to evolve a "consensual style of government where alternative views are heard and constructive dissent accommodated".
Mr Siew said he was heartened and comforted by those who had spoken in his favour. But many of those who oppose his re-nomination have "mischaracterised my position", and "there are a number of baseless accusations and misrepresentations there".
Ms Chen said she was "bemused by the comments", adding that as a "working-class artist" - her father was a clerk, mother a homemaker, and her brothers had to quit school early to work - she was capable of handling and raising issues for the arts, youth, elderly and disenfranchised.
"If you truly want an open harmonious society, you must allow for diversity," she added.
A REACH portal spokeswoman told TODAY that "the interest and discussion show that Singaporeans are not an apathetic lot and they will come forward to give views and feedback to REACH when they feel strongly about an issue, and we are heartened".
"As with every issue, there will always be diverse views, so it's not surprising to see different views being expressed on this issue, whether mature or less so," she said, adding that Parliament's NMP Select Committee will make an independent decision based on a set of evaluation criteria.
MP Had No Empathy
This letter was published in the online edition of Today on 13 May 2009:
MP had no empathy
Letter from LAWRENCE LOH KIAH MUAN
It started with Member of Parliament (MP) Seng Han Thong being set on fire. Then came MP Denise Phua who was threatened by a rag-and-bone man. Recently, MP Cynthia Phua was subjected to a display of violence by a constituent.
Although these incidents are disturbing and a cause for concern, I wonder whether the constituents are solely to be blamed.
Allow me to relate my personal experience.
In February 2001, my older son died in a naval accident whilst serving National Service. In that year, my younger son was due for enlistment. A friend, a very active grassroots member, suggested that I approach my MP, for help in exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for my younger son. I was reluctant but he went ahead to fix an appointment for me at the Meet-The-People Session (MPS). I subsequently relented and he accompanied me there. It was in March 2001. That was my first appearance at a MPS, and it was to be my last.
I waited until midnight before I could meet the MP. Prior to this, he was given the case paper which detailed the objective of the meeting and the circumstances of my case.
When I entered the room, his first remark was “Yes, what can I do for you?”. There was no attempt at offering a word of sympathy or condolence. I then related my situation and said that both my wife and I were very traumatised.
His next remark “What traumatic, after two months, you won’t be traumatic?”. With that, I decided to end the meeting. And with that, my respect for him hit ground zero. I was too stunned and grief-stricken to react. Someone who was less-controlled and less-measured than me could have flown into a rage and become violent.
MPs are elected or appointed to serve the constituents. People who attend the MPS are those who have real problems and need help. In a lot of instances, they are stressed, distressed and troubled. What they need is a caring soul, a helping hand, a gentle voice, and words of hope and encouragement. To dispense these, MPs need good interpersonal skills and a high EQ. Arrogance, a patronizing, chiding and belittling attitude, aloofness and lack of empathy will only trigger acts of rashness and violence. Many of our politicians have a high IQ, some are scholars. However, a high IQ is not the only attribute needed in a political career. A high EQ is equally, if not more critical, especially when it comes to dealing with the constituents.
In my case, I would have felt good if my MP could have been a warm and caring person. If he could have been empathetic, consoling and helpful. All these qualities can only come from the heart, not from the mind.
How many of our MPs can stand up and be counted for this?
MP had no empathy
Letter from LAWRENCE LOH KIAH MUAN
It started with Member of Parliament (MP) Seng Han Thong being set on fire. Then came MP Denise Phua who was threatened by a rag-and-bone man. Recently, MP Cynthia Phua was subjected to a display of violence by a constituent.
Although these incidents are disturbing and a cause for concern, I wonder whether the constituents are solely to be blamed.
Allow me to relate my personal experience.
In February 2001, my older son died in a naval accident whilst serving National Service. In that year, my younger son was due for enlistment. A friend, a very active grassroots member, suggested that I approach my MP, for help in exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for my younger son. I was reluctant but he went ahead to fix an appointment for me at the Meet-The-People Session (MPS). I subsequently relented and he accompanied me there. It was in March 2001. That was my first appearance at a MPS, and it was to be my last.
I waited until midnight before I could meet the MP. Prior to this, he was given the case paper which detailed the objective of the meeting and the circumstances of my case.
When I entered the room, his first remark was “Yes, what can I do for you?”. There was no attempt at offering a word of sympathy or condolence. I then related my situation and said that both my wife and I were very traumatised.
His next remark “What traumatic, after two months, you won’t be traumatic?”. With that, I decided to end the meeting. And with that, my respect for him hit ground zero. I was too stunned and grief-stricken to react. Someone who was less-controlled and less-measured than me could have flown into a rage and become violent.
MPs are elected or appointed to serve the constituents. People who attend the MPS are those who have real problems and need help. In a lot of instances, they are stressed, distressed and troubled. What they need is a caring soul, a helping hand, a gentle voice, and words of hope and encouragement. To dispense these, MPs need good interpersonal skills and a high EQ. Arrogance, a patronizing, chiding and belittling attitude, aloofness and lack of empathy will only trigger acts of rashness and violence. Many of our politicians have a high IQ, some are scholars. However, a high IQ is not the only attribute needed in a political career. A high EQ is equally, if not more critical, especially when it comes to dealing with the constituents.
In my case, I would have felt good if my MP could have been a warm and caring person. If he could have been empathetic, consoling and helpful. All these qualities can only come from the heart, not from the mind.
How many of our MPs can stand up and be counted for this?
Religious Heads Welcome Govt's Position
The Straits Times ran this article on 15 May 2009:
Religious heads welcome Govt's position
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent
RELIGIOUS leaders have welcomed comments by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng on the role of religious groups in the public sphere, and on the issue of homosexuality.
They reacted positively to Mr Wong's call for religious groups to be mindful of wider sensitivities when engaging in the public square.
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS), an umbrella body for key Protestant groups, noted that it will 'continue to engage responsibly in our society in a way that expresses our common concerns and aspirations for our nation'.
Religious heads welcome Govt's position
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent
RELIGIOUS leaders have welcomed comments by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng on the role of religious groups in the public sphere, and on the issue of homosexuality.
They reacted positively to Mr Wong's call for religious groups to be mindful of wider sensitivities when engaging in the public square.
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS), an umbrella body for key Protestant groups, noted that it will 'continue to engage responsibly in our society in a way that expresses our common concerns and aspirations for our nation'.
Q&A With DPM on Aware Saga
The Straits Times ran this article on 14 May 2009:
Q&A with DPM on Aware saga
MR WONG Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister, replied on Thursday to queries from The Straits Times on the recent incident involving women's advocacy group Aware. This is the full text of his replies.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is the issue behind the issue of the leadership takeover at Aware. The new exco members, mentored by veteran lawyer and lay church leader Thio Su Mien, justified their actions by arguing that Aware had veered towards the promotion of a gay and lesbian agenda in recent years. They argued that, like in the United States, there is now in Singapore a 'political homosexual agenda' that aims to push not only for decriminalisation of homosexuality, but also for same sex marriage. This last, they argued, would destroy the meaning of the family, and ultimately Singapore's social fabric.
What is the Government's stand on homosexuality? Has it changed? What is the Government's assessment of where the majority of Singaporeans stand on this? What grounds does the Government have for this assessment?
The Government's position on this issue is clear. It was stated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament on October 2007, and it has not changed. In his speech, PM Lee said that Singapore is basically a conservative society and the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family, is the norm and the building block of our society. However, we recognise that homosexuals are part of our society.
They have a place in our society and are entitled to their private lives. This is the way the majority of Singaporeans want it to be - a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to society.
The Government was not going to be pressured into changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of Aware. Nor does the Government intend to change its position now that the old guard has recaptured Aware.
Pushing boundaries
What is the Government's stand on homosexuals trying to push their cause publicly? What are the dos and don'ts for them?
The debate on Sec 377A of the Penal Code showed how the homosexuality issue polarised our society. Advocates on both sides were passionate and vocal. In the recent Aware tussle, homosexuality was clearly a major issue to both sides. This is unproductive and divisive.
Our society will not reach consensus on this issue for a very long time to come. The way for homosexuals to have space in our society is to accept the informal limits which reflect the point of balance that our society can accept, and not to assert themselves stridently as gay groups do in the West.
We live in a diverse, multiracial and multi-religious society. Every group, whether religious or secular, has to live and let live, to exercise restraint and show mutual respect and tolerance. If any group pushes its agenda aggressively, there will be strong reactions from the other groups.
Government intervention, OB markers and NCCS
The Aware saga set a precedent for a secular organisation to be taken over by a group of people with common religious beliefs. Some have called it a dangerous precedent. What is the Government's view of this? What, precisely, is the danger from such an incident? Why did the Government not comment earlier?
Many Singaporeans were exercised by the leadership tussle in Aware, and have expressed their views, for and against, in our newspapers and on the Internet.
The Government has been very careful in its comments, especially before the EOGM, as it did not want to be misunderstood as taking sides. Who controls Aware is not important to the Government. As I said, Government policy on homosexuality is settled, and will not change as a result of lobbying by pressure groups.
However, the Government was worried about the disquieting public perception that a group of conservative Christians, all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality, had moved in and taken over Aware because they disapproved of what Aware had been doing.
This caused many qualms among non-Christians, and also among Christians who believed that this was an unwise move in a multiracial, multi-religious society. It was much more dangerous because now religion was also getting involved, and it was no longer just the issue of homosexuality.
I was grateful therefore that Dr John Chew of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) issued a clear statement that the NCCS does not condone churches getting involved in the Aware dispute. Leaders of different religious faiths have also come out to reinforce the NCCS message.
Their statements provided clear guidance to their followers. I felt it was important for me to endorse the NCCS statement publicly, and explain the Government's deeper concerns. Had it not been for these sober statements from religious leaders, we would have had serious problems.
Rules of engagement for religious groups and individuals
Religious leaders may find themselves caught in a bind on the Aware issue. For example, they may be against homosexuality. But they may also be against the tactics used by those who subsequently formed the new exco. Should they speak up?
Pastor Derek Hong of the Church of Our Saviour used the pulpit to urge his flock to support the new exco in Aware. What is the Government's stand on this? What causes may be urged from the pulpit, and what may not? How should religious leaders conduct themselves to ensure that harmony in Singapore is not undermined?
Religious individuals have the same rights as any citizen to express their views on issues in the public space, as guided by their teachings and personal conscience. However, like every citizen, they should always be mindful of the sensitivities of living in a multi-religious society.
All religious groups will naturally teach their followers to follow the precepts of their scriptures, to do good and to contribute to their society. The groups will naturally have views on social and moral issues. But we are not a Christian Singapore, or a Muslim Singapore, or a Buddhist or Hindu Singapore. We are a secular Singapore, in which Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and others all have to live in peace with one another. This calls for tolerance, accommodation, and give and take on all sides.
If religious groups start to campaign to change certain government policies, or use the pulpit to mobilise their followers to pressure the Government, or push aggressively to gain ground at the expense of other groups, this must lead to trouble. Keeping religion and politics separate is a key rule of political engagement.
Political arena must be secular
Given that most people would consider religion part of civil society, can a boundary between religion and civil society be drawn? What is the Government's position on where to draw the line?
Religious groups and individuals who hold deep religious beliefs are often active in social issues, and make important contributions to the well-being of our society. Individuals who commit themselves to social or public service are often motivated by their religious convictions. And many religious groups do good work serving people in need, regardless of religious affiliations. We welcome that. They set the moral tone of our society, and are a source of strength in times of adversity.
However, our political arena must always be a secular one. Our laws and policies do not derive from religious authority, but reflect the judgments and decisions of the secular Government and Parliament to serve the national interest and collective good. These laws and public policies apply equally to all, regardless of one's race, religion or social status. This gives confidence that the system will give equal treatment and protection for all, regardless of which group one happens to belong to.
Calm down and move on
What is your comment on the Aware EOGM held on May 2, which resulted in the new exco being voted out?
I think the Aware episode showed clearly how passions and emotions naturally run high when it concerns an issue or cause salient to people's beliefs or interests. The EOGM was an emotional meeting with many heated exchanges. It was not a model of calm deliberation and patient consensus building. Both sides must now calm down and move on.
Impact on civil society
Overall, what is the Government's view of the leadership tussle at Aware? Does the Government expect to see more of such incidents?
Singaporeans are becoming more educated and informed, and we are opening up more space for people to express alternative views. I have no doubt that we will see more tussles between people holding different points of view, often anchored in their personal convictions and beliefs, on issues which they consider vitally important.
Many different communities share this tiny island. If our diversity is not to become a source of weakness, we must manage such disagreements in a responsible and balanced manner. We can articulate our views passionately without denigrating others; we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
The Government has to maintain order, and hold the ring impartially. It encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening of the OB markers. But it will not stand by and watch when intemperate activism threatens our social fabric.
Observing balance and moderation, including media reporting
Some people argue that the current climate in Singapore is such that those who are against homosexuality are afraid to speak out, for fear of being branded bigots or religious fanatics, while those who advocate tolerance for homosexuality speak out freely and are deemed inclusive. Does the Government agree with such an assessment of the climate in Singapore?
I do not believe that those who are against homosexuality are afraid to speak out. However, I would caution restraint on both sides, for and against. We must not import into Singapore the culture wars between the extreme liberals and conservatives that are going on in the US.
On the whole, our religious communities have played a positive role in our society. The maturity of our religious leaders and the restraint and sense of responsibility of their followers have helped to make this a communally peaceful society. We must keep it that way by observing the rules of engagement.
This applies also to the media. The media plays an important role reporting on the issues, the groups and the personalities involved. They need to do so dispassionately and impartially. Mica had analysed the volume, tone and objectivity of the coverage of the Aware episode, and found it wanting in some respects. Some of the coverage was excessive and not sufficiently balanced.
There were indeed important issues at stake, such as the proper limits for religious activism. But the Aware episode was surely not the most important challenge facing Singapore, deserving such extensive and even breathless coverage. Whatever happened in Aware was not going to change Singapore, or the Government's social policy. Journalists should not get caught up in the stories they are reporting, however exciting the stories may be.
(The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts has given this feedback to the editors.)
Q&A with DPM on Aware saga
MR WONG Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister, replied on Thursday to queries from The Straits Times on the recent incident involving women's advocacy group Aware. This is the full text of his replies.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is the issue behind the issue of the leadership takeover at Aware. The new exco members, mentored by veteran lawyer and lay church leader Thio Su Mien, justified their actions by arguing that Aware had veered towards the promotion of a gay and lesbian agenda in recent years. They argued that, like in the United States, there is now in Singapore a 'political homosexual agenda' that aims to push not only for decriminalisation of homosexuality, but also for same sex marriage. This last, they argued, would destroy the meaning of the family, and ultimately Singapore's social fabric.
What is the Government's stand on homosexuality? Has it changed? What is the Government's assessment of where the majority of Singaporeans stand on this? What grounds does the Government have for this assessment?
The Government's position on this issue is clear. It was stated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament on October 2007, and it has not changed. In his speech, PM Lee said that Singapore is basically a conservative society and the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family, is the norm and the building block of our society. However, we recognise that homosexuals are part of our society.
They have a place in our society and are entitled to their private lives. This is the way the majority of Singaporeans want it to be - a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to society.
The Government was not going to be pressured into changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of Aware. Nor does the Government intend to change its position now that the old guard has recaptured Aware.
Pushing boundaries
What is the Government's stand on homosexuals trying to push their cause publicly? What are the dos and don'ts for them?
The debate on Sec 377A of the Penal Code showed how the homosexuality issue polarised our society. Advocates on both sides were passionate and vocal. In the recent Aware tussle, homosexuality was clearly a major issue to both sides. This is unproductive and divisive.
Our society will not reach consensus on this issue for a very long time to come. The way for homosexuals to have space in our society is to accept the informal limits which reflect the point of balance that our society can accept, and not to assert themselves stridently as gay groups do in the West.
We live in a diverse, multiracial and multi-religious society. Every group, whether religious or secular, has to live and let live, to exercise restraint and show mutual respect and tolerance. If any group pushes its agenda aggressively, there will be strong reactions from the other groups.
Government intervention, OB markers and NCCS
The Aware saga set a precedent for a secular organisation to be taken over by a group of people with common religious beliefs. Some have called it a dangerous precedent. What is the Government's view of this? What, precisely, is the danger from such an incident? Why did the Government not comment earlier?
Many Singaporeans were exercised by the leadership tussle in Aware, and have expressed their views, for and against, in our newspapers and on the Internet.
The Government has been very careful in its comments, especially before the EOGM, as it did not want to be misunderstood as taking sides. Who controls Aware is not important to the Government. As I said, Government policy on homosexuality is settled, and will not change as a result of lobbying by pressure groups.
However, the Government was worried about the disquieting public perception that a group of conservative Christians, all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality, had moved in and taken over Aware because they disapproved of what Aware had been doing.
This caused many qualms among non-Christians, and also among Christians who believed that this was an unwise move in a multiracial, multi-religious society. It was much more dangerous because now religion was also getting involved, and it was no longer just the issue of homosexuality.
I was grateful therefore that Dr John Chew of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) issued a clear statement that the NCCS does not condone churches getting involved in the Aware dispute. Leaders of different religious faiths have also come out to reinforce the NCCS message.
Their statements provided clear guidance to their followers. I felt it was important for me to endorse the NCCS statement publicly, and explain the Government's deeper concerns. Had it not been for these sober statements from religious leaders, we would have had serious problems.
Rules of engagement for religious groups and individuals
Religious leaders may find themselves caught in a bind on the Aware issue. For example, they may be against homosexuality. But they may also be against the tactics used by those who subsequently formed the new exco. Should they speak up?
Pastor Derek Hong of the Church of Our Saviour used the pulpit to urge his flock to support the new exco in Aware. What is the Government's stand on this? What causes may be urged from the pulpit, and what may not? How should religious leaders conduct themselves to ensure that harmony in Singapore is not undermined?
Religious individuals have the same rights as any citizen to express their views on issues in the public space, as guided by their teachings and personal conscience. However, like every citizen, they should always be mindful of the sensitivities of living in a multi-religious society.
All religious groups will naturally teach their followers to follow the precepts of their scriptures, to do good and to contribute to their society. The groups will naturally have views on social and moral issues. But we are not a Christian Singapore, or a Muslim Singapore, or a Buddhist or Hindu Singapore. We are a secular Singapore, in which Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and others all have to live in peace with one another. This calls for tolerance, accommodation, and give and take on all sides.
If religious groups start to campaign to change certain government policies, or use the pulpit to mobilise their followers to pressure the Government, or push aggressively to gain ground at the expense of other groups, this must lead to trouble. Keeping religion and politics separate is a key rule of political engagement.
Political arena must be secular
Given that most people would consider religion part of civil society, can a boundary between religion and civil society be drawn? What is the Government's position on where to draw the line?
Religious groups and individuals who hold deep religious beliefs are often active in social issues, and make important contributions to the well-being of our society. Individuals who commit themselves to social or public service are often motivated by their religious convictions. And many religious groups do good work serving people in need, regardless of religious affiliations. We welcome that. They set the moral tone of our society, and are a source of strength in times of adversity.
However, our political arena must always be a secular one. Our laws and policies do not derive from religious authority, but reflect the judgments and decisions of the secular Government and Parliament to serve the national interest and collective good. These laws and public policies apply equally to all, regardless of one's race, religion or social status. This gives confidence that the system will give equal treatment and protection for all, regardless of which group one happens to belong to.
Calm down and move on
What is your comment on the Aware EOGM held on May 2, which resulted in the new exco being voted out?
I think the Aware episode showed clearly how passions and emotions naturally run high when it concerns an issue or cause salient to people's beliefs or interests. The EOGM was an emotional meeting with many heated exchanges. It was not a model of calm deliberation and patient consensus building. Both sides must now calm down and move on.
Impact on civil society
Overall, what is the Government's view of the leadership tussle at Aware? Does the Government expect to see more of such incidents?
Singaporeans are becoming more educated and informed, and we are opening up more space for people to express alternative views. I have no doubt that we will see more tussles between people holding different points of view, often anchored in their personal convictions and beliefs, on issues which they consider vitally important.
Many different communities share this tiny island. If our diversity is not to become a source of weakness, we must manage such disagreements in a responsible and balanced manner. We can articulate our views passionately without denigrating others; we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
The Government has to maintain order, and hold the ring impartially. It encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening of the OB markers. But it will not stand by and watch when intemperate activism threatens our social fabric.
Observing balance and moderation, including media reporting
Some people argue that the current climate in Singapore is such that those who are against homosexuality are afraid to speak out, for fear of being branded bigots or religious fanatics, while those who advocate tolerance for homosexuality speak out freely and are deemed inclusive. Does the Government agree with such an assessment of the climate in Singapore?
I do not believe that those who are against homosexuality are afraid to speak out. However, I would caution restraint on both sides, for and against. We must not import into Singapore the culture wars between the extreme liberals and conservatives that are going on in the US.
On the whole, our religious communities have played a positive role in our society. The maturity of our religious leaders and the restraint and sense of responsibility of their followers have helped to make this a communally peaceful society. We must keep it that way by observing the rules of engagement.
This applies also to the media. The media plays an important role reporting on the issues, the groups and the personalities involved. They need to do so dispassionately and impartially. Mica had analysed the volume, tone and objectivity of the coverage of the Aware episode, and found it wanting in some respects. Some of the coverage was excessive and not sufficiently balanced.
There were indeed important issues at stake, such as the proper limits for religious activism. But the Aware episode was surely not the most important challenge facing Singapore, deserving such extensive and even breathless coverage. Whatever happened in Aware was not going to change Singapore, or the Government's social policy. Journalists should not get caught up in the stories they are reporting, however exciting the stories may be.
(The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts has given this feedback to the editors.)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Government's Position on Homosexuality Unchanged
ChannelNewsAsia ran this article on 14 May 2009:
Government's position on homosexuality unchanged
By Julia Ng
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Government has said it welcomes religious groups and individuals getting active in social issues. But it has warned against mixing religion with politics.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said this, in an interview to be published in the TODAY newspaper on Friday, on the recent saga involving the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE).
Mr Wong added that the government's position on homosexuality is clear, and it will not be pressured into changing its position as a result of lobbying by pressure groups.
Two years ago, during the debate on whether to decriminalise sex between men, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had clearly stated that the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family is the norm and building block of Singapore society.
But the government also recognises that homosexuals are part of the society. Mr Lee had said then: "Homosexuals work in all sectors, all over the economy, in the public sector as well and in the civil service. They are free to lead their lives, free to pursue their social activities."
That position has not changed. Mr Wong said: "The government was not going to be pressured into changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of AWARE. Nor does the government intend to change its position now that the Old Guard has recaptured AWARE."
He added that as Singaporeans become more educated and informed, and more space is being opened up for people to express alternative views, there will be more tussles between people holding different points of views.
If any group pushes its agenda aggressively, there will be strong reactions from other groups.
As for the AWARE controversy, the government was worried about the disquieting public perception that a group of conservative Christians - all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality - had moved in and taken over AWARE because they disapproved of what the organisation had been doing.
Hence, he was gratified that the National Council of Churches of Singapore issued a clear statement that it does not condone churches getting involved in the AWARE dispute, and that leaders of different religious faiths came out to reinforce the NCCS message.
Mr Wong said the government has to maintain order impartially. It encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening of the out-of-bounds (OB) markers. But it will not stand by and watch, when intemperate activism threatens Singapore society.
Asked for his comments on the May 2 AWARE extraordinary general meeting, which saw the new exco being voted out, Mr Wong said both sides must now calm down, and move on.
Government's position on homosexuality unchanged
By Julia Ng
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Government has said it welcomes religious groups and individuals getting active in social issues. But it has warned against mixing religion with politics.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said this, in an interview to be published in the TODAY newspaper on Friday, on the recent saga involving the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE).
Mr Wong added that the government's position on homosexuality is clear, and it will not be pressured into changing its position as a result of lobbying by pressure groups.
Two years ago, during the debate on whether to decriminalise sex between men, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had clearly stated that the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family is the norm and building block of Singapore society.
But the government also recognises that homosexuals are part of the society. Mr Lee had said then: "Homosexuals work in all sectors, all over the economy, in the public sector as well and in the civil service. They are free to lead their lives, free to pursue their social activities."
That position has not changed. Mr Wong said: "The government was not going to be pressured into changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of AWARE. Nor does the government intend to change its position now that the Old Guard has recaptured AWARE."
He added that as Singaporeans become more educated and informed, and more space is being opened up for people to express alternative views, there will be more tussles between people holding different points of views.
If any group pushes its agenda aggressively, there will be strong reactions from other groups.
As for the AWARE controversy, the government was worried about the disquieting public perception that a group of conservative Christians - all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality - had moved in and taken over AWARE because they disapproved of what the organisation had been doing.
Hence, he was gratified that the National Council of Churches of Singapore issued a clear statement that it does not condone churches getting involved in the AWARE dispute, and that leaders of different religious faiths came out to reinforce the NCCS message.
Mr Wong said the government has to maintain order impartially. It encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening of the out-of-bounds (OB) markers. But it will not stand by and watch, when intemperate activism threatens Singapore society.
Asked for his comments on the May 2 AWARE extraordinary general meeting, which saw the new exco being voted out, Mr Wong said both sides must now calm down, and move on.
Time to Tweak NMP Nomination Process
Today ran this article on 14 May 2009:
Time to tweak NMP nomination process
By Loh Chee Kong
SINGAPORE: When it was first mooted, the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme was the subject of intense debate.
But 19 years on, it is still going strong. And as Parliament prepares to accept a new slate of NMPs, it may be a good time to take another look – not at the scheme itself – but the way in which up to nine NMPs are chosen every three years.
The question is this: Is the process by which the candidates are selected – namely the calling of nominations from six "functional groups" – outdated?
It was back in 1997 when then-Leader of the House Wong Kan Seng – citing the lukewarm response to the NMP scheme – proposed to Parliament that apart from waiting for Singaporeans to step forward, it would appoint nomination panels from the business and industry; professions; and labour movement groups.
Five years later, media, arts and sports organisations; tertiary education institutions; and social and community service organisations, were added to the list. These groups can nominate up to two persons each.
Jurong GRC MP Halimah Yacob, who had been on the committee vetting the candidates, said it was preferable to have at least one NMP from each functional group.
Said Mdm Halimah: "I wouldn't say ... they carry greater weight, but obviously, it shows that the groups support them."
But some feel that the practice has outlived its usefulness. Do you agree ?
For one, the NMPs cannot claim to be representative of the functional groups, since they are not elected.
Retired MP Tan Cheng Bock, a long-time critic of the scheme, believes that the selection process is skewed towards the "well-heeled" and influential.
"The real people you need to hear from (in Parliament) are the taxi drivers and the hawkers," he said.
The latest nomination exercise closed on Monday, with the final tally still unknown. But if the upward trend in recent years is anything to go by, few would be surprised if the number exceeds the record of 48 set in the previous round of nominations in 2006.
"If (the practice) was seen as a way of surfacing candidates back then, then you kind of need to question whether that objective is still relevant today," said Mr Siew Kum Hong, a former NMP who was nominated by friends.
It is often unclear which of the NMPs were nominated by which functional groups – even after they had been appointed. The groups themselves have traditionally been tight-lipped about who they nominate.
Urging greater transparency and accountability, Mr Siew added those appointed with the backing of a particular functional group might feel obliged to speak only on "functional issues".
Law academic Thio Li-ann, who was nominated by the tertiary institutions, said there were "no expectations at all" on her to focus on educational issues.
While the underlying assumption of the NMP scheme is that NMPs would "speak with a different voice from an elected MP", the former NMP's own experience tells her that "a lot of it depends on the person".
For example, NMPs whose terms ended recently, such as Ms Jessie Phua, Ms Cham Hui Fong and Mr Edwin Khew – who were presumably nominated by their respective functional groups of sports, labour movement and professions – rarely strayed from their fields.
And Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Inderjit Singh preferred it that way.
"There are enough of us within the opposition and the PAP MPs providing debate on the normal issues," said Mr Singh.
Then, there is also the question whether the House really needs a labour NMP, when there are already five MPs – including a minister – who are closely identified with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Mdm Halimah pointed out that the labour MPs have to fulfil other commitments, such as taking care of their constituents.
She said: "Obviously, our focus is a lot broader ... so I think having a labour NMP is helpful."
Time to tweak NMP nomination process
By Loh Chee Kong
SINGAPORE: When it was first mooted, the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme was the subject of intense debate.
But 19 years on, it is still going strong. And as Parliament prepares to accept a new slate of NMPs, it may be a good time to take another look – not at the scheme itself – but the way in which up to nine NMPs are chosen every three years.
The question is this: Is the process by which the candidates are selected – namely the calling of nominations from six "functional groups" – outdated?
It was back in 1997 when then-Leader of the House Wong Kan Seng – citing the lukewarm response to the NMP scheme – proposed to Parliament that apart from waiting for Singaporeans to step forward, it would appoint nomination panels from the business and industry; professions; and labour movement groups.
Five years later, media, arts and sports organisations; tertiary education institutions; and social and community service organisations, were added to the list. These groups can nominate up to two persons each.
Jurong GRC MP Halimah Yacob, who had been on the committee vetting the candidates, said it was preferable to have at least one NMP from each functional group.
Said Mdm Halimah: "I wouldn't say ... they carry greater weight, but obviously, it shows that the groups support them."
But some feel that the practice has outlived its usefulness. Do you agree ?
For one, the NMPs cannot claim to be representative of the functional groups, since they are not elected.
Retired MP Tan Cheng Bock, a long-time critic of the scheme, believes that the selection process is skewed towards the "well-heeled" and influential.
"The real people you need to hear from (in Parliament) are the taxi drivers and the hawkers," he said.
The latest nomination exercise closed on Monday, with the final tally still unknown. But if the upward trend in recent years is anything to go by, few would be surprised if the number exceeds the record of 48 set in the previous round of nominations in 2006.
"If (the practice) was seen as a way of surfacing candidates back then, then you kind of need to question whether that objective is still relevant today," said Mr Siew Kum Hong, a former NMP who was nominated by friends.
It is often unclear which of the NMPs were nominated by which functional groups – even after they had been appointed. The groups themselves have traditionally been tight-lipped about who they nominate.
Urging greater transparency and accountability, Mr Siew added those appointed with the backing of a particular functional group might feel obliged to speak only on "functional issues".
Law academic Thio Li-ann, who was nominated by the tertiary institutions, said there were "no expectations at all" on her to focus on educational issues.
While the underlying assumption of the NMP scheme is that NMPs would "speak with a different voice from an elected MP", the former NMP's own experience tells her that "a lot of it depends on the person".
For example, NMPs whose terms ended recently, such as Ms Jessie Phua, Ms Cham Hui Fong and Mr Edwin Khew – who were presumably nominated by their respective functional groups of sports, labour movement and professions – rarely strayed from their fields.
And Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Inderjit Singh preferred it that way.
"There are enough of us within the opposition and the PAP MPs providing debate on the normal issues," said Mr Singh.
Then, there is also the question whether the House really needs a labour NMP, when there are already five MPs – including a minister – who are closely identified with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Mdm Halimah pointed out that the labour MPs have to fulfil other commitments, such as taking care of their constituents.
She said: "Obviously, our focus is a lot broader ... so I think having a labour NMP is helpful."
Three NMP Hopefuls Come Under Fire
Today ran this article on 14 May 2009:
Three NMP hopefuls come under fire
By Leong Wee Keat,
SINGAPORE: Barely had they thrown their names into the hat for the post of Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) when the criticisms began on the government feedback website, REACH.
NMP hopefuls Loretta Chen and Beatrice Chia-Richmond – along with incumbent Siew Kum Hong, who is seeking a second term – have been accused of being "homosexuality activists" by some Netizens.
Postings on REACH questioned if their applications, in the words of one, were "a back door for more pro-LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)" to have a voice in Parliament. The debate has set REACH's thread on NMP candidates abuzz.
First opened for comments on May 1, the thread picked up steam since last Thursday and has attracted 93 postings and more than 1,400 page views as of last night. In comparison, the thread on Influenza A (H1N1) has attracted eight comments.
With his role as a legal adviser in the recent AWARE leadership saga, Mr Siew, 34, bore the brunt of the criticisms; many accused him of "pushing homosexual lifestyle" and of being "against the majority Singaporean".
On the other hand, Ms Chia-Richmond, 34, and Ms Chen, 32, both arts practitioners, came under fire for their past projects, which forumer 'Very Worried!!' alleged about Ms Chia-Richmond's application "is far more serious and worrying than Siew Kum Hong being re-nominated".
Ms Chen, a theatre director, has been charged as being "no different". "She's openly gay and has also directed films with mainly controversial themes," wrote forumer 'isay'.
When asked about this, Ms Chen said, "I am who I am and I don't intend to pretend to be someone that I am not. If you can be honest to yourself, you can then be honest to the team you are leading and only then you can be honest to society at large."
Ms Chen, who hopes to speak up on arts, youth and elderly issues, added, "I don't see this NMP as a backdoor (for LGBT issues). Human beings are capable of being multi-dimensional, multi-perspective and multi-layered. I think it's sad when some Singaporeans choose to be so single-minded and so single-focused that you can only be defined by your sexuality or by your race or your religion."
Ms Chia, who is married and a mother of one, could not be reached for comment last night.
When contacted, Mr Siew said he had not seen the full comments posted on REACH, but has seen similar objections to his re-application online. He also received several emails.
"It seems there's some effort to organise a campaign to target me," he said. "It does bother me to be a target, to be singled out for expressing a sincerely held opinion."
Mr Siew, who is married and is a corporate lawyer, reiterated that he does not support homosexuality but is rather against discrimination, which is why he sought to repeal the law against gay sex in 2007.
The criticisms on REACH is another sign that the two camps – those with concerns over the gay agenda and those seeking more equality for gays – are turning to "mainstream portals" as their sounding boards, according to Singapore Management University assistant professor Eugene Tan.
"The two groups are fairly educated and are not afraid to use the new media to draw and canvass for support," he said.
Feedback on REACH is typically passed to the relevant agencies.
But Mr Siew hopes the Special Select Committee of eight MPs will evaluate his record in Parliament, which he feels "speaks for itself" as he had spoken out on numerous topics.
"The only thing I hope is that rational minds will prevail," he added.
The panel, led by Speaker Abdullah Tarmugi, will make its recommendations to President SR Nathan after it has interviewed the candidates. The new NMP term begins in July.
Three NMP hopefuls come under fire
By Leong Wee Keat,
SINGAPORE: Barely had they thrown their names into the hat for the post of Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) when the criticisms began on the government feedback website, REACH.
NMP hopefuls Loretta Chen and Beatrice Chia-Richmond – along with incumbent Siew Kum Hong, who is seeking a second term – have been accused of being "homosexuality activists" by some Netizens.
Postings on REACH questioned if their applications, in the words of one, were "a back door for more pro-LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)" to have a voice in Parliament. The debate has set REACH's thread on NMP candidates abuzz.
First opened for comments on May 1, the thread picked up steam since last Thursday and has attracted 93 postings and more than 1,400 page views as of last night. In comparison, the thread on Influenza A (H1N1) has attracted eight comments.
With his role as a legal adviser in the recent AWARE leadership saga, Mr Siew, 34, bore the brunt of the criticisms; many accused him of "pushing homosexual lifestyle" and of being "against the majority Singaporean".
On the other hand, Ms Chia-Richmond, 34, and Ms Chen, 32, both arts practitioners, came under fire for their past projects, which forumer 'Very Worried!!' alleged about Ms Chia-Richmond's application "is far more serious and worrying than Siew Kum Hong being re-nominated".
Ms Chen, a theatre director, has been charged as being "no different". "She's openly gay and has also directed films with mainly controversial themes," wrote forumer 'isay'.
When asked about this, Ms Chen said, "I am who I am and I don't intend to pretend to be someone that I am not. If you can be honest to yourself, you can then be honest to the team you are leading and only then you can be honest to society at large."
Ms Chen, who hopes to speak up on arts, youth and elderly issues, added, "I don't see this NMP as a backdoor (for LGBT issues). Human beings are capable of being multi-dimensional, multi-perspective and multi-layered. I think it's sad when some Singaporeans choose to be so single-minded and so single-focused that you can only be defined by your sexuality or by your race or your religion."
Ms Chia, who is married and a mother of one, could not be reached for comment last night.
When contacted, Mr Siew said he had not seen the full comments posted on REACH, but has seen similar objections to his re-application online. He also received several emails.
"It seems there's some effort to organise a campaign to target me," he said. "It does bother me to be a target, to be singled out for expressing a sincerely held opinion."
Mr Siew, who is married and is a corporate lawyer, reiterated that he does not support homosexuality but is rather against discrimination, which is why he sought to repeal the law against gay sex in 2007.
The criticisms on REACH is another sign that the two camps – those with concerns over the gay agenda and those seeking more equality for gays – are turning to "mainstream portals" as their sounding boards, according to Singapore Management University assistant professor Eugene Tan.
"The two groups are fairly educated and are not afraid to use the new media to draw and canvass for support," he said.
Feedback on REACH is typically passed to the relevant agencies.
But Mr Siew hopes the Special Select Committee of eight MPs will evaluate his record in Parliament, which he feels "speaks for itself" as he had spoken out on numerous topics.
"The only thing I hope is that rational minds will prevail," he added.
The panel, led by Speaker Abdullah Tarmugi, will make its recommendations to President SR Nathan after it has interviewed the candidates. The new NMP term begins in July.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sex Education in Singapore
The Straits Times ran this story on 12 May 2009:
Sexuality 101
Last Wednesday, the Education Ministry said that it would suspend all external sexuality education programmes which organisations offer schools.
This followed complaints about the programme provided by Aware, which projects homosexuality as a 'neutral' activity.
Here is a run-down of the programmes that are or have been offered.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MOE)
What is taught: In the formal curriculum, topics on sexuality are incorporated in Science, Health Education and Civics, and Moral education lessons.
A co-curricular element was introduced in 2000 in the form of the Growing Years package.
This is divided into four segments.
The Curious Minds segment is for upper primary students experiencing the onset of puberty. It stresses the importance of character development and health. The multimedia content includes interactive games and role-play.
Topics include the reproductive system, pubertal changes and coping strategies, building healthy relationships and the importance of family.
The Teenage Years package for lower secondary students guides them on issues related to building self-esteem, why chastity and abstinence are important, and the consequences of pre-marital sex.
The Sense And Sexuality package for upper secondary students takes the view that this period of life is turbulent, leading youths to act on impulse, make short-sighted choices and experiment with activities, including sex.
It covers topics such as a better understanding of relationships, setting boundaries and understanding the influence of the media on sexuality.
The Love Matters segment for junior colleges and centralised institutes focuses on interpersonal relationships - touching on human development, sexual health and behaviour, and society and culture.
Is homosexuality discussed?
It is covered in one lesson in the lower secondary package.
Said an MOE spokesman: 'The lesson seeks to inform students of the definition of 'homosexual', and that homosexual acts are illegal under Singapore law.
'It does not promote homosexuality but follows social norms of mainstream society.'
AWARE
What is taught: The programme started in 2007 and has reached 11 schools so far. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed per workshop, which lasts three hours each time, either during or after school hours.
The programme was designed and drawn from an international workshop by the International Women's Health Coalition. Focus groups on the programme were also conducted in post-secondary institutions, and with teachers and parents.
The instructors' guide lists its objectives as helping participants to 'develop a healthy and positive attitude towards sexuality' and empowering them 'in their decision-making about their sexual life'.
The content ranges from HIV and Aids to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to contraception as well as relationship and body image issues.
Participants are taught that sexuality is normal but they should consider the consequences of teenage pregnancy and STIs.
They are also taught how to say 'no' if they are being pressured into sex and how to believe that they are worthy of a good relationship, no matter what people tell them.
Is homosexuality discussed?
The instructors' manual - which is not revealed to students - suggests that it be treated as neutral as 'it is perfectly normal... simply the way you are'.
Trainers have to follow some segments of this manual closely, such as teaching about risky sex and STIs, but the rest depends on how much time they have and the questions students ask.
The materials also include condoms and a 'simulated penis' to teach participants how to put on condoms.
Virginity is also suggested as a neutral term, or a 'a state of mind' as it may not necessarily be physical.
For example, girls may be considered virgins if they have not experienced being in a sexual relationship with men.
Anal sex is also suggested as a neutral term. A suggested explanation for this is that 'anal sex can be healthy or neutral if practised with consent and with a condom'.
The manual notes: 'Not having sex is the best way of preventing Aids and STI, but if you choose to be sexually active, using condoms correctly and consistently is a key way to reduce risk.'
SINGAPORE PLANNED PARENTHOOD ASSOCIATION (SPPA)
What is taught: The voluntary non-profit organisation has been conducting talks and workshops for schools, the public and other organisations for over 20 years. There are no religious links to the programme.
On average, 10 schools a year go through the programme and students are between 13 and 16 years old.
The workshops are three hours long while assembly talks are an hour. The content was developed by officers from teacher's feedback and approved by the board of SPPA.
Said SPPA administrator Joanne Tan: 'We have some fixed topics such as basic biology, relationships, being able to tell the difference between love and infatuation, and peer pressure.'
Case studies are used to show the difference between a crush and real love.
For students in Secondary 3 and 4, the talks also cover pre-marital sex.
The consequences of relationships, such as unwanted pregnancy and abortion, are also broached.
The SPPA promotes abstinence but not exclusively. Said Ms Tan: 'Our main message is to put out all the facts and ask them to make a careful choice. Sex should be without guilt or painful consequences.' The talks also briefly touch on contraception.
Is homosexuality discussed?
It is mentioned in the context of growing up. Said Ms Tan: 'We tell them it is normal to feel confused at that age and provide a hotline if students want to ask questions.'
FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY
What is taught: The non-profit organisation directed by the Catholic Archbishop of Singapore has held talks in schools since 1985.
In the past five years, it has been invited to about 25 schools a year. Talks range from 40-minute sessions at assembly to four-hour workshops for children from 11 to 18 years of age.
More often than not, they are invited to secular schools. The syllabus focuses on sexuality and the person as a whole rather than just sex. The programme was set up by a group of doctors and parents.
Said principal programme executive Michelle Soliano-Lew: 'We develop materials based on the natural moral law. This is secular moral philosophy without any reference to God, religion, scripture or divine revelation.'
Topics include boy-girl relationships, pornography, pregnancy and choices, as well as abortion and its possible consequences. The talks promote a pro-life and pro-family message.
Is homosexuality discussed? The society's stance is that the act is wrong.
'But we do not condemn the person,' said Ms Soliano-Lew.
'We tell them that at their age, having an infatuation with a same sex peer is normal, but it does not mean they are homosexual or are going to be homosexual.'
They mention it is illegal but a religious point of view is not used.
The classes also discuss pre-marital sex, focusing on the positive worth of abstinence, such as not having to worry about pregnancy.
FEI YUE COMMUNITY SERVICES
What is taught: Fei Yue Community Services, an independent society, started in 1991 as Fei Yue Family Service Centre. It was founded by the Chinese Christian Mission, a faith-based organisation.
It has been conducting sex education classes since 2007. These are held in 18 schools. But the classes are not just for students. Instead, said Madam Evelyn Khong, manager and family life educator, classes are held for parents or parents with teens.
The curriculum includes discussions about changes and differences in the physical, social, emotional and intellectual attributes of males and females.
The classes for parents and teenagers are four hours long on weekends, with role-play segments.
Love, sex and relationships are explored but religion is not raised.
Said Madam Khong: 'We advocate 'save sex' in that students should save sex for their dream man or woman.
'Sex is not bad. However, sex outside marriage can have consequences like guilt, fear and disease.'
Abortion and its physical, emotional and social consequences are also discussed.
Is homosexuality discussed?
Madam Khong said it is seldom discussed, apart from focusing on the fact that nature has made individuals what they are meant to be.
'If you are made a boy, you're meant to be a boy and vice-versa. We see homosexuality more as a lifestyle choice, so we do not discuss that.
'Ultimately, they have to decide what lifestyle they choose and the price they have to pay,' she said.
The classes also focus on communication so that parents will be equipped with the tools to beef up their children's self-esteem and ability to say 'no' to unwanted encounters.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY SINGAPORE
What is taught: Local charity Focus on the Family Singapore was launched in 2002 to strengthen Singapore families.
It is based on Focus on the Family from the United States, a pro-life, Christian organisation.
A four-hour interactive workshop called No Apologies caters to youths aged 12 to 18. Introductory assembly talks are also conducted for secondary schools.
Since 2002, 44 schools have taken part. The schools that take part are mainly non-religious schools.
Said a spokesman for Focus on the Family: 'No Apologies seeks to empower and challenge young people to choose abstinence from sex until marriage so as to live life with no regrets.'
It does not call pre-marital sex wrong.
In keeping with the positive message of abstinence, graphic or detailed material regarding pre-martial sex that is considered disturbing or demeaning to participants is not used.
The advantages as well as disadvantages of premarital sex, such as abortion, are discussed.
Religion is not discussed as the programme is tailored for all students.
Is homosexuality discussed?
Homosexuality is not part of the standard curriculum but can be addressed upon request as a separate additional workshop.
Sexuality 101
Last Wednesday, the Education Ministry said that it would suspend all external sexuality education programmes which organisations offer schools.
This followed complaints about the programme provided by Aware, which projects homosexuality as a 'neutral' activity.
Here is a run-down of the programmes that are or have been offered.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MOE)
What is taught: In the formal curriculum, topics on sexuality are incorporated in Science, Health Education and Civics, and Moral education lessons.
A co-curricular element was introduced in 2000 in the form of the Growing Years package.
This is divided into four segments.
The Curious Minds segment is for upper primary students experiencing the onset of puberty. It stresses the importance of character development and health. The multimedia content includes interactive games and role-play.
Topics include the reproductive system, pubertal changes and coping strategies, building healthy relationships and the importance of family.
The Teenage Years package for lower secondary students guides them on issues related to building self-esteem, why chastity and abstinence are important, and the consequences of pre-marital sex.
The Sense And Sexuality package for upper secondary students takes the view that this period of life is turbulent, leading youths to act on impulse, make short-sighted choices and experiment with activities, including sex.
It covers topics such as a better understanding of relationships, setting boundaries and understanding the influence of the media on sexuality.
The Love Matters segment for junior colleges and centralised institutes focuses on interpersonal relationships - touching on human development, sexual health and behaviour, and society and culture.
Is homosexuality discussed?
It is covered in one lesson in the lower secondary package.
Said an MOE spokesman: 'The lesson seeks to inform students of the definition of 'homosexual', and that homosexual acts are illegal under Singapore law.
'It does not promote homosexuality but follows social norms of mainstream society.'
AWARE
What is taught: The programme started in 2007 and has reached 11 schools so far. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed per workshop, which lasts three hours each time, either during or after school hours.
The programme was designed and drawn from an international workshop by the International Women's Health Coalition. Focus groups on the programme were also conducted in post-secondary institutions, and with teachers and parents.
The instructors' guide lists its objectives as helping participants to 'develop a healthy and positive attitude towards sexuality' and empowering them 'in their decision-making about their sexual life'.
The content ranges from HIV and Aids to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to contraception as well as relationship and body image issues.
Participants are taught that sexuality is normal but they should consider the consequences of teenage pregnancy and STIs.
They are also taught how to say 'no' if they are being pressured into sex and how to believe that they are worthy of a good relationship, no matter what people tell them.
Is homosexuality discussed?
The instructors' manual - which is not revealed to students - suggests that it be treated as neutral as 'it is perfectly normal... simply the way you are'.
Trainers have to follow some segments of this manual closely, such as teaching about risky sex and STIs, but the rest depends on how much time they have and the questions students ask.
The materials also include condoms and a 'simulated penis' to teach participants how to put on condoms.
Virginity is also suggested as a neutral term, or a 'a state of mind' as it may not necessarily be physical.
For example, girls may be considered virgins if they have not experienced being in a sexual relationship with men.
Anal sex is also suggested as a neutral term. A suggested explanation for this is that 'anal sex can be healthy or neutral if practised with consent and with a condom'.
The manual notes: 'Not having sex is the best way of preventing Aids and STI, but if you choose to be sexually active, using condoms correctly and consistently is a key way to reduce risk.'
SINGAPORE PLANNED PARENTHOOD ASSOCIATION (SPPA)
What is taught: The voluntary non-profit organisation has been conducting talks and workshops for schools, the public and other organisations for over 20 years. There are no religious links to the programme.
On average, 10 schools a year go through the programme and students are between 13 and 16 years old.
The workshops are three hours long while assembly talks are an hour. The content was developed by officers from teacher's feedback and approved by the board of SPPA.
Said SPPA administrator Joanne Tan: 'We have some fixed topics such as basic biology, relationships, being able to tell the difference between love and infatuation, and peer pressure.'
Case studies are used to show the difference between a crush and real love.
For students in Secondary 3 and 4, the talks also cover pre-marital sex.
The consequences of relationships, such as unwanted pregnancy and abortion, are also broached.
The SPPA promotes abstinence but not exclusively. Said Ms Tan: 'Our main message is to put out all the facts and ask them to make a careful choice. Sex should be without guilt or painful consequences.' The talks also briefly touch on contraception.
Is homosexuality discussed?
It is mentioned in the context of growing up. Said Ms Tan: 'We tell them it is normal to feel confused at that age and provide a hotline if students want to ask questions.'
FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY
What is taught: The non-profit organisation directed by the Catholic Archbishop of Singapore has held talks in schools since 1985.
In the past five years, it has been invited to about 25 schools a year. Talks range from 40-minute sessions at assembly to four-hour workshops for children from 11 to 18 years of age.
More often than not, they are invited to secular schools. The syllabus focuses on sexuality and the person as a whole rather than just sex. The programme was set up by a group of doctors and parents.
Said principal programme executive Michelle Soliano-Lew: 'We develop materials based on the natural moral law. This is secular moral philosophy without any reference to God, religion, scripture or divine revelation.'
Topics include boy-girl relationships, pornography, pregnancy and choices, as well as abortion and its possible consequences. The talks promote a pro-life and pro-family message.
Is homosexuality discussed? The society's stance is that the act is wrong.
'But we do not condemn the person,' said Ms Soliano-Lew.
'We tell them that at their age, having an infatuation with a same sex peer is normal, but it does not mean they are homosexual or are going to be homosexual.'
They mention it is illegal but a religious point of view is not used.
The classes also discuss pre-marital sex, focusing on the positive worth of abstinence, such as not having to worry about pregnancy.
FEI YUE COMMUNITY SERVICES
What is taught: Fei Yue Community Services, an independent society, started in 1991 as Fei Yue Family Service Centre. It was founded by the Chinese Christian Mission, a faith-based organisation.
It has been conducting sex education classes since 2007. These are held in 18 schools. But the classes are not just for students. Instead, said Madam Evelyn Khong, manager and family life educator, classes are held for parents or parents with teens.
The curriculum includes discussions about changes and differences in the physical, social, emotional and intellectual attributes of males and females.
The classes for parents and teenagers are four hours long on weekends, with role-play segments.
Love, sex and relationships are explored but religion is not raised.
Said Madam Khong: 'We advocate 'save sex' in that students should save sex for their dream man or woman.
'Sex is not bad. However, sex outside marriage can have consequences like guilt, fear and disease.'
Abortion and its physical, emotional and social consequences are also discussed.
Is homosexuality discussed?
Madam Khong said it is seldom discussed, apart from focusing on the fact that nature has made individuals what they are meant to be.
'If you are made a boy, you're meant to be a boy and vice-versa. We see homosexuality more as a lifestyle choice, so we do not discuss that.
'Ultimately, they have to decide what lifestyle they choose and the price they have to pay,' she said.
The classes also focus on communication so that parents will be equipped with the tools to beef up their children's self-esteem and ability to say 'no' to unwanted encounters.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY SINGAPORE
What is taught: Local charity Focus on the Family Singapore was launched in 2002 to strengthen Singapore families.
It is based on Focus on the Family from the United States, a pro-life, Christian organisation.
A four-hour interactive workshop called No Apologies caters to youths aged 12 to 18. Introductory assembly talks are also conducted for secondary schools.
Since 2002, 44 schools have taken part. The schools that take part are mainly non-religious schools.
Said a spokesman for Focus on the Family: 'No Apologies seeks to empower and challenge young people to choose abstinence from sex until marriage so as to live life with no regrets.'
It does not call pre-marital sex wrong.
In keeping with the positive message of abstinence, graphic or detailed material regarding pre-martial sex that is considered disturbing or demeaning to participants is not used.
The advantages as well as disadvantages of premarital sex, such as abortion, are discussed.
Religion is not discussed as the programme is tailored for all students.
Is homosexuality discussed?
Homosexuality is not part of the standard curriculum but can be addressed upon request as a separate additional workshop.
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