Ladies and Gentlemen,
I had written on Saturday, April 5, 2008, In Singapore, in addition to the search for escaped prisoner Mas Salamat Kastari, Lee has now begun a search for a future Prime Minister!; about the official beginning of the island wide search by Lee Kuan Yew's son for a successor to succeed him in 15 years! As to the peculiarity of such an activity in a supposedly parliamentary democracy, I had already alluded to in it.
It has been reported that the search for his successor has taken proportions not dissimilar to the search for escaped prisoner Mas Selamat Kastari. As with the search for Mas Sealamt Kastari, Gurkha troops armed with M16 assault rifles, tear gas and other lethal devises and offensive tools have been going house to house, kicking open doors at HDB flats, and forcibly searching under beds and behind cabinets for the illusive successor to the Prime Minister in 15 years. A few young men in their desperation to escape the selection process had jumped off balconies and corridors, some breaking their bones in the process with one reported death in Hougang Avenue 2, a case of a young man who died from the fall in his attempt to escape from being chosen as Lee's successor!
The Singapore police have sent telephonic messages throughout the island to all Singaporeans to report if any prospective successor to Lee is found, with severe penalties with prison terms of 10 years for those who fail to report such sightings.
The search for the successor to Lee's son has even extended to the marshlands near Jurong and into all forested areas including Mandai and Pierce Reservoirs. It appears the government's greatest fear is that Lee's successor may join forces with Mas Selamat Kastari who is believed to be hiding in the jungle and together they may become an even greater threat to Changi airport, the facility which Kasatri is alleged to have threatened to blow up.
The other fear is that the Lee's successor, if he remains long enough in the jungle, in his determination to escape from being Lee's successor, may end up some sort of a Tarzan, proficient in living off the bush, learning new tricks and skills, and eventually coming to finish off Mr. Lee's son.
In their desperation to escape selection as the successor to Lee Kuan Yew's son in 15 years, some young men had even taken the desperate step of swimming to nearby islands to avoid capture and secondment into the Prime Minister job. The Singapore coast guard in their sampans (a small Malay fishing boat) with 4 hp motors have begun patrolling all nooks and corners of the waters around Pulau Ubin, Tekong and Sarimbun islands but they have yet to capture these evasive boys and girls desperate to escape from Lee's son.
It has been reported, as of yesterday, that the Singapore Police Hotline in Magazine Road, next to All Night Indian Drinking Pub, has received no less than 3000 reports of sightings of young men and women resembling Lee's successor but, alas, so far there have been no arrests.
In fact taxi driver Abdul Batang bin Abdul Kayu of 02-04, Lorong 4, Toa Payoh Lorong 2, Singapore, an improved 4 room HDB flat has in fact reported that Lee's young successor of 20 years of age, a Chinese young man who got all straight As at 12th Grade, had in fact boarded his taxi from Orchard Road to Geylang Lorong 16, but hurriedly got off and ran away before the destination when he discovered Mr. Kayu being suspicious. Mr. Abdul Kayu is now in Tanglin Police Station being interviewed by DSP Deep Singh on his information. Lee Kuan Yew is keeping his fingers crossed in hoping that this lead may result in the successful find for the elusive successor.
It has been reported that young men and women have been almost absent in public places since last week, for fear of being selected to succeed Lee's son in 15 years! They have begun to hide in every place they can, and so far the successor remains free.
Singapore Television continues to interrupt normal programming for any updates on the search. Up till now the search is covering almost every possible hideout. Every HDB flat regardless of whether it is the one room or twenty room variety. None has been spared. The police by decree have lifted the requirement for a warrant. Warrantless searches are permitted. A shoot to kill order has been given to all policeman who sees the successor trying to escape! Diplomatic requests have gone out to all neighbouring countries to repatriate the successor if found.
All in all, it is a very exciting time in Singapore. I will keep you posted on the events as they unfurl in this nationwide search for Lee's successor in 15 years time! The search has now entered its first week. Mr. Lee is confident that the successor is still within Singapore and unlikely to have escaped to Malaysia or Indonesia. By now he must be tired and worn out, not having eaten for one whole week!
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Interregnum
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Owing to unexpectedly heavy responsibilities at work and other important matters, it may be necessary to reduce the frequency of my blog posts. I do understand that many almost daily check this blog for articles. I can assure all readers that I am committed to publishing at the rate and frequency as at present, and if there is a delay here and there, I assure you it is only temporary.
I assure you I am fit as a fiddle and ready to scale even Mount Everest anytime if provoked, without oxygen! I have committed myself to this blog. Please bear with me for the interruptions at times.
We may yet be able to prove to Lee Kuan Yew, that the pen is mightier than the sword, afterall!
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Owing to unexpectedly heavy responsibilities at work and other important matters, it may be necessary to reduce the frequency of my blog posts. I do understand that many almost daily check this blog for articles. I can assure all readers that I am committed to publishing at the rate and frequency as at present, and if there is a delay here and there, I assure you it is only temporary.
I assure you I am fit as a fiddle and ready to scale even Mount Everest anytime if provoked, without oxygen! I have committed myself to this blog. Please bear with me for the interruptions at times.
We may yet be able to prove to Lee Kuan Yew, that the pen is mightier than the sword, afterall!
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Intimidation of peaceful protestors by Singapore Police
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a Singaporean you may want to do the following. First, you may want to ask whether you wish to live in a democratic society or do you wish to live in bondage. I assume your answer is the former.
Second, you may want to ask if Singapore is indeed a democracy or is it a totalitarian state. I assume with the rule of Lee Kuan Yew since the last 40 years, with defamation actions, judges like Judge Belinda Ang who bankrupt opposition politicians by abusing the law; you would probably say it is the latter.
Third, you may want to ask if mere material possessions such as better roads, taller buildings and a minimum wage job is enough or would you in addition want self determination for each and everyone. I assume it is the latter that you desire; not merely material possessions and living like a slave, but possessions as well as freedom and liberty; so that you alone is master of your destiny.
And finally, if you realize that the normal Parliamentary process in Singapore will not permit you to achieve these objectives which are rightfully yours; you will then agree that the only way to demand what is rightfully yours, your freedom; is to engage in peaceful civil unrest to demand it. In the Singapore context; where Lee Kuan Yew shamelessly holds on to power by intimidation and abuse of the law, you must realize that you have no other choice.
The practice of the Singapore police including their actions at Tak Boleh Tahan of March 15, 2008, is to order the attendance of peaceful protesters at police stations and while there, frighten and threaten them into giving up on peaceful protests entirely.
It has to be said that the police in these instances are abandoning their duty to uphold the law as required by their oath of office as police officers; and are instead behaving like petty thugs working for the private benefit of Lee Kuan Yew. I urge these police officers to remind themselves that they are men and women too, with a conscience and with a duty towards their fellow Singaporeans, not a duty to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
I would like to remind these police officers that they are bound by solemn oath as police officers to uphold the Singapore Constitution and the laws of Singapore. They are reminded that the Constitution specifically provides for the right of Singaporeans to engage in peaceful assembly and the right of free speech and expression. They are reminded again that the gazetting of certain areas such as the entrance to Istana and Parliament House as Gazetted Areas is intended not to secure the peace but rather to deny Singaporeans the right of self expression, guaranteed under the Constitution. They are reminded that the law requiring a permit for an assembly of 5 or more people, is also illegal as a contravention of the Constitution. These laws are illegal, having been put in place by Lee Kuan Yew to ensure he remains in power and the opposition is eliminated.
I ask police officers to search their conscience and not permit themselves to be poor prostitutes for Lee Kuan Yew. I ask them to refuse dishonest assignments such as these; and they should refuse to comply with orders to arrest peaceful protesters merely exercising their constitutional rights. They should search their conscience for the truth and act with honor. Not as a servant for Lee Kuan Yew.
When arrested these innocent victims are required to attend police stations where their personal particulars are recorded. Furthermore they are repeatedly told that their jobs will be affected, their promotions will be affected and all manner of despicable intimidation is applied upon them and to their minds; the intention being they will be intimidated into agreeing never to protest again. There are some brave Singaporeans who refuse to be taken in by such intimidation but there are others who for circumstances of family and other reasons; fall victim to such illegal threats and decide to stop ever attending anymore protests.
I therefore ask the police officers to cease and desist in this disgraceful activity. Peaceful protest is an act specifically permitted by the constitution. Excuses such as the gazetting rules and the requirement for permits are without legal basis. They should refuse to arrest in these cases. Also they should stop intimidating peaceful Singaporean protesters at police stations. Stop your intimidation. Stop your threats. You serve the people, not Lee Kuan Yew. Please remember that.
As for protesters who are arrested; this is what I say. The police cannot arrest everybody. And they cannot sack and demote everyone. There are far too few people in Singapore for that. Do not be afraid. If arrested, refuse to give a statement. All you have to say is that you were merely engaging in your constitutional right of protest, and nothing more. If you refuse to cooperate, there is nothing more the police can do. I know this personally because I too was called up for interrogation by Singapore police acting in the same way they always do, like bullies. If you stand your ground and refuse, there is nothing they can do. Just as bullies everywhere, they only manage to frighten the weak. If you stand strong, they cringe and shrivel. I know this from personal experience.
Most importantly refuse to apologize or give undertakings that you will not engage in any more civil unrest. Challenge them to take you to court or else they should hold their tongue.
If more and more of Singaporeans adopt this stand of defiance and insistence on the law; these bully boys will have no business at all. As it is, I have received reliable information, the sources of which I cannot reveal for obvious reasons; that Singapore Police Force is having great difficulty in getting sufficient volunteers to arrest peaceful activists. Many police officers, both men and women, are already refusing to do the dirty work despite facing termination from employment. No matter what one says, there are some honest men and women in the Singapore Police Force. As a result the Police Force is finding it increasingly difficult to deploy officers to arrest protesters. To these valiant police officers, I say bravo!
The Singapore Police Force in arresting peaceful protesters are acting like the personal private army of Lee Kuan Yew. Nothing more than petty thugs. It is time Singaporeans told them they refuse to be intimidated. With time, one never knows; even the police might join the protesters. The police should remember, that they too are Singaporeans.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
As a Singaporean you may want to do the following. First, you may want to ask whether you wish to live in a democratic society or do you wish to live in bondage. I assume your answer is the former.
Second, you may want to ask if Singapore is indeed a democracy or is it a totalitarian state. I assume with the rule of Lee Kuan Yew since the last 40 years, with defamation actions, judges like Judge Belinda Ang who bankrupt opposition politicians by abusing the law; you would probably say it is the latter.
Third, you may want to ask if mere material possessions such as better roads, taller buildings and a minimum wage job is enough or would you in addition want self determination for each and everyone. I assume it is the latter that you desire; not merely material possessions and living like a slave, but possessions as well as freedom and liberty; so that you alone is master of your destiny.
And finally, if you realize that the normal Parliamentary process in Singapore will not permit you to achieve these objectives which are rightfully yours; you will then agree that the only way to demand what is rightfully yours, your freedom; is to engage in peaceful civil unrest to demand it. In the Singapore context; where Lee Kuan Yew shamelessly holds on to power by intimidation and abuse of the law, you must realize that you have no other choice.
The practice of the Singapore police including their actions at Tak Boleh Tahan of March 15, 2008, is to order the attendance of peaceful protesters at police stations and while there, frighten and threaten them into giving up on peaceful protests entirely.
It has to be said that the police in these instances are abandoning their duty to uphold the law as required by their oath of office as police officers; and are instead behaving like petty thugs working for the private benefit of Lee Kuan Yew. I urge these police officers to remind themselves that they are men and women too, with a conscience and with a duty towards their fellow Singaporeans, not a duty to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
I would like to remind these police officers that they are bound by solemn oath as police officers to uphold the Singapore Constitution and the laws of Singapore. They are reminded that the Constitution specifically provides for the right of Singaporeans to engage in peaceful assembly and the right of free speech and expression. They are reminded again that the gazetting of certain areas such as the entrance to Istana and Parliament House as Gazetted Areas is intended not to secure the peace but rather to deny Singaporeans the right of self expression, guaranteed under the Constitution. They are reminded that the law requiring a permit for an assembly of 5 or more people, is also illegal as a contravention of the Constitution. These laws are illegal, having been put in place by Lee Kuan Yew to ensure he remains in power and the opposition is eliminated.
I ask police officers to search their conscience and not permit themselves to be poor prostitutes for Lee Kuan Yew. I ask them to refuse dishonest assignments such as these; and they should refuse to comply with orders to arrest peaceful protesters merely exercising their constitutional rights. They should search their conscience for the truth and act with honor. Not as a servant for Lee Kuan Yew.
When arrested these innocent victims are required to attend police stations where their personal particulars are recorded. Furthermore they are repeatedly told that their jobs will be affected, their promotions will be affected and all manner of despicable intimidation is applied upon them and to their minds; the intention being they will be intimidated into agreeing never to protest again. There are some brave Singaporeans who refuse to be taken in by such intimidation but there are others who for circumstances of family and other reasons; fall victim to such illegal threats and decide to stop ever attending anymore protests.
I therefore ask the police officers to cease and desist in this disgraceful activity. Peaceful protest is an act specifically permitted by the constitution. Excuses such as the gazetting rules and the requirement for permits are without legal basis. They should refuse to arrest in these cases. Also they should stop intimidating peaceful Singaporean protesters at police stations. Stop your intimidation. Stop your threats. You serve the people, not Lee Kuan Yew. Please remember that.
As for protesters who are arrested; this is what I say. The police cannot arrest everybody. And they cannot sack and demote everyone. There are far too few people in Singapore for that. Do not be afraid. If arrested, refuse to give a statement. All you have to say is that you were merely engaging in your constitutional right of protest, and nothing more. If you refuse to cooperate, there is nothing more the police can do. I know this personally because I too was called up for interrogation by Singapore police acting in the same way they always do, like bullies. If you stand your ground and refuse, there is nothing they can do. Just as bullies everywhere, they only manage to frighten the weak. If you stand strong, they cringe and shrivel. I know this from personal experience.
Most importantly refuse to apologize or give undertakings that you will not engage in any more civil unrest. Challenge them to take you to court or else they should hold their tongue.
If more and more of Singaporeans adopt this stand of defiance and insistence on the law; these bully boys will have no business at all. As it is, I have received reliable information, the sources of which I cannot reveal for obvious reasons; that Singapore Police Force is having great difficulty in getting sufficient volunteers to arrest peaceful activists. Many police officers, both men and women, are already refusing to do the dirty work despite facing termination from employment. No matter what one says, there are some honest men and women in the Singapore Police Force. As a result the Police Force is finding it increasingly difficult to deploy officers to arrest protesters. To these valiant police officers, I say bravo!
The Singapore Police Force in arresting peaceful protesters are acting like the personal private army of Lee Kuan Yew. Nothing more than petty thugs. It is time Singaporeans told them they refuse to be intimidated. With time, one never knows; even the police might join the protesters. The police should remember, that they too are Singaporeans.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Singapore. All big things came from small beginnings.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If there is anyone who doubts the effectiveness of peaceful protests in Singapore, think again. All big things had small beginnings and this saying is particularly true in Singapore's case.
Human nature is such that men always try to follow safe courses in life. This is only natural. In Singapore, there is a nationwide fear of the Lee Administration if they were to openly show their dissatisfaction to their policies. Loss of job, demotion in their careers, ostracized from government departments and victimization.
In the past, one used to see protests in numbers no more than 2 or 3. 3 miserable people standing in a row putting up some placard or other, in a country of 4.0 million or so! Hardly a mass movement. The government would naturally feel that these 3 isolated individuals is no threat to the mighty Lee Kuan Yew family.
But this was some years ago. Steadily we have seen, over the years the numbers of peaceful protestors increasing which culminated in the Tak Boleh Tahan of March 15, 2008 at 2 pm in front of Parliament House; a huge number of 50 protestors. Oh yes, you may say 50 is hardly a huge number. But it is in the Singapore context. In Singapore 10 years ago, you would not have been able to find a single person to even raise a whimper in protest, let alone publicly doing it!
And the numbers can only increase as time goes on. More and more people will be taking to the streets in Singapore as the government will find it increasing difficult to justify punishing them. Then, with ever larger numbers out in the streets demanding justice, the Lee Regime will find it has no choice but to listen to the people to avoid a catastrophe.
As for Singaporeans it now your chance to be a part of the historic political change that is imminent in Singapore. You will not be alone as there will be thousands of others. And when that change comes, you have the benefit of the realization that among the four million Singaporeans, it was you who was its pioneer in change. It is a great feeling to have. Don’t waste that opportunity.
If you question my optimism, there are good reasons for it. Firstly, in any contest, good always has the upper hand over evil. In this case take the government policies. The Ministers paying themselves $3.7 million a year each is unacceptable to each and every Singaporean, regardless of their social status. In this case, resistance to this theft of Singapore’s wealth by these ministers is justified and noble. The refusal to give the elderly their CPF retirement savings is entirely unacceptable. The government has no excuse in not doing their duty under law.
The government has no justification whatever in denying the people their human rights such as the right to assemble, which happens to be their right under the Constitution. Everyone in Singapore bitterly hates judges like Belinda Ang who misuses the law of defamation in order to destroy Lee Kuan Yew’s opponents like Dr. Chee Soon Juan. I can go on, but you already see my point.
In all these major areas of contention, the Lee Administration has no leg to stand on at all. All they are doing at present is to use brute force and the misuse of the law to deny the citizens their rights. And when that is the case; the people, and in this case; the protestors cause is viewed with sympathy, with kindness and with support. They become the underdog suffering under the yoke of the bully, Lee Kuan Yew.
Protests in any society is usually the last resort in political action. When you have good democratic systems in place, there is no need for protests. Political disputes are handled in gentlemanly fashion in Parliament where both the government and the opposition act in a fair minded honorable manner. Where the incumbent government steps aside where it is lawfully defeated in elections making way for the opposition. Where disputes are argued in Parliament in a temperate decorous manner as gentleman do and solutions are found in a civilized democratic fashion.
But when you see that a government like that of Lee Kuan Yew is not prepared to play by the rules; when they deliberately cheat and rig elections by defamation actions and what not, to destroy the opposition, the people cannot get redress for the woes through normal Parliamentary channels. They have no choice but to resort to peaceful protests; a right which is enshrined as a fundamental right of the people in the Constitution.
In today’s age, protest is the greatest tool that any citizen can have. With instant communication throughout the world of news images and video, the damage done to the reputation of any government is infinitely greater. No government can afford to stand idly by in the face of mounting protestors. They have to either use force to stop them or they have to give in to their demands. And using force, unfortunately for governments is a double edged sword. You may initially thwart an uprising but in the end, you will have to face a much greater uprising than the one before.
Singapore is uniquely suited for protests. A highly densely built up place with great people density. Also it is an international city depending on tourism and international commerce. It cannot be seen as a place where thousands of peaceful protestors are shot. Singapore is not Tien Anmen.
As for the 50 at the Tak Boleh Tahan on March 15, 2008, the numbers will grow. I understand when Mahatma Gandhi started off in Pietermartizburg; Natal South Africa at the turn of the last century, his movement for civil rights consisted of only one man, himself! I don’t have to tell you how many millions joined him in the peaceful protests as time went on to drive the mighty British Imperials out of India. Same with Mandela, same with Martin Luther King, same with all protest movements who have succeeded throughout the world. They all have one quality in common. They had truth on their side.
In the same way in Singapore, in Dr. Chee Soon Juan's peaceful protests, he has truth on his side. He has law on his side. He has justice on his side. He has compassion on his side. Compassion for the poor. The law, in the Constitutional right to protest. The truth, since the Lee regime illegally stays in power by unlawful means. And this quality of truth and justice being on the side of Dr. Chee and the protestors; this gives them strength. And with this strength, the numbers will grow as others will see the light and join in, and then you have a full scale movement.
Everyone has his part to play in this. I can educate and disseminate these facts through this blog. The readership of this blog is steadily rising, thank you. My call to each reader to disseminate it has had positive results. The information is being widely spread. And I shall continue writing as my contribution to the cause of democracy. If in Singapore, you can join the protests. Everyone can contribute in their own small way. And it is with this combined and determined effort on everyone's part that will even topple the mighty Lee Kuan Yew.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
If there is anyone who doubts the effectiveness of peaceful protests in Singapore, think again. All big things had small beginnings and this saying is particularly true in Singapore's case.
Human nature is such that men always try to follow safe courses in life. This is only natural. In Singapore, there is a nationwide fear of the Lee Administration if they were to openly show their dissatisfaction to their policies. Loss of job, demotion in their careers, ostracized from government departments and victimization.
In the past, one used to see protests in numbers no more than 2 or 3. 3 miserable people standing in a row putting up some placard or other, in a country of 4.0 million or so! Hardly a mass movement. The government would naturally feel that these 3 isolated individuals is no threat to the mighty Lee Kuan Yew family.
But this was some years ago. Steadily we have seen, over the years the numbers of peaceful protestors increasing which culminated in the Tak Boleh Tahan of March 15, 2008 at 2 pm in front of Parliament House; a huge number of 50 protestors. Oh yes, you may say 50 is hardly a huge number. But it is in the Singapore context. In Singapore 10 years ago, you would not have been able to find a single person to even raise a whimper in protest, let alone publicly doing it!
And the numbers can only increase as time goes on. More and more people will be taking to the streets in Singapore as the government will find it increasing difficult to justify punishing them. Then, with ever larger numbers out in the streets demanding justice, the Lee Regime will find it has no choice but to listen to the people to avoid a catastrophe.
As for Singaporeans it now your chance to be a part of the historic political change that is imminent in Singapore. You will not be alone as there will be thousands of others. And when that change comes, you have the benefit of the realization that among the four million Singaporeans, it was you who was its pioneer in change. It is a great feeling to have. Don’t waste that opportunity.
If you question my optimism, there are good reasons for it. Firstly, in any contest, good always has the upper hand over evil. In this case take the government policies. The Ministers paying themselves $3.7 million a year each is unacceptable to each and every Singaporean, regardless of their social status. In this case, resistance to this theft of Singapore’s wealth by these ministers is justified and noble. The refusal to give the elderly their CPF retirement savings is entirely unacceptable. The government has no excuse in not doing their duty under law.
The government has no justification whatever in denying the people their human rights such as the right to assemble, which happens to be their right under the Constitution. Everyone in Singapore bitterly hates judges like Belinda Ang who misuses the law of defamation in order to destroy Lee Kuan Yew’s opponents like Dr. Chee Soon Juan. I can go on, but you already see my point.
In all these major areas of contention, the Lee Administration has no leg to stand on at all. All they are doing at present is to use brute force and the misuse of the law to deny the citizens their rights. And when that is the case; the people, and in this case; the protestors cause is viewed with sympathy, with kindness and with support. They become the underdog suffering under the yoke of the bully, Lee Kuan Yew.
Protests in any society is usually the last resort in political action. When you have good democratic systems in place, there is no need for protests. Political disputes are handled in gentlemanly fashion in Parliament where both the government and the opposition act in a fair minded honorable manner. Where the incumbent government steps aside where it is lawfully defeated in elections making way for the opposition. Where disputes are argued in Parliament in a temperate decorous manner as gentleman do and solutions are found in a civilized democratic fashion.
But when you see that a government like that of Lee Kuan Yew is not prepared to play by the rules; when they deliberately cheat and rig elections by defamation actions and what not, to destroy the opposition, the people cannot get redress for the woes through normal Parliamentary channels. They have no choice but to resort to peaceful protests; a right which is enshrined as a fundamental right of the people in the Constitution.
In today’s age, protest is the greatest tool that any citizen can have. With instant communication throughout the world of news images and video, the damage done to the reputation of any government is infinitely greater. No government can afford to stand idly by in the face of mounting protestors. They have to either use force to stop them or they have to give in to their demands. And using force, unfortunately for governments is a double edged sword. You may initially thwart an uprising but in the end, you will have to face a much greater uprising than the one before.
Singapore is uniquely suited for protests. A highly densely built up place with great people density. Also it is an international city depending on tourism and international commerce. It cannot be seen as a place where thousands of peaceful protestors are shot. Singapore is not Tien Anmen.
As for the 50 at the Tak Boleh Tahan on March 15, 2008, the numbers will grow. I understand when Mahatma Gandhi started off in Pietermartizburg; Natal South Africa at the turn of the last century, his movement for civil rights consisted of only one man, himself! I don’t have to tell you how many millions joined him in the peaceful protests as time went on to drive the mighty British Imperials out of India. Same with Mandela, same with Martin Luther King, same with all protest movements who have succeeded throughout the world. They all have one quality in common. They had truth on their side.
In the same way in Singapore, in Dr. Chee Soon Juan's peaceful protests, he has truth on his side. He has law on his side. He has justice on his side. He has compassion on his side. Compassion for the poor. The law, in the Constitutional right to protest. The truth, since the Lee regime illegally stays in power by unlawful means. And this quality of truth and justice being on the side of Dr. Chee and the protestors; this gives them strength. And with this strength, the numbers will grow as others will see the light and join in, and then you have a full scale movement.
Everyone has his part to play in this. I can educate and disseminate these facts through this blog. The readership of this blog is steadily rising, thank you. My call to each reader to disseminate it has had positive results. The information is being widely spread. And I shall continue writing as my contribution to the cause of democracy. If in Singapore, you can join the protests. Everyone can contribute in their own small way. And it is with this combined and determined effort on everyone's part that will even topple the mighty Lee Kuan Yew.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Is this Singapore's Chief Justice Chan's confession?
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If ever I have read a more cryptic, a more disguised, veiled, statement or threat of any person, this is it. I am referring to the article in Singapore’s state controlled newspaper the Straits Times of April 04, 2008 titled "Let all have access to justice: CJ Chan".
The entire report, no matter which way one wants to look at it, appears to be one thing, and one thing alone. A mea culpa. It appears the Chief Justice has finally had pangs of conscience hurting him, and now it is time for him to admit once and for all, that the Singapore legal system is not that free at all!
A careful reading of the state controlled newspaper report looks like this.
He says "Singapore Lower Courts have been placed high in international rankings but what matters is the quality of justice people here receive".
Just what is he saying here? Is he finally admitting that these international rankings that the government so proudly publishes are rankings not to judge whether the law is impartially applied; but instead, to judge how fast cases are dealt with and money recovered.
Is he admitting that all respected international organizations who truly judge whether rule of law and human rights exist; such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have stated repeatedly that Singapore courts do not exercise the rule of law?
Is he therefore admitting finally that Singapore does not practice the rule of law, and that Singapore is nothing more than a dictatorship ruled by Lee's dictates? Is he now saying that the time has finally come for Singapore judges to actually behave as judges and not as PAP politicians?
Chief Justice Chan says "While ranking matters, they should not detract from what matters".
Again, we see what appears to be an admission that these rankings such as PERC, a Hong Kong based organization which caters to multi national businesses, gives high marks consistently to Singapore legal system; because it is more concerned about how much profit off shore businessmen can make in Singapore; not how much justice an ordinary Singaporean Dr. Chee Soon Juan can get in Singapore’s courts.
When he says "they should not detract from what matters" is he now admitting there is in fact a serious problem with the state of the law in Singapore, because of a lack of an independent judiciary, and that something should be finally done about it?
"We should not allow them to dominate and overwhelm our own assessment of the quality of justice that we administer to our people" Are we seeing an admission that he has neglected to examine the quality of justice in Singapore; that rule of law is indeed lacking and that something now has to be done about it?
He then goes on to directly and deliberately admit that these foreign rankings that Lee Kuan Yew has selectively relied upon were "limited to certain aspects of justice such as how fast litigants can get a judgment from the courts and enforce them, as in cases in debt recovery and bankruptcy".
Is he therefore finally admitting that Lee Kuan Yew and his government have been downright untruthful and dishonest all these past 40 years when they routinely went around trumpeting the fact that Singapore follows the rule of law based on these one sided reports; but they knew all along that Singapore judges are not impartial, beholden to Lee Kuan Yew and the law is nothing more than decrees which he executes through his compliant judges.
Is he finally admitting that not only Lee Kuan Yew but he himself has been somewhat untruthful all these years!
And here he finally admits that “these rankings surveys serve as a useful purpose in alerting foreign investors to the potential strengths and weaknesses of the judicial or legal systems of the countries".
Is this therefore an admission, belated, but still welcome that these business orientated rankings, do nothing for the average Fatima binte Kastari, in her claim that she did not violate the law, in the exercise of her constitutional right of freedom of assembly, when she protested at the Tak Boleh Tahan, in front of Parliament House?
I have no doubt in my mind that the Chief Justice of Singapore was trying to tell us something. Since if he was trying to say two and two are four, he could have done a much better job.
Let us hope that our expectation is indeed correct. That Mr. Chan Sek Keong, the Chief Justice of Singapore has finally seen the light, realized the folly of his ways and has finally picked up the courage as Thomas Beckett did in King Henry's court; and has finally declared that business cannot go on as usual. The time has finally come for the rule of law and democracy!
And let us hope that finally he has decided after all to become a judge, and not carry on in those robes as a PAP politician.
If that is in fact your intention, well done old man. But the question is, if you did what you threaten, will you end up as a bookseller just as JB Jeyaretnam and Dr. Chee Soon Juan have become, after inviting the wrath of the tiger, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
Please tell us more, Mr. Chief Justice.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
If ever I have read a more cryptic, a more disguised, veiled, statement or threat of any person, this is it. I am referring to the article in Singapore’s state controlled newspaper the Straits Times of April 04, 2008 titled "Let all have access to justice: CJ Chan".
The entire report, no matter which way one wants to look at it, appears to be one thing, and one thing alone. A mea culpa. It appears the Chief Justice has finally had pangs of conscience hurting him, and now it is time for him to admit once and for all, that the Singapore legal system is not that free at all!
A careful reading of the state controlled newspaper report looks like this.
He says "Singapore Lower Courts have been placed high in international rankings but what matters is the quality of justice people here receive".
Just what is he saying here? Is he finally admitting that these international rankings that the government so proudly publishes are rankings not to judge whether the law is impartially applied; but instead, to judge how fast cases are dealt with and money recovered.
Is he admitting that all respected international organizations who truly judge whether rule of law and human rights exist; such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have stated repeatedly that Singapore courts do not exercise the rule of law?
Is he therefore admitting finally that Singapore does not practice the rule of law, and that Singapore is nothing more than a dictatorship ruled by Lee's dictates? Is he now saying that the time has finally come for Singapore judges to actually behave as judges and not as PAP politicians?
Chief Justice Chan says "While ranking matters, they should not detract from what matters".
Again, we see what appears to be an admission that these rankings such as PERC, a Hong Kong based organization which caters to multi national businesses, gives high marks consistently to Singapore legal system; because it is more concerned about how much profit off shore businessmen can make in Singapore; not how much justice an ordinary Singaporean Dr. Chee Soon Juan can get in Singapore’s courts.
When he says "they should not detract from what matters" is he now admitting there is in fact a serious problem with the state of the law in Singapore, because of a lack of an independent judiciary, and that something should be finally done about it?
"We should not allow them to dominate and overwhelm our own assessment of the quality of justice that we administer to our people" Are we seeing an admission that he has neglected to examine the quality of justice in Singapore; that rule of law is indeed lacking and that something now has to be done about it?
He then goes on to directly and deliberately admit that these foreign rankings that Lee Kuan Yew has selectively relied upon were "limited to certain aspects of justice such as how fast litigants can get a judgment from the courts and enforce them, as in cases in debt recovery and bankruptcy".
Is he therefore finally admitting that Lee Kuan Yew and his government have been downright untruthful and dishonest all these past 40 years when they routinely went around trumpeting the fact that Singapore follows the rule of law based on these one sided reports; but they knew all along that Singapore judges are not impartial, beholden to Lee Kuan Yew and the law is nothing more than decrees which he executes through his compliant judges.
Is he finally admitting that not only Lee Kuan Yew but he himself has been somewhat untruthful all these years!
And here he finally admits that “these rankings surveys serve as a useful purpose in alerting foreign investors to the potential strengths and weaknesses of the judicial or legal systems of the countries".
Is this therefore an admission, belated, but still welcome that these business orientated rankings, do nothing for the average Fatima binte Kastari, in her claim that she did not violate the law, in the exercise of her constitutional right of freedom of assembly, when she protested at the Tak Boleh Tahan, in front of Parliament House?
I have no doubt in my mind that the Chief Justice of Singapore was trying to tell us something. Since if he was trying to say two and two are four, he could have done a much better job.
Let us hope that our expectation is indeed correct. That Mr. Chan Sek Keong, the Chief Justice of Singapore has finally seen the light, realized the folly of his ways and has finally picked up the courage as Thomas Beckett did in King Henry's court; and has finally declared that business cannot go on as usual. The time has finally come for the rule of law and democracy!
And let us hope that finally he has decided after all to become a judge, and not carry on in those robes as a PAP politician.
If that is in fact your intention, well done old man. But the question is, if you did what you threaten, will you end up as a bookseller just as JB Jeyaretnam and Dr. Chee Soon Juan have become, after inviting the wrath of the tiger, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
Please tell us more, Mr. Chief Justice.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Letter from Daniel Lim, 6th April 2008
Following letter from Daniel Lim, verbatim, unedited
April 06, 2008
Dear Mr. Nair,
I hope what you said will one day come true, Lee is gone, the sooner the better. He has been a dictator for more than 40 years, should have been enough good life for him, God has been very kind to him and his family. Lee Kuan Yew has everything he wants in life, good food, good wine, etc
The problem is he is still going strong at his age, don't seems to get sick or on MC, so far never heard Lee Kuan Yew on MC. His mind is still sharp and alert, people said that he has been going thru blood transfusion, renewing his blood with blood from young people, some sort like vampire sucking virgin blood from women, not sure whether it is a fact or a myth? At the moment, Lee Kuan Yew has been keeping himself alive as long as possible, the reason is not because he wanted to have more title, like Supreme Senior Minister Mentor (SSMM), I guess he is more concern about his son, Lee Hsien Loong, it seems like his son don't have leadership quality to lead Singapore, Of course, Lee Kuan Yew took years to build up Singapore, he will not want to see PAP being ruined by his incompetent son, and his son still needs papa to be around. Without papa, there is no good wine, good woman, good money for Lee Hsien Loong and the generation after.
The Lee's family has been owing many assets, hoding high ranking position in private as well as government sectors, they have indirectly or directly involved over many things such as power station, transportation sectors, the media, stock market, airlines, telecommunication, public and private housing etc. Singapore is being runs like a business corporation, a money making places for them not like a democratic country.Who said Singapore never practice nepotism, who said Singapore don't have corruption.
Do you why the minister being overly pay? It is to silent them, as they knew some of the dirty secret inside, not because the government wanted to keep good people. Who dare to critise the pay master who pay them extremely well? Just close one eye.
Even the minister are pay well above market rate, they don't seems to perform that well, still screw things up and give excuses.
Mr. Nair, you are very lucky to have left Singapore with all your CPF saving, really good for you. Those who still in Singapore had to tolerate and listen to Lee Kuan Yew propaganda, we feels like living in North Korea, listing to the great leader Kim. Many of my friend who went overseas, I usually advise them not to return to Singapore, as you will not find any opportunity, as long as PAP is around. You can never reach the top especially in government sector, the top most is reserved for you know who.
Right now, the Lee's government is eyeing on our CPF, they claimed we needs to work until the age of 80, as they claimed that the CPF money is not enough for Singaporean retirement. What kind of bullshit! The CPF fund was set-up to secure our retirement, now they said the opposite, the CPF funds has been channel to some uses which we are not fully aware, we have been hidden from the truth. Do you ever wonder, those old folks who do not have any relative or next-of-kin, if they passed away, what happened to the CPF saving inside their account? Where will it channel to? This question has been lurking in everyone minds for sometimes.
I ready do hope there are resistance happening as you have mentioned in your previous mail, sad to said every election PAP always win, that confirmed for sure. Every election, PAP will offer some money, in other countries this called vote buying, in Singapore, they named it as GST rebates, NSS shares etc.
The opposition party at the moment do not have the talent and resources to stand up to PAP, those who are outspoken, either outlawed, outcasted or make bankrupt by PAP. I don't believe in one party government, it is very dangerous for Singapore, too much power under one person is not a good idea. If that person said black, who dare to said white, this remind me of the ancient China emperor, that why the dynasty does not last, and who suffer the most, it is the people at the bottom. In Singapore, that what happens, a dynasty raises, the emperor sit was passed on from father to son, then to grandson so on, as predicted. That why, Singaporean don't have any hope if this type of dynasty system keep going on, what can we do? To protest, it has been outlawed, to criticize you will be sue for bankrupt, everyone just keep their mouth shut.
For the ghost writer you have mentioned, definitely I am not the ghost writer or ninja writer or phantom writer working for Mindef, anyway the funds comes from tax payers, we are paying them to spy on us, Mindef should not have problem paying the writer, funds not enough ask the parliament to top up, so simple. Sometimes I wonder whether I have been monitored by ISD, who knows for sure?
Let keep our finger crossed.
I hope you can understand my writing, I am not a good English writer, my command of English is not as perfect as you do, please accept my sincere apology if you have problem understanding what I'm saying.
You need not reply if you feel it is not necessary or for my bad English, I just wanted to share my point of view as what democratic is all about.
By the way, what is Lee Kuan Yew net worth, anyone have any idea?
Nice meeting you.
Best regards,
Daniel Lim
April 06, 2008
Dear Mr. Nair,
I hope what you said will one day come true, Lee is gone, the sooner the better. He has been a dictator for more than 40 years, should have been enough good life for him, God has been very kind to him and his family. Lee Kuan Yew has everything he wants in life, good food, good wine, etc
The problem is he is still going strong at his age, don't seems to get sick or on MC, so far never heard Lee Kuan Yew on MC. His mind is still sharp and alert, people said that he has been going thru blood transfusion, renewing his blood with blood from young people, some sort like vampire sucking virgin blood from women, not sure whether it is a fact or a myth? At the moment, Lee Kuan Yew has been keeping himself alive as long as possible, the reason is not because he wanted to have more title, like Supreme Senior Minister Mentor (SSMM), I guess he is more concern about his son, Lee Hsien Loong, it seems like his son don't have leadership quality to lead Singapore, Of course, Lee Kuan Yew took years to build up Singapore, he will not want to see PAP being ruined by his incompetent son, and his son still needs papa to be around. Without papa, there is no good wine, good woman, good money for Lee Hsien Loong and the generation after.
The Lee's family has been owing many assets, hoding high ranking position in private as well as government sectors, they have indirectly or directly involved over many things such as power station, transportation sectors, the media, stock market, airlines, telecommunication, public and private housing etc. Singapore is being runs like a business corporation, a money making places for them not like a democratic country.Who said Singapore never practice nepotism, who said Singapore don't have corruption.
Do you why the minister being overly pay? It is to silent them, as they knew some of the dirty secret inside, not because the government wanted to keep good people. Who dare to critise the pay master who pay them extremely well? Just close one eye.
Even the minister are pay well above market rate, they don't seems to perform that well, still screw things up and give excuses.
Mr. Nair, you are very lucky to have left Singapore with all your CPF saving, really good for you. Those who still in Singapore had to tolerate and listen to Lee Kuan Yew propaganda, we feels like living in North Korea, listing to the great leader Kim. Many of my friend who went overseas, I usually advise them not to return to Singapore, as you will not find any opportunity, as long as PAP is around. You can never reach the top especially in government sector, the top most is reserved for you know who.
Right now, the Lee's government is eyeing on our CPF, they claimed we needs to work until the age of 80, as they claimed that the CPF money is not enough for Singaporean retirement. What kind of bullshit! The CPF fund was set-up to secure our retirement, now they said the opposite, the CPF funds has been channel to some uses which we are not fully aware, we have been hidden from the truth. Do you ever wonder, those old folks who do not have any relative or next-of-kin, if they passed away, what happened to the CPF saving inside their account? Where will it channel to? This question has been lurking in everyone minds for sometimes.
I ready do hope there are resistance happening as you have mentioned in your previous mail, sad to said every election PAP always win, that confirmed for sure. Every election, PAP will offer some money, in other countries this called vote buying, in Singapore, they named it as GST rebates, NSS shares etc.
The opposition party at the moment do not have the talent and resources to stand up to PAP, those who are outspoken, either outlawed, outcasted or make bankrupt by PAP. I don't believe in one party government, it is very dangerous for Singapore, too much power under one person is not a good idea. If that person said black, who dare to said white, this remind me of the ancient China emperor, that why the dynasty does not last, and who suffer the most, it is the people at the bottom. In Singapore, that what happens, a dynasty raises, the emperor sit was passed on from father to son, then to grandson so on, as predicted. That why, Singaporean don't have any hope if this type of dynasty system keep going on, what can we do? To protest, it has been outlawed, to criticize you will be sue for bankrupt, everyone just keep their mouth shut.
For the ghost writer you have mentioned, definitely I am not the ghost writer or ninja writer or phantom writer working for Mindef, anyway the funds comes from tax payers, we are paying them to spy on us, Mindef should not have problem paying the writer, funds not enough ask the parliament to top up, so simple. Sometimes I wonder whether I have been monitored by ISD, who knows for sure?
Let keep our finger crossed.
I hope you can understand my writing, I am not a good English writer, my command of English is not as perfect as you do, please accept my sincere apology if you have problem understanding what I'm saying.
You need not reply if you feel it is not necessary or for my bad English, I just wanted to share my point of view as what democratic is all about.
By the way, what is Lee Kuan Yew net worth, anyone have any idea?
Nice meeting you.
Best regards,
Daniel Lim
Saturday, April 5, 2008
In Singapore, in addition to the search for escaped prisoner Mas Salamat Kastari, Lee has now begun a search for a future Prime Minister!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Singapore state controlled paper, the Straits Times of April 04, 2008 in their story "PM still looking for his successor" has announced the official beginning of a new island wide search. In addition to the ongoing search for escaped prisoner Mas Selalamt Kastari, which has now entered its 30 day, a simultaneous thorough nationwide search has begun in Singapore to find a successor to the Prime Minister. Both searches are funded by the Singapore taxpayer!
Anyone not familiar with Singapore, having only read the Singapore Government website; would be surprised if told of such a search; for someone to replace the Prime Minister in 15 years time! For a start, is it not somewhat presumptive to assume he will remain Prime Minister for the coming 15 years; let alone his handing over power to someone of his choosing? Is this a democracy or is it a monarchy? Isn’t the Singapore government website claiming it to be a democracy a whole load of bull!
Isn't this peculiar practice in Singapore, of going around searching for a successor; somewhat similar to pre Chinese invasion Tibet, a theocracy, where Buddhist high priests scoured the entire country looking for an infant, God's chosen successor, and groom him to succeed the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of the country, when he eventually dies or retires!
But wait a minute, you will say. According to the Singapore Government Website, Singapore is supposed to be a democracy. Leaders are not supposed to be chosen the way a successor to the Dalai Lama is chosen! It is supposed to be the people who decide who their Prime Minister is going to be.
Not for Lee Kuan Yew's son to be going around searching high and low, under beds and behind cabinets, now! In any case, what makes him think he is going to be the Prime Minister for the next 15 years! Is it not possible for him to lose the elections the next time, so the question of his choosing the next leader will be preemptive? Why is he so confident that he will remain in power that long?
Anyone who understands Singapore will tell you that what meets the eye cannot be further from the truth. The Singapore Government Website is deliberately deceptive. And shamelessly so; shamelessly, because the government itself knows that no one believes the nonsense in it. If Singapore is a parliamentary democracy, as it claims, then Burma is not a military junta but a liberal democracy based on the rule of law, not dissimilar to Sweden!
The discredited Singapore government shamelessly continues to tell the world that it is something which it is not. According to the Singapore government website, it claims to be a parliamentary democracy. It is not. It does not practice rule of law. There is no free or independent press, all of which are both owned and controlled by the government. The system of government is no different from say, North Korea; except that it is impossible to escape from North Korea. You can from Singapore, which explains the massive continuing brain drain of young men and women who leave the country to settle overseas permanently. Young men and women who can no longer tolerate living in tyranny.
In the article, Lee's son, the Prime Minster, attributes the increasing brain drain of Singapore talent to settle overseas, as a reason why choosing a successor becomes even more difficult. According to the report, of the best High School students, about 100 leave the island permanently every year. Many others leave Singapore later. In fact these figures are much less than the real numbers that leave, an expected manipulation by a state controlled press. Almost 3,000 or so talented Singaporeans leave Singapore annually. These are the very best of the best; citizens whom Singapore would least want to lose.
And one reason why they leave is because of such inane silly statements that Lee's son puts out on a daily basis; thereby insulting the intelligence of any Singaporean who still can think; a group which is itself an endangered species.
Any self respecting young educated Singaporean would be outraged to read that Lee's chosen son is looking out to the next 15 years when he will eventually step down and appoint his chosen successor! Lee's son has to be advised to be a little less arrogant and self assured. He should not be assuming himself in power for the next 15 years if in fact Singapore is supposed to be a parliamentary democracy. Although practically unlikely, because he will rig the elections again, as he has done in all past elections; at least it is theoretically possible that he will be voted out in the 2011 elections. So don’t count your chickens before they are hatched!
But the truth of the matter is this. The Singapore press is entirely owned and controlled by the Singapore government; otherwise which press in the world would come out with arrogance such as this? Second, his prediction that he will remain in power for the coming 15 years will almost certainly be realized. With election rigging, defamation actions and criminal arrests, any possible contender for government office will be destroyed. Through such dishonesty and skullduggery and straightforward abuse of the law and illegal actions; he will probably be able to anoint his successor in the next 15 years after all.
And while this man, with the help of his father Lee Kuan Yew continues his illegal grip on power, those who can; the educated and skilled; continue to flee the country, leaving behind only those who are unable or incapable of leaving, through lack of education, skills or old age. While educated Singaporeans leave its shores in the droves, immigrants from Communist China who are unable to even speak English, let alone Malay are brought in to replace them. These immigrants from Communist China, through lack of skills or any ability are incapable of replacing the highly talented Singaporeans who leave. This continues the vicious cycle, on the one hand Singaporeans leaving and being replaced by uneducated unskilled immigrants from China.
A vicious cycle in a downward spiral.
I doubt very much Lee Kuan Yew's son being successful in his nationwide search for a successor. In fact I doubt very much whether Singapore will continue to function at its present level. All signs indicate that in the not distant future, he and his family will be the sole readers left for his state controlled newspaper, the Straits Times. That is, if it is still printed in the English Language!
I understand that “Thank You” in Mandarin Chinese is “Hsieh Hsieh”. So, Hsieh Hsieh to all of you. I am sorry I have to go now. I have to rush to my Mandarin lessons!
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
The Singapore state controlled paper, the Straits Times of April 04, 2008 in their story "PM still looking for his successor" has announced the official beginning of a new island wide search. In addition to the ongoing search for escaped prisoner Mas Selalamt Kastari, which has now entered its 30 day, a simultaneous thorough nationwide search has begun in Singapore to find a successor to the Prime Minister. Both searches are funded by the Singapore taxpayer!
Anyone not familiar with Singapore, having only read the Singapore Government website; would be surprised if told of such a search; for someone to replace the Prime Minister in 15 years time! For a start, is it not somewhat presumptive to assume he will remain Prime Minister for the coming 15 years; let alone his handing over power to someone of his choosing? Is this a democracy or is it a monarchy? Isn’t the Singapore government website claiming it to be a democracy a whole load of bull!
Isn't this peculiar practice in Singapore, of going around searching for a successor; somewhat similar to pre Chinese invasion Tibet, a theocracy, where Buddhist high priests scoured the entire country looking for an infant, God's chosen successor, and groom him to succeed the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of the country, when he eventually dies or retires!
But wait a minute, you will say. According to the Singapore Government Website, Singapore is supposed to be a democracy. Leaders are not supposed to be chosen the way a successor to the Dalai Lama is chosen! It is supposed to be the people who decide who their Prime Minister is going to be.
Not for Lee Kuan Yew's son to be going around searching high and low, under beds and behind cabinets, now! In any case, what makes him think he is going to be the Prime Minister for the next 15 years! Is it not possible for him to lose the elections the next time, so the question of his choosing the next leader will be preemptive? Why is he so confident that he will remain in power that long?
Anyone who understands Singapore will tell you that what meets the eye cannot be further from the truth. The Singapore Government Website is deliberately deceptive. And shamelessly so; shamelessly, because the government itself knows that no one believes the nonsense in it. If Singapore is a parliamentary democracy, as it claims, then Burma is not a military junta but a liberal democracy based on the rule of law, not dissimilar to Sweden!
The discredited Singapore government shamelessly continues to tell the world that it is something which it is not. According to the Singapore government website, it claims to be a parliamentary democracy. It is not. It does not practice rule of law. There is no free or independent press, all of which are both owned and controlled by the government. The system of government is no different from say, North Korea; except that it is impossible to escape from North Korea. You can from Singapore, which explains the massive continuing brain drain of young men and women who leave the country to settle overseas permanently. Young men and women who can no longer tolerate living in tyranny.
In the article, Lee's son, the Prime Minster, attributes the increasing brain drain of Singapore talent to settle overseas, as a reason why choosing a successor becomes even more difficult. According to the report, of the best High School students, about 100 leave the island permanently every year. Many others leave Singapore later. In fact these figures are much less than the real numbers that leave, an expected manipulation by a state controlled press. Almost 3,000 or so talented Singaporeans leave Singapore annually. These are the very best of the best; citizens whom Singapore would least want to lose.
And one reason why they leave is because of such inane silly statements that Lee's son puts out on a daily basis; thereby insulting the intelligence of any Singaporean who still can think; a group which is itself an endangered species.
Any self respecting young educated Singaporean would be outraged to read that Lee's chosen son is looking out to the next 15 years when he will eventually step down and appoint his chosen successor! Lee's son has to be advised to be a little less arrogant and self assured. He should not be assuming himself in power for the next 15 years if in fact Singapore is supposed to be a parliamentary democracy. Although practically unlikely, because he will rig the elections again, as he has done in all past elections; at least it is theoretically possible that he will be voted out in the 2011 elections. So don’t count your chickens before they are hatched!
But the truth of the matter is this. The Singapore press is entirely owned and controlled by the Singapore government; otherwise which press in the world would come out with arrogance such as this? Second, his prediction that he will remain in power for the coming 15 years will almost certainly be realized. With election rigging, defamation actions and criminal arrests, any possible contender for government office will be destroyed. Through such dishonesty and skullduggery and straightforward abuse of the law and illegal actions; he will probably be able to anoint his successor in the next 15 years after all.
And while this man, with the help of his father Lee Kuan Yew continues his illegal grip on power, those who can; the educated and skilled; continue to flee the country, leaving behind only those who are unable or incapable of leaving, through lack of education, skills or old age. While educated Singaporeans leave its shores in the droves, immigrants from Communist China who are unable to even speak English, let alone Malay are brought in to replace them. These immigrants from Communist China, through lack of skills or any ability are incapable of replacing the highly talented Singaporeans who leave. This continues the vicious cycle, on the one hand Singaporeans leaving and being replaced by uneducated unskilled immigrants from China.
A vicious cycle in a downward spiral.
I doubt very much Lee Kuan Yew's son being successful in his nationwide search for a successor. In fact I doubt very much whether Singapore will continue to function at its present level. All signs indicate that in the not distant future, he and his family will be the sole readers left for his state controlled newspaper, the Straits Times. That is, if it is still printed in the English Language!
I understand that “Thank You” in Mandarin Chinese is “Hsieh Hsieh”. So, Hsieh Hsieh to all of you. I am sorry I have to go now. I have to rush to my Mandarin lessons!
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
Your letters are welcome. Please Email your letters to nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
And if you like what I write, please tell your friends. You will be helping democracy by distributing this widely. This blog not only gives information, it dispels government propaganda put out by this dictatorial regime.
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