Ladies and Gentlemen,
I confess, I only have respect for a handful of people living in Singapore. I have respect for Dr. Chee Soon Juan, Chee Siok Chin, Gandhi Ambalam, Yap Keng Ho and the proud men and women who have bravely protested against this government's excesses and abuse of power. I do not have respect for anyone else physically present in Singapore. And I have respect for those who have permanently left Singapore for other countries in disgust at the Singapore government.
It is impossible to remain in Singapore without engaging in civil disobedience to this government; if you happen to have even a modicum of self respect. Only a coward can live in Singapore and bring up his children there without publicly protesting against this dictatorship.
What sort of people are you anyway? No better than slaves waiting to be told what to do next or what will be next.
If you are reading this blog post, please wake up and take stock of the pathetic lives you lead. First of all, you live in a dictatorship with Lee Kuan Yew ruling over you as dictator. You have no constitutional rights; Lee decides what rights you have. No Parliament to help you; Parliament waits for Lee's orders. You cannot read what you want; the media is controlled. You have no say as to the laws; Parliament is controlled. You cannot protest even though it is your right; Lee will arrest you. You have no independent judges; Judge Belinda Ang will decide against you in 30 minutes and bankrupt you if that is what Lee wants.
You know all this. I need not say. You know that when you wake up tomorrow, it is not you who will decide your life. Lee will decide it.
What good is your education, it is like educating a donkey; what good is your money; what good is your car; what good is your annual Bangkok holiday; if you are not master of your lives?
It is a serious condemnation of almost an entire population. It is true. But nevertheless, you know that I speak the truth. I may tread heavily, but still, I speak the truth. And I must say that I am surprised that so many educated people in Singapore are prepared to live in bondage. No better than slaves.
There is no honor in remaining in Singapore and letting Lee Kuan Yew walk all over you. Staying behind in such shameful circumstances is not patriotism. It is cowardice.
The honor is in the men such as Dr. Chee Soon Juan and company who stay behind and fight this tyranny. Great honor in them. On the other hand, there is great honor in those who have packed up and left. In leaving, you have carried out your final and clearest protest. You have told Lee Kuan Yew, in no uncertain terms, as clear as crystal, the message, that he cannot have the pleasure of pushing you around anymore. There may be others who may let him do it, but you refuse. In leaving, you keep your pride and self respect intact. You walk with your head high on your shoulders.
But those who stay behind and permit Lee Kuan Yew, to kick their butts each day, metaphorically speaking, are people who obviously do not think very highly of themselves.
And my having repeatedly said this, and countless people having read this, I can expect a greater run on emigration; and also more courageous people staying back and fighting Lee through street protests. And I expect with the passage of time, the numbers of educated in Singapore will progressively decrease through emigration, the numbers of uneducated non English speaking immigrants from Communist China will increase, and the few educated ones left will be the off shore foreigners who come to make a buck and leave when the time comes.
Foreigners coming to Singapore will consider the move something like going to oil rich Lagos, Nigeria. Stay some years in the Third World Singapore to make some money, and then go home.
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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Strike while the iron is hot.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the very recent historic Malaysian protests unseating their government, protesters should do it in Singapore now. As the saying goes strike while the iron is hot; while the Malaysian protests are still fresh in our minds.
No one can honestly doubt the great power of protests. With the Internet and instantaneous spread of news throughout the world, not only with script but also with glaring images; it is impossible for any government to ignore public protests. In the past, news of protests from one area may not have traveled to another. But now preventing news of any action in any part of the world, let alone any part of the country, is impossible.
During the Tak Boleh Tahan protest of March 15, 2008 in front of Parliament House, the entire Singapore public saw with shock and aghast the brutal way in which police officer ASP William Goh pushed and dragged unarmed law abiding protesters into police cars to be driven away to police prisons. Great damage was done to the reputation of the Singapore government that day; not so much because of the protests but because of the high handedness of the Singapore police.
Singaporeans should keep up the momentum and make hay while the going is good. Watching police brutality against these protesters on the Internet, half the population of Singapore have already been alienated against this government. Keeping up the protests and provoking the police to further such acts will alienate the other half of Singapore.
Don't let this opportunity slip you. The moment is now. Protest now. Injustices abound. There is no shortage of major issues. CPF. $3.7 million ministerial salaries. Food prices. Rice prices. The repatriation of foreigners. The suicides. The poverty. The injustice to Singapore Chinese Malays and Indians as well as others. The arrogance of Lee Junior. Press censorship. Free speech. Free expression.
Remember this. Singapore's reputation around the world has already been ruined. The SDP has successfully managed to expose the charade that goes on there. Now if you agitate, your voice will be taken even more seriously. Lee cannot afford to alienate world opinion. Singapore is not Communist China.
The power is in your hands. The power to protest. Use it.
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.
With the very recent historic Malaysian protests unseating their government, protesters should do it in Singapore now. As the saying goes strike while the iron is hot; while the Malaysian protests are still fresh in our minds.
No one can honestly doubt the great power of protests. With the Internet and instantaneous spread of news throughout the world, not only with script but also with glaring images; it is impossible for any government to ignore public protests. In the past, news of protests from one area may not have traveled to another. But now preventing news of any action in any part of the world, let alone any part of the country, is impossible.
During the Tak Boleh Tahan protest of March 15, 2008 in front of Parliament House, the entire Singapore public saw with shock and aghast the brutal way in which police officer ASP William Goh pushed and dragged unarmed law abiding protesters into police cars to be driven away to police prisons. Great damage was done to the reputation of the Singapore government that day; not so much because of the protests but because of the high handedness of the Singapore police.
Singaporeans should keep up the momentum and make hay while the going is good. Watching police brutality against these protesters on the Internet, half the population of Singapore have already been alienated against this government. Keeping up the protests and provoking the police to further such acts will alienate the other half of Singapore.
Don't let this opportunity slip you. The moment is now. Protest now. Injustices abound. There is no shortage of major issues. CPF. $3.7 million ministerial salaries. Food prices. Rice prices. The repatriation of foreigners. The suicides. The poverty. The injustice to Singapore Chinese Malays and Indians as well as others. The arrogance of Lee Junior. Press censorship. Free speech. Free expression.
Remember this. Singapore's reputation around the world has already been ruined. The SDP has successfully managed to expose the charade that goes on there. Now if you agitate, your voice will be taken even more seriously. Lee cannot afford to alienate world opinion. Singapore is not Communist China.
The power is in your hands. The power to protest. Use it.
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.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
For the sake of your children, Singaporeans have to choose. Either protest or emigrate. Inaction is no option.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The time has come for a decision that matters your children. Is it in the interests of your children to be educated in Singapore? If not, stay and fight for change, or leave Singapore. The Lees have destroyed the education system. In Singapore children are being turned into robots.
In every other respect, Singapore is declining. The economy is failing; the brain drain continues unabated; lawyers are becoming an endangered species; the judiciary is completely discredited; there is no rule of law.
If you find the status quo unacceptable and wish to see change, join the protestors now, demand for democratic change, or else, pack up and emigrate with your money, your family and your children.
The Singapore ship is on a collision course with an iceberg. Either right the course now, or abandon ship. Staying on deck and doing nothing is suicide.
Singapore education is an overly regimented system where children are subject to a multitude of pointless unnecessary rules, even infants being forced to obey them under pain of punishment; a system which destroys any possibility of their developing an independent spirit and spontaneity; where obedience to rules is a way of life and considered the highest virtue.
From an early age, they are driven like robots, to merely do as they are told; to embrace authority, where any attempt to question it is immediately considered bad manners.
Homework, lots and lots of it, has to be handed in on time and any deviation from schedule it is punished severely. Children being overwhelmed with school work suppresses the natural tendency in them for play and frolic, an important part of childhood development. As a result they lose all spontaneity, they lose their curiosity, and they lose their childhood and from an early age are transformed almost into adults, with schedules, time tables and appointment diaries.
The education system in Singapore destroys their childhood, which in turn affects their performance and analytical and thinking abilities in their adulthood.
Secondary school and college students are deliberately brainwashed into believing that any opposition to Lee Kuan Yew and his son, the Prime Minister, is a bad thing and if someone were to indulge in such activity, although legal under the law, is warned that his future in Singapore is ruined, due to government reprisals and persecution.
This indoctrination and brainwashing of young men is aggravated by national service where they are yet again told to obey military orders and respect authority unconditionally. They are programmed into thinking that their rulers can never be wrong and if left to the rulers, they will be provided with food work housing everything. This in turn dampens any entrepreneurial spirit, where reliance on the government becomes a way of life.
As a result of this indoctrination and brainwashing over several years, you are left with young adults going into the work force unable to think analytically or independently.
Particularly noticeable is the universal lack of interest in anything else other than their job. No knowledge of political systems. No knowledge of the constitution. Or their rights. Or about the rest of the world. It seems to me, all they are concerned is to go to work, do what they are told, and try to make as much money as they can. What they fail to realize is, they can make much more money if they knew a bit more about things other than just work.
For instance they do not realize they have rights as citizens, that the government is beholden to them and not the other way round. They don’t seem to understand any of this.
I met 5 young Singaporeans by chance at Chinatown Restaurant along Sacramento Street, in San Francisco on Friday last. To my question, they said they knew of Dr. Chee Soon Juan but had never met him. Questioned on their thoughts of the government, they gave the standard answers; that the PAP have more experience in government whereas the opposition did not; that they were waiting for Lee Kuan Yew to die for greater freedom and the usual other mouthwash. They were much more interested in telling me about their work in the American company in Singapore and how much money they were making. Nothing else interested them.
Needless to say, they had never heard of John Stuart Mill and his “Liberty” and no doubt they will never hear of it their entire life!
Not interested in the lack of human rights in Singapore. Not interested whether Lee Kuan Yew paid himself $3.7 a year or double that! I got the distinct impression, that they did not have strong views about anything, just programmed to follow the leader. No doubt, despite their book learning, they were just wasted lives. Very sad indeed.
They would not have turned out that way had they an education in USA, UK Australia New Zealand or Europe. In western schools discipline is balanced with humanity and compassion. Completely opposed to the Singapore’s regimented system, western schools give foremost importance to the fact that each child is an individual. Each is different. Each has his strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are not necessarily bad as with time, they can turn into strengths. And allowing the child to develop independent thinking and respecting it even if it is not necessarily what the mainstream might expect.
These children grow up into very robust individuals. Individuals who will stand on their own anytime anywhere with no fear to question authority if that is what is necessary.
In Singapore on the other hand, children have no views at all. Right and wrong becomes irrelevant. Obedience means everything. For instance, no Singapore student has questioned why they are not allowed to hold student protest in campus! The rule says no, and that is enough for them!
After the regular dosage of indoctrination and brainwashing over the years, these children lack the ability to compete with children from the west in the global marketplace. For jobs requiring compliance to a set of orders, they will do well. But if it is to think of new ideas and new ways to stay ahead, they will fail.
Singaporeans parents who submit their children to years of this regimen in their schools are almost committing a crime upon them. You are destroying their minds. In the end, after the Singapore administration has finished with them, you are left with a spiritless soulless spineless follower, not a leader with an independent mind.
A western educated child, who because of certain personal convictions, and questions authority, takes responsibility for his decisions. And from those decisions, right or wrong, the child stumbles along his life’s passage, sometimes correct, sometimes wrong; but in the end that child is an independent child able to stand alone with confidence.
The prime example, of a Singaporean regimented education is the Prime Minster himself. All he can do is to mimic and obey Lee Kuan Yew, his father; almost as if he will be lost without him.
And what is even more ignoble of this government is the fact that they do this because it helps them remain in power; since an unquestioning obedient population is easier to control than a questioning one; and that is why as parents you are duty bound not to permit this upon your children.
Since you know that the Parliamentary system no longer works to protect your interests, for change to happen, you have no choice but to publicly protest. Of course, such action may result in government reprisals but what choice do you have?
Otherwise emigrate with your family and children. Emigration has the additional advantage for you to withdraw your CPF by relinquishing your citizenship. For the sake of your children, you have to decide one way or the other.
Requiring your child to go through the Singapore education system is deliberately making them into second rate adults. With no curiosity, and no independence of thought.
Rather a strong word to use, but I will use it anyway. A zombie.
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 time has come for a decision that matters your children. Is it in the interests of your children to be educated in Singapore? If not, stay and fight for change, or leave Singapore. The Lees have destroyed the education system. In Singapore children are being turned into robots.
In every other respect, Singapore is declining. The economy is failing; the brain drain continues unabated; lawyers are becoming an endangered species; the judiciary is completely discredited; there is no rule of law.
If you find the status quo unacceptable and wish to see change, join the protestors now, demand for democratic change, or else, pack up and emigrate with your money, your family and your children.
The Singapore ship is on a collision course with an iceberg. Either right the course now, or abandon ship. Staying on deck and doing nothing is suicide.
Singapore education is an overly regimented system where children are subject to a multitude of pointless unnecessary rules, even infants being forced to obey them under pain of punishment; a system which destroys any possibility of their developing an independent spirit and spontaneity; where obedience to rules is a way of life and considered the highest virtue.
From an early age, they are driven like robots, to merely do as they are told; to embrace authority, where any attempt to question it is immediately considered bad manners.
Homework, lots and lots of it, has to be handed in on time and any deviation from schedule it is punished severely. Children being overwhelmed with school work suppresses the natural tendency in them for play and frolic, an important part of childhood development. As a result they lose all spontaneity, they lose their curiosity, and they lose their childhood and from an early age are transformed almost into adults, with schedules, time tables and appointment diaries.
The education system in Singapore destroys their childhood, which in turn affects their performance and analytical and thinking abilities in their adulthood.
Secondary school and college students are deliberately brainwashed into believing that any opposition to Lee Kuan Yew and his son, the Prime Minister, is a bad thing and if someone were to indulge in such activity, although legal under the law, is warned that his future in Singapore is ruined, due to government reprisals and persecution.
This indoctrination and brainwashing of young men is aggravated by national service where they are yet again told to obey military orders and respect authority unconditionally. They are programmed into thinking that their rulers can never be wrong and if left to the rulers, they will be provided with food work housing everything. This in turn dampens any entrepreneurial spirit, where reliance on the government becomes a way of life.
As a result of this indoctrination and brainwashing over several years, you are left with young adults going into the work force unable to think analytically or independently.
Particularly noticeable is the universal lack of interest in anything else other than their job. No knowledge of political systems. No knowledge of the constitution. Or their rights. Or about the rest of the world. It seems to me, all they are concerned is to go to work, do what they are told, and try to make as much money as they can. What they fail to realize is, they can make much more money if they knew a bit more about things other than just work.
For instance they do not realize they have rights as citizens, that the government is beholden to them and not the other way round. They don’t seem to understand any of this.
I met 5 young Singaporeans by chance at Chinatown Restaurant along Sacramento Street, in San Francisco on Friday last. To my question, they said they knew of Dr. Chee Soon Juan but had never met him. Questioned on their thoughts of the government, they gave the standard answers; that the PAP have more experience in government whereas the opposition did not; that they were waiting for Lee Kuan Yew to die for greater freedom and the usual other mouthwash. They were much more interested in telling me about their work in the American company in Singapore and how much money they were making. Nothing else interested them.
Needless to say, they had never heard of John Stuart Mill and his “Liberty” and no doubt they will never hear of it their entire life!
Not interested in the lack of human rights in Singapore. Not interested whether Lee Kuan Yew paid himself $3.7 a year or double that! I got the distinct impression, that they did not have strong views about anything, just programmed to follow the leader. No doubt, despite their book learning, they were just wasted lives. Very sad indeed.
They would not have turned out that way had they an education in USA, UK Australia New Zealand or Europe. In western schools discipline is balanced with humanity and compassion. Completely opposed to the Singapore’s regimented system, western schools give foremost importance to the fact that each child is an individual. Each is different. Each has his strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are not necessarily bad as with time, they can turn into strengths. And allowing the child to develop independent thinking and respecting it even if it is not necessarily what the mainstream might expect.
These children grow up into very robust individuals. Individuals who will stand on their own anytime anywhere with no fear to question authority if that is what is necessary.
In Singapore on the other hand, children have no views at all. Right and wrong becomes irrelevant. Obedience means everything. For instance, no Singapore student has questioned why they are not allowed to hold student protest in campus! The rule says no, and that is enough for them!
After the regular dosage of indoctrination and brainwashing over the years, these children lack the ability to compete with children from the west in the global marketplace. For jobs requiring compliance to a set of orders, they will do well. But if it is to think of new ideas and new ways to stay ahead, they will fail.
Singaporeans parents who submit their children to years of this regimen in their schools are almost committing a crime upon them. You are destroying their minds. In the end, after the Singapore administration has finished with them, you are left with a spiritless soulless spineless follower, not a leader with an independent mind.
A western educated child, who because of certain personal convictions, and questions authority, takes responsibility for his decisions. And from those decisions, right or wrong, the child stumbles along his life’s passage, sometimes correct, sometimes wrong; but in the end that child is an independent child able to stand alone with confidence.
The prime example, of a Singaporean regimented education is the Prime Minster himself. All he can do is to mimic and obey Lee Kuan Yew, his father; almost as if he will be lost without him.
And what is even more ignoble of this government is the fact that they do this because it helps them remain in power; since an unquestioning obedient population is easier to control than a questioning one; and that is why as parents you are duty bound not to permit this upon your children.
Since you know that the Parliamentary system no longer works to protect your interests, for change to happen, you have no choice but to publicly protest. Of course, such action may result in government reprisals but what choice do you have?
Otherwise emigrate with your family and children. Emigration has the additional advantage for you to withdraw your CPF by relinquishing your citizenship. For the sake of your children, you have to decide one way or the other.
Requiring your child to go through the Singapore education system is deliberately making them into second rate adults. With no curiosity, and no independence of thought.
Rather a strong word to use, but I will use it anyway. A zombie.
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
Young men and women escape from the clutches of Lee Kuan Yew's son!
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.
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.
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.
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