Singapore Democrats

Singapore Democrats

In an interview which Lianhe Zaobao (28 Feb 10) did with Dr Chee Soon Juan, reporter Ms Yew Tun Lian implied that Dr Chee was being funded by foreigners to undermine Singapore. This story was also reported by the Straits Times (1 Mar 10).

Dr Chee replied to the newspapers, pointing out that it was the PAP Government that was undermining the interests of Singaporeans through its so-called foreign talent policy, its continued pandering to MNCs, and its use of foreigners in the National Wages Council.

Singapore Democrats

High Court Judge Choo Han Teck has reserved judgment on the appeal by the Attorney-General against the acquital of the SDP leaders when they walked from Speakers' Corner to the Queenstown Remand Prison in September 2007.

District Judge John Ng had acquitted the four defendants (Mr Gandhi Ambalam, Mr John Tan, Ms Chee Siok Chin and Mr Chong Kai Xiong) because he held the opinion that given the way the activity was organised, the was no procession.

Teoh Tian Jing

What is civil society? The idea of civil society is a product of civilization, with people coming together to achieve a common goal.

To quote Edmund Burke, an Irish political thinker: “To be attached to the subdivisions, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle of public affection. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country and to mankind.”

Singapore Democrats

Tan Ah Hock is 80-years old and works as a security guard. He is paid $50 for every shift that he performs. Each shift is 12 hours and Ah Hock works on the average of five shifts a week. Even at his age, Ah Hock has to work a back-breaking 60-hour week (the standard full-time employment requires workers to work 44 hours per week) for an average monthly income of about $1,000.

"If I don't show up for work, I don't get paid. If I get sick, I have to pay the doctor's fee myself, the company doesn't pay for me," he told the SDP.

The proposed changes to the election rules announced in Parliament yesterday are just another ploy by the PAP to instill fear in the people. As far as the Internet is concerned, citizens should be free to campaign for whichever party and candidate they choose.

The “advertising guidelines” introduced is clear indication that the PAP is running scared of the New Media and how it is a leveler of information flow.

Singapore Democrats

After the Judge found the TBT protesters guilty of taking part in a protest on 15 Mar 08, the defendants rose and pointed out to the court its error. Instead of being cowed into submission, every one of the defendants rose in defiance to speak of democracy and pledged to continue to fight for a free and just Singapore.

When asked if they had anything to say in mitigation, the defendants used the opportunity to speak out on the lack of freedom and democracy in Singapore. Here is what they said:

Singapore Democrats

The Tak Boleh Tahan activists who stood outside Parliament House on 15 Mar 08 to protest against escalating food prices were found guilty of taking part in an assembly and procession without a permit. 

The defendants, however, remained defiant - "unremorseful" in the DPP's words - even as the verdict was read. Remorseful? Why should anyone be remorseful when they have done what is right? "One day, it will be shown that we are right and the court is wrong," Dr Chee Soon Juan said to the Judge.