Singapore Democrats

Singapore Democrats

The group of activists who protested outside the Parliament House on 15 Mar this year has been charged with two offences: participating in an assembly as well as a procession without a permit in a public place.

The 18 protesters were part of the Tak Boleh Tahan! campaign protesting against the crushing high cost of living in Singapore that has left many Singaporeans in financial misery and added to the growing number of homeless.

Those charged under the Miscellaneous Offences Act are Mr Gandhi Ambalam, Mr Chong Kai Xiong, Mr Chia Ti Lik, Ms Chee Siok Chin, Mr Ng E-jay, Ms Go Hui Leng, Mr Muhammad Shafi'ie, Mr Govinda Rajan, Dr Chee Soon Juan, Mr Jeffrey George, Mr Carl Lang, Mr Sylvester Lim, Mr Muhammad Jufri, Ms Suraya Bte Akbar, Mr John Tan, Mr Seelan Palay, Mr Mohamed Jufrie, Mr Yap Keng Ho and Mr Francis Yong.

Each offence carries a penalty of fine of up to $1,000.

Mr Seelan Palay said this of his charge: “This is our constitutional right that cannot be taken away. I hope that through our persistence and conviction for the cause, others will be inspired to stand up.”

The unprecedented protest signals a growing awareness of Singaporeans who are not willing to sit back and let the PAP continue with its oppressive rule in Singapore.

“It is important that we Singaporeans claim back our political rights,” Ms Suraya, a young mother of two, said. “Without rights our citizenship is meaningless.”

Eleven of the protesters were stopped by the police and arrested on 15 Mar which is World Consumer Rights Day. (Watch video here) Seven more were later called up for investigations.

In the same occasion in 2007, thousands of people took part in a protest organised by the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) led by PAP MPs (see photo on left). No action was taken against them.

This year CASE again conducted their march (protesting against the marketing of junk food) the day after the Tak Boleh Tahan! protest. Again no police action was taken.

Such discrimination in the application of the law is prohibited by Article 12 of the Constitution which states that “All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.”

The protesters have to appear in Court 23 at the Subordinate Courts on 11 Jul 08 at 9am.

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Anonymous  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 3:13 am One set of rule for PAP and a different set of rule for others, which explains. I quote, "I make no apologies that the PAP is the Government and the Government is the PAP." - Lee Kuan Yew Quote 42   2

Tommy Tan  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 4:45 am I think SDP might as well save some money, buy 2 houses. One near Singapore Court. One near Changi Prison. This will save some TAXI fares as its so expensive now. :P Quote 11   21

They are in Power  -  Thier Law! We must obey!    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 5:18 am "discrimination in the application of the law " Aiyah - so what is new in Lee Singapore?? Over and Over again and again, like little tots you all have to be told that this nation belongs to them only and its thier rule and their law and we belong to them! We must all "kowtow" to them! Nothing will change unless and until you throw them out! SINGAPOREANS DESERVE WHAT THEY GET!! :evil: GOOD NITE!! Quote 14   2

typical singaporean  -  common sense    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 7:18 am shucks.. i am writing in more and more comments that are against your beliefs.. i don't like it, i wish i can write in something in support of your cause, but i just can't because i just can't convince myself that you guys are right.. its nothing to do with me being pro-pap as i have mentioned in other comments because i am not.. i just simply can't agree with the way you guys see things.. take the article above, CASE was able to apply for a 'protest' permit because they were fighting for a cause that is beneficial to society as a whole. for example, if SDP were to try to hold a rally against those who indiscriminately litters, waste water/electricty, breeds mosquito, etc.. i am pretty sure u will get ur permit.. but SDP is apply for permit to protest against government policies.. which are without strong reasons other than conveniently ASSUMING that the policies are hurting singaporeans. Let me say this, although i dislike the ERP gantries which hurts me too.. but the problem is that the government has given an explanation, which no matter how much it sounds like an excuse, it actually still makes sense in the absence of a better argument from the SDP. perhaps, if SDP can give figures that can dispute the govt's facts, such as travelling speed on the roads are in fact at an acceptable range, or that ERP actually did not solve the problems, or ALternatively provide a better road design proposal, then perhaps, the protests may actually make sense.. agree? i have some things i hope maybe SDP can fight for: (of course please get your facts in order) 1. better income for low-end jobs like cleaners, road sweepers, bus drivers (maybe) etc.. those are people who needs help and taken advantage of by profiteering companies.. 2. protest against parents who allow their children to smoke. 3. protest against parents who spare the rod and spoil the child. 4. protest against parents who allow their children to bully others in school. 5. protest against snobbish parents who complains about teachers. 6. protest against foreigners who attacks singapore. 7. protest against sneaky salesman/agents/bankers. 8. protest against huge profit-making companies who do not contribute to society. etc... i can name many more.. this are the things i will put my whole heart to support you, and would probably make me see that your party thinks about societal issues and fights for them.. Quote 43   48

UNprincipled Pirate Secs, PMS-  -  Anouncement: NDP 08 canceled    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 9:17 am Quote: PLS GO AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR SICK AND SUFFERING WIFE PLEASE! All the best to your wife pls. Ever since her latest stroke, I've said - and I stand by what I say - that she won't live to see out her biggest wish: That of grandson assuming Dragon throne. In fact, I was - and am more so now - convinced that she won't in fact last to see NDP fireworks this year. Any bets against that? $1 pays $43 (43rd year after being butted out, mah). Logon to singaporefools.con for more. Let's just hope she won't mati the very same day - unnecessary worry lah, since that party and family are known to consult astrologers from Thais to taiwanese, engage bomohs too (ever wonder why in all past NDPs, only one year where the heavens poured but never at all others? Indon bomohs paid with public funds to drive rain away in case their one show-per year gets dampened, mah) - then NDP gets cancelled, ruining months and months of prparations by eager young schoolchildren. They'd do that if that scenario plays out - who's greater than my dear Mommy, the PMS would say, and they will DARE do it, your months and months of sweat notwithstanding!!! After all, they don't care. They will bring everyone down with them if things take a turn for the worse. Case in point? May 12 - Day of stroke. Emergency hospitalization; May 12 - Around same time, worst China quake in 30 years, maybe worse than Tangshan 76 in eventual toll. I die, you die also. I will pull you down with me through eighteen levels of hades :evil: Govt Gazette Announcement #2 - GST will be raised by 1% to cover funeral expenses. Quote 24   3

AnnA  -  common sense please, typical singaporean    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 9:26 am Can I suggest one more protest? The most bizarre:- To protest against making Singapore like a (company)business in itself while making Singaporeans as compulsory workers (old and elderly included) which is not on society's benefit but to the benefits of the ruling government who had openly claimed millions of dollars of salaries as the management officers and CEO of Singapore 'Inc.' and providing life 'insurance' in the name of CPF but keep hold of the monies instead of returning to its righteous owners to enjoy their retirements. :whistle: A protest to stop this 'business'. Can? I sensed that all these small detailed protests made by SDP previously combined together is equal to what I have just mentioned above. Quote 21   0

Anonymous  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 9:29 am typical singaporean... that you are so with your logic, of needing a permit to protest, you are saying that the government makes the call on what a "free" person can protest on and what he can't??? if that is the case, you are not free. and that is what sdp is telling paple like you. if you cannot protest against a government, cannot critisize a government, how will you ever change it or change things for the betterment of people... what, you think asking for a permit to criticize would ever be allowed... and to top it off you still do not get it because you are exactly like the government by listing what you think someone else should protest on and what they should not??? one day your child may want to protest against the high cost of education. my answer to you is to tell your son forget his protest and go find work one day you may want to protest high gas prices. I will tell you forget your protest, if you cannot afford a car and gas you should not have got one in the first place. one day your wife will be sick and you cannot afford treatment. you find others like you and you want to protest by asking the government to bring down costs. my answer to you is go get another job and don't waste my time by protesting. do you see, people have different needs and just because it does not suit you does not mean that it should not suit others as well. one day a bully will beat up your son and you and other parents want to protest against the school for not having security. my answer to you is to teach your little girly son how to fight. it can go on and on but it does not matter to people like you until it affects you. one day a prc will take your job. you like thousands of other singaporeans want to protest. my answer to you is quit crying and go clean toilets. don't be typical and think. right now your mind seems to be about as open as an ants butthole Quote 39   4

Carlson  -  Common Sense?    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 9:42 am If unjust policies and laws were not challenged, obeying them only leads us to stone age. Without fighting for our independence, we would still be a British colony. Quote 25   1

AnnA  -  To: typical singaporean    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 9:55 am Your number 1 suggestion goes all the way to town council and all the way back to the government's office? You number 2, 3, 4 suggestions are all against parents. They have to work so hard to make ends meet. Hence the neglecting of growing children. This is not the era of our parents and grandparents. That time we all have slower pace. This is now a greedier era, an era where everyone needs to work or lack behind. An era where you are forced to leave your babies in the hand of foreign nannies. That goes back to a protest to the government who had insisted that we have to work or face competition with foreign talents. In a way, we have lost family values just by chasing to compete and making money to survive. The government has also approved of the police forces' interferences in handling youth below the age of 17 - should be home by 11pm. It helps, but a ridiculous curfew though. They have also make sure that every young Singaporean should not make any mistakes , not an iota of mistake including smoking. Or else they will have juvenile record throughout their lives!! Er, do you see children climbing trees nowadays? No? That is equal to? So, your suggestions on number 2, 3 and 4 shouldn't be to parents but to the government. All your suggestions in protest will eventually equals to against the government. An existing social issue. :pinch: Quote 32   1

MLM  -  Greater Crowd would be better     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:44 am I think that if you can gather more people in the next round of protest, and managed to be peaceful, then the police won't be able to do anything to you Quote 11   1

dan  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:01 am Dr Chee & Company, walk on brother. at this rate they are pushing us, we will be joining you soon in numbers to protest. don't pay the fine, go jail. let the world see the ugly side of old fark & company. Quote 19   2

Thinking Singaporean  -      Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:03 am If you had an ounce of critical thought rather than mere 'common sense', you would see that anything that remotely threatens their power will not be endorsed. Even if it means that that preserving that power is detrimental to social or economic well-being of Singaporeans in the long term. That would include anything to do with the opposition rallying people for a "legitimate" (as defined by you) issue. The last thing they want to see is opposition gaining greater ground support and will do everything to curb it. Hey they even banned WP's cycling event that had nothing to do with government policies. Instead of YOU conveniently assuming that the SDP has no valid economic arguments, why don't you read and refute what they have put forth in their manifesto and publications? You are the one who has nothing to show for with your silly assertions. Look at the mirror before pointing the finger. Quote 27   7

typical singaporean  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 1:27 pm thanks for some great comments/arguments from some of you like AnnA and Carlson.. the rest, please refrain from personal attacks in your arguments.. it only makes u sound snobbish and uncouth. our ways of thinking and preference are different.. can you accept that? or are you too undemocratic? i have mentioned before in other comments, my preference for society is one that is peaceful. i don't want my country to have protests and demonstrations everywhere.. i don't call that democracy, cause its eating into my freedom of a peaceful society. Carlson, u mentioned protests against unjust policies.. well, i would surely agree with u, if the facts are indeed well presented... which i always hope the opposition including SDP would bring out.. but like i said, and what i have seen so far, the arguments just can't outweigh the explanations given by the government. and when i say arguments, it should include considerations on why the government do enforce certain policies rather than just arguing that the policies hurts singaporeans, or are undemocratic and so on. the policies are there for a reason and until the opposition and invalid the reasonings and offer alternatives, simply arguing and protesting will not win any votes. SDP, don't wait for singaporeans to grow weary of the present government and choose you, that would be the biggest mistake for everyone of us. instead, we should only choose you if you can present that you are a better government. you have articles that mention about CPF, old folks working, destitute people, foreign talents.. i don't doubt them altogether, but please tell me, what would you do if you were to be the government? and would your policies be sustainable in the long term. Dr. Chee, you got your Doctorate, how did you write your papers? do the same thing, research, research and research, hypothesise, and prove your concept and present your findings.. please.. Quote 34   44

C J  -     Fri, 27 Jun 2008 2:26 pm Since application for such a Permit is NOT likely to be approved and issued, they might as well just proceed without one. And as Dan has pointed out, at the rate this Foreigners Action Party is pushing us (frugalizing our existence here), the day will come when all of us have got nothing left to lose and we will be out in great force to join Dr Chee. This happening is not remote or farfetch - they are up-pricing living costs beyond MANY locals' ability to upkeep. MM Lee stated that over time people becomes 'bored' with his government and decides to vote for opposition... no, we are not bored, we are SICK & TIRED & FED-UP with his administration! We are pretty damn near WITS ENDS!!! Quote 20   0

More pple should make noise  -  walk the talk!    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 4:02 pm After the many Opposition Noise - M'sia govt would be injecting S$12.3B into"Pp'le-centric" projects to wuell public anger over Msia inflation to help its people! Now that is making its govt walk the talk! Quote 14   2

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