SDP Assistant Secretary-General John Tan was released yesterday after serving a 15-day senetence for contempt of court. Mr Tan was in a buoyant mood and remained defiant in fighting for democracy in Singapore.
He was convicted together with Mr Shaffi’ie and Mr Isrizal for wearing kangaroo T-shirts outside the Supreme Court in May this year during the defamation hearing between Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the SDP. Shaffi’ie and Isrizal had earlier served their one-week jail term.
Mr Tan’s wife and younger son (see photo) greeted him with hugs and kisses. His party colleagues and friends were also on hand to welcome him.
“Apart from the little aches here and there from sleeping on the hard floor, I feel great!” Mr Tan said. “We must keep on speaking up and not give in because that’s what they want us to do.”
His appearance was telling. Apart from losing nearly 6 kg, Mr Tan looked none the worse for wear. In fact, he signaled his readiness to get back straight into work by checking his email and discussing with his associates the New Year’s Eve countdown. He will be the MC, together with Ms Jaslyn Go, for the evening.