Singapore Democrats
The SDP is sad to announce theresignation of Dr Vincent Wijeysingha from the party. Dr Wijeysinghahas expressed his desire to get more involved in LGBT and other humanrights issues, and that he finds it more effective to do it as anactivist in the civil society arena.$CUT$
While the SDP is disappointed at thisoutcome, we understand and fully support Dr Wijeysingha’s position.Our loss is civil society’s gain. We know that Dr Wijeysingha willcarry on his work with honesty and courage. The Party has benefitedimmensely from his keen intellect, and we will miss his participationand contribution.
We wish Vincent the very best in allhis endeavours.
Jufrie Mahmood
Chairman
Singapore Democratic Party
Letter from Vincent Wijeysingha
Dear Friends,
My Facebook post about my sexuality attracted some debate onLGBT rights. The shape of the discussion shows there is misunderstanding ofthese issues, primarily because of lack of mainstream access to appropriateinformation. Misunderstanding leads to discrimination that works its way intothe lives of LGBT people, resulting in anguish and distress.
I believe that, as a nation, we have a limited appreciationof civil liberties: they have not penetrated deeply into our civic discourseand public administration. There is a great deal of work ahead if we are toachieve the full range of our fundamental liberties.
During the last three years that I have been a member of theSingapore Democratic Party, I have been engaged in social and economic bread-and-butterpolicy issues. I hope I have contributed in some small way. But afterreflection and consultation with friends and colleagues, I have come to believethat I should participate in the more intangible but no less important work topromote our civil liberties.
Therefore, I would like to inform you that I have taken thedifficult decision to resign my membership of the SDP in order to explore how Ican be of service to the wider cause of our civil liberties, a project which Ibelieve to be the dominant mission of this present period.
I continue to share deeply the values of the party whichgave me a political home and the opportunity to learn an ideal of service whichI have tried to carry out. I intend to explore ways in which I can honour thosevalues in the civil liberties sphere.
I have discussed my decision extensively with party leaderswho have given me their blessing. I would like to ask you also to support me inthis decision.
Dr Vincent Wijeysingha