Andrew and any one reading this, if you agree with the point made in this post (Thank you Andrew) might I suggest that you DO NOT stop at commenting here at TOC. Make the effort to meet face to face with your MP, being it during his walkabout or Meet the People session, and tell him firmly but politely what you think of this tactic. Let them know that its unbecoming and a disgrace for politicians or the press to plumb such depths and it is turning people off. If enough of us do that, it might reach the ears of the ruling cabal and force them into a re-think. I know I will, on my next trip back.

And to think, one of the reasons the cabal gave to justify control of the press is to prevent a freewheeling press from destroying journalistic integrity. Puke.

Dear People,

I have always admired CSJ for his courage and perseverance. I can understand his methodology against the PAP. The system we have in place today – is loaded against the Opposition and favours the incumbent. GRC’s, defamation suits, lack of the freedom of speech and assembly etc etc.

Yet CSJ can tahan all the stuff thrown at him. What’s courage ? This is courage………Keep on going CSJ !!

Lee Kuan Yew and his pap stinks. They are a bunch of money and power greedy monsters who will do anything and everything to ensure that they maintain their stranglehold on power and $billions. If Lee Kuan Yew can publicly suggested changing the one man one vote to give one more vote to certain group of people or to suggest that the military will mount a coup if the oppositions win, then anything is possible with these monsters. The only way Singaporeans can restrain these monsters is to reduce their support of the pap to just above the 50% mark. In this way they will learn to behave as expected of them. Right now they are intoxicated with power and believed that there is little Singaporeans can do to harm them.

Sadly, courage is underrated in SG.

Money talks. Just ask the Ministers what rocks their boat!

I won’t say that Dr Chee is the most “courageous” public figure. But he certainly is the most self-sacrificial, and the most patriotic. Which is more than I could say for ANY of the PAP ministers and their lackeys =P

I believe time is the best witness to prove everyone’s worthiness. If anyone thinks the govt is always right, they should think again very carefully. What the media does is nothing but purely controlling the minds of the people, making them believe the govt totally. This is best evidence of corruption.

he will overcome..and i hope we will also overcome!

[...] – Chia Ti Lik’s Blog: A Rebuttal to PAP Media Crucifixion of Dr Chee Soon Juan – TOC: Crossing the line into vulgarity – Chemical Generation Singapore: “Patriots” in [...]

For the beneift of poor english reader, translate this into chinese to TOC extra.

andrew,great job………..

yes, if possible print out in chinese, i will sure help to pass around…(SMILE)
PC good suggestion.

Harry on June 29th, 2008 11.19 pm

Yes, you are right. Just above the 50% mark. The deterrence factor must be strong enough to be effective but at the same time to ensure that any change will be smooth and a gradual one.

A lot of fat must be trimmed so that they will stay lean. Being lean must work both ways – both for the common people and them.

Chee has taken for himself an unenvaible & risky role to show us that they are not gods.

“Perhaps it is precisely because Dr Chee has such convictions that his dogged tenacity is misunderstood or scorned at. ”

The way I see it, the “diagnosis” of Chee as a psychopath is as good as an admission of defeat by LKY and company. An admission that they have nothing more to say against this man. An admission that they don’t know any ulterior motive this man may have. An admission that they think everyone must be motivated by self-gain and so this man must be crazy since there is no self-gain evident from his chosen conduct. An admission that they are not people who are motivated by ideas such as freedom and so they think anyone who is must be crazy. An ideal that they do not believe in sacrificing for ideals and so anyone who does must be crazy.

I have often wondered what LKY’s legacy will be. And I have little doubt that to the thinking man, it will not be very flattering. Because ideals are the pinnacle of human aspiration. It is things like freedom, empathy, honesty, humility, spirituality that humankind most admires. Generally the things that LKY runs over in a single-minded focus on a better bottom line for the upper crust. A good technician and a great politician I am sure he will be remembered as. But a beautiful human being, I am sure not. And that I think is the biggest pity for him.

[...] why are there still so many people supporting him? Are they all mad too. There is a nice article here which can express what I feel better. I personally have been a bit disappointed with the government [...]

Doctor,

To the thinking man, LKY’s legacy is one which could have been very much better.

[...] Crossing the line into vulgarity, The Online Citizen Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Democracy in Singapore Posted by blinkingbrink Filed in Cartoons, Singapore Tags: Chee Soon Juan, CSJ, defamation suits, Lee Kuan Yew, LKY, near-psychopath, pitiable figure [...]

Since 1992, when Dr Chee started to step into politics, pap knew that they have to destroy this man, so local media from that time onwards tried to portray Dr Chee as a crook. Majority of singaporeans especially the mandarin speaking locals believe in local media. So there you are , pap has achieved its aim to destroy, outspoken political opponent.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke.

“No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” – Edmund Burke.

When one knows something is wrong – and feels it instinctively (perhaps through his conscience) – then perhaps one should not stand idly by while the evil tramples all over.

The latest happenings – Dr Chee being called these names and the press’ coverage of Tan Lead Shake – tells me that what I fear most may have already taken root. Indeed, Law Sin Ling seems to say that it already has.

At times I feel really sad for my country. That constantly it is stripped of its dignity, its humanness, and its humanity – all in the pursuit of gold.

It makes me many times sadder that we have people in govt who are responsible for these things. But I take heart that I am not alone and that one day, this govt will awaken – or be awakened – to the futility of this dogma of pursuing materialism at all cost.

Yesterday, a friend told me: The govt’s approach is often termed “pragmatism” or “pragmatic”. It is not pragmatism. It is materialism – at its worst.

I agree. Yet, I also believe that ordinary Singaporeans are ultimately the ones who can change things, save ourselves from this endless – and futile – pursuit of materialism.

The Malaysians have shown us that it can be done. The Burmese people have shown us that it may take an immense amount of courage.

Lets hope that we Singaporeans can do the same – when the next GE comes around.

It would indeed be the saddest day of all if, when we know instinctively that a line has been crossed, we stand idly by and do nothing. Then, we have no one else to blame but ourselves.

*To the people from the media who are involved in the reporting of the case of Lead Shake’s wife, please think about it and search your soul. Please do not follow your masters’ path and cross the line into vulgarity. Have some humanity in you. Else, you’d be nothing more than vile animals.

Regards,
Andrew Loh

Andrew,
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”.

Words of wisdom by Edmund Burke is truly appropriate to the situation in Singapore.

It says a lot about a person who is only good at using underhand methods.
Doe not matter what he is striving to achieve.

There are many good men in Singapore and it is time they step up to the plate.
May I suggest all Singaporeans bond with each other by wearing BLACK for the entire day on 9th AUG and go about their normal routine.
A simple act for those who feel they need to send a message.
It will say a lot about ourselves as Singaporeans.

Afterall, they wear white, so why not we wear black attire instead , just like a daily routine outerwear(in fashion) going anywhere. Don’t tell us that it is illegal to wear “Black”. This is not an assembly or street parade. Just keep silence.

The pursuit of materialism is stalkingly pegged into the policies implemented by the policymakers and oftentimes under the disguise of “it’s for your own good”. The policies implemented and pushed by the current Government are for the nation good. Parents paid exorbitant tution fees for their children are also for their children own good. What is so good? Who would benefit?
I really desire a wholesome society, a true democratic society not an acquisitive society. This pursuit of materialism is vain and ultimately we will die in vain. May the writers, editors of TOC rise up and show us a glimpse of hope in this teeny-weeny red dot.

It is rather late for Singaporeans to realize the decays to the human spirits that materialism wroughts. I am beginning to see that the youngs in Singapore are beginning to feel the negative effects of materialism. If only the older generation had realized it earlier, if not for one vain man, Singaporeans would not have to face the ominous situation today.

Yes, now the only hope is in the young, I am encouraged and greatly consoled by youth like Singaporespirit participating in our discussions. When more youths like him are active in our social and political developments, we can be very hopeful of positive changes. When the people are purged of their vainities and vices, collectively known as materialism, sensibilites and wisdoms will return to MAKE OUR SOCIETY A MORE HUMANE AND CARING ONE THAT WE HAD BEFORE INDEPENDENCE.

To Singaporespirit; I hope that you will be with us and bring more of your friends, schoolmates to join in and together, we shall work towards spreading our ideology and humanities to save ourselves from an imminent corruption of our minds by OUR MINDLESS, MATERIALISTIC LEADERSHIP. There are P65 Parliamentarians that were co-opted into the Leadership, who are not too old. Many of them have communicated with the Citizenry, I have had participated in their blogs but thus far, they made me more worried, for they seem incapable of independent thinkings. They seemed inclined towards the materialism slope and I am very disappointed that they lack idealism. Materialism had corrupted their souls.

We are near the point of no return and we have to face this labyrinth head on to make our existences meaningful and worthwhile, anymore slip up and we are on the slippery route to rots.

Let us seek happiness, happiness that materialism will never be able to attain.

For a concerted action, let us wear dark and stay away far from the National Day Parade and Community Celebrations organized by Peoples Association for National Day. We can celebrate National Day our own ways.Pass and disseminate this message for maximun effect.

patriot.

F

Frankly speaking, TOC is a good forum for young and old to voice constructive opionions and comments. Hopefully, our Government bodies would take time to appreciate our point of views and not shrug off our petitions.

Dear Patriot,

First they stripped us of our languages – dialects – through the Speak Mandarin campaign in schools, in the media and in the wider society.

With the demise of our dialects goes with it our culture.

Then they started stripping us of our memories – through physical development, demolishing places which we hold dear. Even now, it is still going on.

Is it any wonder then that S’poreans have difficulty identifying with the country, the nation? The question now is: How should we get these things back? Or do we succumb to the govt’s dictates that this is inevitable?

Taiwanese have their dialects, their culture and they are a proud people and rightly so. Their sense of identity is not in question. Same as Hong Kongers who proudly speak Cantonese everywhere.

But we here in S’pore is stripped of these things – and urged to FEEL Singaporean. Couple this with the influx of foreigners, with their languages, culture, habits, etc, we are truly nobodies.

We must start with our children – speak our dialects to them, teach them our cultures.

If our young take their lead from out leaders in govt, I would be very sad indeed. Just look at the way they are behaving – truly they are the real hooligans.

You are right Singapore spirit; so let us come in and do our parts and get as many to read and be active in TOC. Give ideas, highlight the flaws in our social and political developments and work towards a more humanities based culture.

Andrew; there is hope for us to regain some of the losses caused by the blind faith the first generation after Independence have given to the Local Leaders. There is an awakening in them(1st Gen), many realized their follies and so are many of our youngs who are sensitive to the losses of their ethnicities of language, dialect, food and a whole lot of cultures. The greatest loss may not be even understood and felt, the big family unit of two, three generations with married siblings under one roof. Where respects to the elders was the norm and the greatest joy of family cohesion.

Revolution and uprising invariably arise from extreme, unbearable and authoritarian oligarchy and there is only so much that any society can bear. Luckily, we will not need a violent or militant struggle, signs are all around that enough is enough. All that is needed now is for the youngs to realize that there will be no future for them if the present system remain unchanged. I believe they sense it and they will help to make changes.

Andrew; you are playing a very vital role and many of us will do our best to be with you.

patriot.

You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!
Just read what LKY’s press secretary wrote in response to the Wall Street Journal article
(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121443744095705301.html?mod=Letters)

Your editorial (“Democracy in Singapore,” June 26), relying on a “partial transcript,” has misunderstood the issue in the libel case involving Dr. Chee Soon Juan and his sister.

The case had nothing to do with political freedom. It was for defamation arising from the Chees’ false claims that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Lee Kuan Yew are criminals and corrupt. Despite being advised by a Queen’s Counsel, they failed to produce any credible defense or evidence to back up their claims.

Having lost, Dr. Chee in open court then called the Singapore leaders “murderers, robbers, child molesters” and “rapists.” The Chees also rebuked the judge, ignored her orders and shouted her down. In Ms. Chee’s defense, her lawyer could only claim that she was “almost paranoid.” This is why the judge sentenced the Chees to imprisonment for scandalizing the court.

Many opposition politicians routinely criticize government leaders, but are not sued because they have not uttered slanderous falsehoods. Contrary to your editorial, Singapore upholds free speech and the right to disagree, subject to the law.

Singapore’s laws must be decided by Singaporeans, not by foreigners like Gopalan Nair, who is a U.S. citizen, or by the foreign media. Foreign media are entitled to report and comment on what is happening in Singapore, but they circulate here subject to Singapore law. They have no right to defame, to give a skewed account of court proceedings, or to engage in Singapore politics, for example, by campaigning for their version of Western style “democracy” for Singapore.

Yeong Yoon Ying
Press Secretary to Minister Mentor
Singapore

When I was in the army, I was told there were 2 ways to cross a minefield.

1) Try avoiding stepping on the mines; or
2) Step on one, some or all the mines, then the people behind will cross more safely (assuming the enemy doesn’t replace those mines).

Somehow, I think the people who choose method 1) seem to be smarter than those who choose method 2). My platoon mates appear to agreed with that choice too.

[...] Singapore – Chia Ti Lik’s Blog: A Rebuttal to PAP Media Crucifixion of Dr Chee Soon Juan – TOC: Crossing the line into vulgarity – Chemical Generation Singapore: “Patriots” in Court – Simply Gab: Why doesn’t Chee Sue [...]

as a disillusioned supporter of CSJ..i dont know what to expect next..all these finger-pointing at the government n pap is not constrcutively helping to improve CSJ’s image and strategy..what is a disillusioned supporter to do?

“Somehow, I think the people who choose method 1) seem to be smarter than those who choose method 2). My platoon mates appear to agreed with that choice too.”

So who going to make the change ? God ? Which god ?

[...] BTW, a great piece of blasphemy condemning our great leader written by a certain doctor who’s “psychotic”, “psychopathic”, and “suffering from antisocial personality disorder”. [...]

For any one to claim that prosecution of the opposition members is not about political freedom is either closing their eyes to what is going on in SinKapore or a member of PAP. They are entitle to their opinion. A free and democratic society will allow freedom of expression and free speech.I lived in a free society thousand of mile away from the land of my birth so I do know what is freedom of expression and free speech. The basic freedom to congregate and part take in political demonstration is heavily controlled in Singapore. What Singaporean want and need is an alternative voice to speak on their behalf. There are many Singaporean working oversea waiting to go home when the political situation changes to one that is more accomodating and tolerant. Many at this moment is reluctance to part take in political activity at home.