Rafiz

I think you are more concern at the shift in position by TOC.

My opinion on TOC is that it is an online platform that seeks to contribute to Nation building. The priority is therefore aimed at online activities that engage and involve more and more Singaporeans as time goes by.

Any activity at HLP must therefore be seen as a mean to achieve this end. For this reason, I agree that TOC must tread cautiously but keep the courage; for this is something very new, and we do not know how the authorities might react should the crowd and activities at HLP be heightened.

We must also keep up the pressure and test the boundaries, if not, we will be failing ourselves not to make good use of this opportunity. HLP used to be a joke but thanks to TKL, it has taken a more serious clout. We must continue to build up the stature and reputation of HLP.

And, even as we do this, we must not forget to keep our online channel opened because we must not be silenced should HLP becomes history. TOC must therefore remain not only relevant but must aim to be bigger in stature than HLP.

Visit Seah Chiang Nee’s blog : http://www.littlespeck.com/
Visit Catherine Lim’s blog at : http://catherinelim.sg/2008/

Read all about it!

Frankly, the fear is pervasive and larger than reality. Make one example of a couple of opposition and it’s enough to send ripples to the whole nation for years.

However, having witnessed many Speakers’ Corners in countries believed to be more advanced and democratic, you’ll probably find that more than 70 per cent are trash : topics ranging from astronomy, animal rights, superstitions, violence, to bigotry.

Who are these true heroes? Certainly not the above mentioned. Do you consider Sarah Palin a diva, heroine, or others?

I am unsure how the authorities will react to TOC’s involvement in rallying people to HLP for the minibond issue. I am sure they are not comfortable as it involves:

1. Large gathering of people to register their dissatisfaction with how their investment has gone awry though it is largely targetted at the banks.

2. A leader or a group who acted on the behalf of the common people – this is often done by political parties and not any other group or VWO for that matter. So kudos to TOC for taking up this role.

3. Gathering of mass signature for petition to the proper authorities with regard to the minibond issue.
Nevertheless, speaking from a concerned Singaporean who is also alarmed at how little progress we have make in opening up our political front, I am all for taking the little small steps of risk here to engage the public to speak up.

If I read our authorities well, they will allow such “protest” to carry on but imited to HLP unless some large gathering go violent – which can happen. TOC need to careful here as their activities have gather much attention.

I hope I have not dissuaded TOC for taking the lead here to spearhead activities for the public and not allowed certain group to use them for their own personal gain. Keep up the good work!!!

Tks for the suggestions. Please allow me to explain a few of the points you raised.

“Pro-Govt, Pro-Opposition & Neutrals must be accorded the same level of respect for them to share and contribute constructively toward a better Singapore for Singaporeans.”

I agree fully with you. We do allow pro-govt, pro-opposition and neutral comments here. We also try to get writers and members from all sides. (We had a Young PAP member as one of our editors in the past). If you do know anyone who might be interested in joining TOC – whatever his political affiliation – please do let us know. :)

As for TOC.tv, we sort of have that now. But it’s being improved. More details will be revealed when we have got it done. :)) Tks for the enthusiasm but it might take a while before it’s up.

Weekends at HLP.

Personally, I feel it’s a great idea. But it’ll require manpower and some effort to sustain. So, we’re considering it and see if it’s viable. Certainly it’s something worth doing..

Much is being done at TOC – behind the scenes. It will become more apparent as we go into the new year. One thing’s for sure: We’re not standing still.

just my 1 cent.

You die your parsar. As long as I dont need help from others, I shall ignore them. As long as there is nothing to get out of people, I don’t care about them. Talk to my uncaring face.

I feel that this is the real reason why no one voice up at HLP except a few rare once in a blue moon ‘toast masters’.

But who can blame them? Why should a human help another when there is nothing to be gained out of doing that ? After all , all are strangers to each other.

This kind of society is sick and sad.

And become a monopoly?? Noooo… I believe that having many sites means there’s something that caters for almost everyone. :)

Those interested in the most pertinent issues will congregate at one spot, to be sure. Currently TOC is that place.

Here’s a suggestion for TOC.

Because of TKL, TOC’s profile has increased by leaps and bounds.
Take this opportunity to expand the parameters.

1. continue to build on the momentum to promote ‘weekends at HLP’.
2. target the weekend activity toward a family outing sort of event.
3. go print some nice pocket calenders or bookmarks or anything that can be easily slipped into the wallets.
4. get supporters to drop these bookmarks and pocket calenders into buses, trains, Macdonalds, KFC, football stadiums etc. The idea is to advertise your blogsite.
5. TOC also needs to shift it’s stand toward the middle ground. It’s serves no one any good by being on the extreme left because then we will only have a choice of two extremes.
6. Posters and commenters are given room to express their thoughts as long as they keep to some no-nos like name calling, creating racial tensions etc.
7. Pro-Govt, Pro-Opposition & Neutrals must be accorded the same level of respect for them to share and contribute constructively toward a better Singapore for Singaporeans.
8. set up TOC.tv ASAP.

YES TOC SHOULD ARRANGE TO CONDUCT THIS ISSUE AT THE SPEAKER CORNER FOR MANY UNHAPPY SINGAPOREAN TO VOICE OUT THEIR FRUSTRATION, WE DO NOT BELONGS TO ANY OPPOSITION PARTY NOR DO WE NEED TO JOIN ANY PARTY, WE BELONGS TO THE TRUE BLUE CITIZENS OF SINGAPORE.

thanks for listing out some reasons not only on why our people are fearful speak up, but more broadly the main reasons why our people refuse to speak up.

with a solitary ruling party ruling for such a long time and past handling of personnels who went against the govt (from political members like JBJ and Chee, to the expression of discontent by SIA pilots few years ago), singaporeans are cynical and worried of the repercussions of socio-political expression.

recent outcry of fare and fee hikes further reinforce our citizens views that nothing can be done to change the authorities’ decided policies. other than briefly explaining these “need for such hikes”, have our govt set up a committee to answer our people’s call and consider further regulate the companies concerned to ensure that such hikes are called for?

i can understand the plights of many of our people who refuse to speak up. the issue now is how to empower our people to speak up.

Why then do people are so fearful of speaking up? Here are some reasons I can offer:

1. the NO-HOPERS; who have been cowed into fear with no cures.
2. the CLOUDED; clouded in fear from what they have heard or seen or thought they have seen & heard with their own eyes and ears.
3. the CARERS: those who care for the family and loved ones who to do not want to bring hurt or harm to them.
4. the PRIORITISERS; those who prioritise political struggles behind what they feel are issues that are more in touch with reality like putting food on the table and making sure their loved ones are healthy.
5. the TIDAK-APAS; it’s not my battle, why should I get my hands dirty.
6. the BLINDED; nothing-is-wrong-why-fix-it?
7. the ‘BETTER-NOT-ASK-FOR-TROUBLE’ – i have things to say but what difference will they make? better keep quiet.
8. the ‘WHAT? I DON’T KNOW LEH’ – the disinterested.

I feel that if we want to stand up and be counted, we have to seek alternative methods of bringing our voices across. We cannot go mainstream, neither can we compete by blowing our horns from the top of the mountain.

Our approach has to be more subtle and more suitable for the younger masses, for in truth, we must admit that the battle is already lost in trying to win over the confidence of the older generation who has already given in to fear – whichever type it may be.

We must set a bush fire elsewhere and I believe the internet is the way to go.

Presently, we have too many alternative voices, platforms and discussion sites that pull the audience away from all directions. We might want to find a way to pull all these sites together to become one big playground for all.

We will then have a concentrated platform that discusses a wider range of topics and bring some sort of check and balance to the govt of the day, not only PAP govt but future govts whoever they may be. This voice has to be strong and it must amplify the people’s voice.

Someone suggested TOC.tv. Why not? we must think BIG then we can grow BIG. This will be the new alternative opposition voice where everyone can speak up.