Manager
Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road
Singapore 259569
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: GREAT JOB, BOTANIC GARDENS!
I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a report in Reuters that the Singapore Botanic Gardens was planning to name an orchid after the Prime Minister of Burma. It is not often that a leader in the Burmese Junta is given the credit he deserves for creating a light for all the world to see, i.e. a New Light for Burma. I was sorely disappointed that I could not find a similar report in our local newspapers – apparently, they have lost sight of our national interest in emphasizing our attempts to build cordial ties with our neighbours. Such a measure will indeed boost the regional solidarity of ASEAN, especially against scurrilous attacks by western journalists and politicians who seek to damage our reputation to promote their narrow agenda. Therefore, I wish to praise the Singapore Botanic Gardens for its great magnanimity to premier Thein and the Government he represents.
Indeed, Mr Thein Sein and his predecessors deserve much overdue credit for their far-sighted policies and exemplary government that have given their country a standard of deprivation unsurpassed by any other in the world, except perhaps North Korea. For all their criticisms of Burma’s governance, no western country could ever achieve such a stellar record. Even Singapore, developed though we are, have not developed to that extent, although some members of the opposition – particularly the SDP – believe that we are inching closer to achieving it.
With regards to His Excellency Premier Thein, he was exemplary for promoting a culture of self-reliance during the recent cyclone Nargis disaster. After all, it is better to die from hunger than to sacrifice one’s pride by accepting aid from countries who do not respect your local culture. Needy Singaporeans and their friends should take the cue from the Burmese, and not depend so much on the government for handouts. Now, that is real National Pride. (Even the Chinese cannot beat this.)
The west also fails to recognize Premier Thein’s government for its zealous protection of secularism, a cherished western concept. The junta’s achievements eclipse even ours. We launched Operation Coldstore 1987 against a perceived threat of a marxist conspiracy within the Catholic church, but we were only able to arrest 11 believers, and only one was a priest. In contrast, last year the junta was able to burn down entire buddhist monasteries and kill at least tens of, if not hundreds of, monks. Our security forces in 1987 were not as efficient in eradicating the threat of religious leaders trying to influence government policy. They could learn a thing or two from the Burmese forces.
I would like to highlight especially that the Internal Security Department (ISD) should take a leaf from their Burmese counterparts. I feel ashamed to consider that a terrorist leader like Mas Selamat could escape from a window at a top-secret high-security WRDC, whereas the junta is able to keep their most-notorious terrorist – west-supported Aung San Suu Kyi – from escaping whilst under house arrest. Surely a house has more avenues for exit than a high-security prison?
Premier Thein’s government also understands the principle that to preserve political stability, one must crush all protests. Our government once understood that principle perfectly. Sadly, recently our leaders’ will has been bent to allow for something as egregious as a Speakers’ Corner. Don’t our leaders realize that speeches made by demagogues like Tan Kin Lian will harm the delicate social fabric of our country? Perhaps, the ruling People’s Action Party’s youth wing should pay a visit to Burma after it has toured the Forbidden City. The Burmese are the epitome of strong government, and we should admire them for it.
Reporters San Frontieres (RSF) – the institution which wrongly gave us the rank of 144th for Press Freedom – praises the Burmese government for its readiness in confronting the challenges of the information age. According to RSF, the junta utilizes the most efficient method of controlling the perils of the web – barring Burmese from internet access. Perhaps, MICA should follow its footsteps and bar access to all blogs critical of the government, therefore ensuring that no misleading information is available to people that will divert them from supporting our most excellent enlightened Government.
Lest I forget, Premier Thein ought to be commended for his illustrious economic management skills. Compared to Temasek and GIC’s disastrous investments recently, there have been no losses reported by Burma’s investments in heroin plantations and human trafficking rings. I suppose that the junta is more business-savvy than our sovereign wealth funds.
To be fair, Premier Thein Sein should not be taking the credit alone. After all, it was his predecessors who succeeded in transforming their country from a key colonial outpost of the west into a country that no westerner wants to go to at all. This way, they built an independent, self-sustaining economy, which even Singapore does not have, because we rely too much on MNCs for our growth.
It is for all the above reasons – and more that I cannot think of right now – that I wish to commend the Singapore Botanic Gardens for organizing a special orchid naming ceremony for Premier Thein Sein, to accord him the proper respect he deserves.
You and your staff have managed to see past the tinted colourings of western eyes to properly recognize the achievements and contribution of one of our neighbours – to the peace, prosperity and progress of our world – who has been stigmatized repeatedly by the West.
Once again, good job, Singapore Botanic Gardens!
Sincerely,
Ralph
P.S.: I believe that all Singaporeans and Burmese in Singapore should be invited by the Singapore Botanic Gardens to the naming ceremony on 18 March to properly honour and admire such a great man for his contributions to all of humankind.
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** The ceremony will take place as follows: Wednesday, 18 March 2009, 8am, Burkhill Hall, National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens. (SG Press Centre.)
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Visit these websites for news on Burma:
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should name the orchid under lee kuan yew, the founder of singapore
Maybe the local newspapers were not told about this matter ??
Maybe this orchid naming thing is a “Honest Mistake” ???
Think we should clarify first ??
I think whoever approved this orchid naming is a strong believer in “the power of gentle pursuasion” – He must be a damn Smart guy who believes that using soft power pursuasion to soften the Myanmar figure is much better than using force.
Just Guessing only.
BG will not be amused but it brings a smile to those who cares about their fellow humans, about their well-being, about their basic human rights.
Love your letter, Ralph.
Communist Party of China and PAP of Singapore are indeed the greatest friends of those murderous generals from Myanmar who gunned down hundreds of thousand with arms once supplied by Chartered Industry-Singapore.
Communist Party wants the resources of Myanmar,oil,gas,teak,forest,every thing they have.
What does PAP want,I do not know,but they actually get nothing,except some GLCs,such as Keppel Land,Singapore Technology throwing away a few hundred millions of our money.
Today it is a different world,PAP is desperately looking for a way out of their global centre agenda,and the first thing they have identify is to move up ASEAN,which is actually the right way,as sooner or later,they would realise that the only area in which Singapore has competitive advantage is ASEAN,500 million consumers and growing,talk about selling goods for domestic demand of China and India,are just that,rubbish and bullshit
My humble opinion is that PAP currently lacks strategic vision,looking at all those yes men and compare them to the first generation of PAP leaders,you may know what I mean!
haha thanks for the gd laugh!
The picture does not reflect a protest.
So many monks relieving their bowels on the street.
The monks are breaking Myanmar’s law on sacred sanitary.
How can you guys believe in Western Media that this is a picture of protest?
Reminds me of a phrase from 8-Bit.
“Elfland, and F you too!. We’re a race of total Bastards.”
Long live Myanmar Democratic Junta!
B4 someone here get carry away with their own perspective of what’s happening, and stirred up emotions and feelings in the wrong way, please also read the following press report, which state Singapore’s stand in engaging Myammar.
http://app.mfa.gov.sg/2006/press/read_content_news.asp?View,4901,
Normally, if there’s a Orchaid naming ceremony, such a ceremony would be reflected in the press report as well, but it was not!!!
Much as I oppose the strong arm tactics of the PAP government, I suggest we should still be careful and avoid falling into the agenda and traps of Western press/media and double standards human rights groups, who are simply trying to impose and push their views and opinions on us (their other ways and means for these westerners to try and colonize Asia again).
Ralph, did you get this information and act upon it solely based on the report from Reuters?
Did you clarify with the Singapore government or foreign ministry before writing this letter, which may cause lots of emotions to the many readers here?
The naming of Orchids were restricted and normally extended to the wives of visiting dignitaries, and seldom done for the “man” himself. So, I quite puzzled by Reuters’ report as well (but they had also reported many highly speculative and one-sided issues and news in the past as well).
I will join Ralph in sending protest letters to our Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister’s Office and Singapore Botanic Garden, if this naming ceremony had proven to have taken place. It time citizen like us all show that we care about what’s happening around us and our neighbors!
To be fair, if this is just a speculation by Reuters (I really hope not!), I wonder whether TOC will take the lead in protesting against Reuters as well? Or whether Ralph will write another sensational letter to Reuters protesting against such false reports?
Maybe it’s becos our Botanic Gardens also rely the sand that import from Burma, beside the two IRs. So it does make sense to name an orchid after the Prime Minister of Burma.
11,
Certain things may be hushed up in the domestic media, for sensitive reasons.
In any case, the naming ceremony has not been fully confirmed, is it not?
We are expressing our indignance. There ain’t a damn thing wrong with that.
11,
http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/csg/de_note/D-20090313-1.html?AuthKey=4fbd5b1d-86fa-a54c-8ced-06fc1af6b407
FYI.
This is progress!
Do let us know should u need world-class “fertilizers” for the orchid
From today onwards, National Park Board and all its members have lost its creditability and respect from innocent people around the world. I feel so ashame of Singapore gardening people now and I am no longer proud of being part of Singapore Garden city who has a murderer’s name in it.
Why not named the orchid “Thein Sein Orchidectomy”?
http://www.cancer.gov/templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=318820
“I suggest we should still be careful and avoid falling into the agenda and traps of Western press/media and double standards human rights groups, who are simply trying to impose and push their views and opinions on us”
Urrrghh!!!! enough about double standards of western press and media already! I volunteer occasionally to help the Foriegn Workers in Singapore and speak out (once in a while) on their behalf. Does that mean I dun give a shit about the less previledged locals? People, why dun you just stop and think for once that perhaps there are human rights group BECAUSE there are people who care who simply happen to be WHITE? Just because these groups come from the West which admittedly also do not always practice what they preach so therefore must we completed discount the human rights abuse that have been exposed in the east? And do you even suppose that there aren’t NGOs back in the west that aims to address the human rights issues back in their home turf?!
Are we that dumb that we can’t tell if a news is biased? (oh yah, some are) That there is no difference between FOX news and CNN? If you are so worried about neo-coloniaiism, maybe it’s time you throw away your ipod and your levis jeans. God… look at your line of thought – “Murder is wrong unless the West says that it is, and because the West is ONLY populated with Ruyard Kiplings, we should now say that murder is right.”
#14
Much as you so righteously think that there ain’t a damn thing wrong with expressing your indignance, there ain’t a damn thing wrong for me and many other to be cautious and careful about what’s reported and what”s not. We want more infiormation and the truth before making comments, is there any damn thing wrong about this????
Or you think that just because I express a different views from yours and the article, there is something wrong with me…are your words and thoughts not reflective of a “me only” mentality??
I have a right to be careful, and I have the right to be suspicious of people’s intention and agenda, and if you can’t take it and respect my personal thoughts, then you are no different from those “PAPies” that you sought to often crticize!
I have sent a letter demanding a clarification from MFA and The Singapore Botanic garden, I will revert when I get their response!!!
#20
“Just because these groups come from the West which admittedly also do not always practice what they preach so therefore must we completed discount the human rights abuse that have been exposed in the east?”
Precisely, so what can differentiate between those who are really fighting for the welfare of others and those that are just trying to throw their self-righteous views and opinions on others (which was the same inpression you give me…). Do you not think that we should at least find out first and be sure about who we are supporting?
“Are we that dumb that we can’t tell if a news is biased? (oh yah, some are) That there is no difference between FOX news and CNN?”
So, you have just admit that you do not care whether a news or report have any credibility, and you feel you have anyone can act and respond to any news without finding out any truth… This makes you in fact much more dangerous that those “PAPies” that many are up against…because you don’t even bother to first differentiate and ascertain between what may be right or wrong, black or white before shooting your gun!!
Aren’t you just like the Myammar military junta?
Its a first step to get the junta to go green and preserved the environment and humanity.
All mainstream news media are biased, whether they are foreign or local. The main point is whether each of us is capable of taking the bias with a pinch of salt, dissecting the information provided and arrive at a meaningful conclusion to each other.
Good Job Botanic Gardens! We shall finally have a flower named after a great neighbor! Can’t wait to know what name that is.
Mr Truthwillprevail
If you read what I wrote carefully, you will know that my point is that we do not accept indiscriminately what’s in the news. My analogy of FOX and CNN is simply that if we know who is running the show from behind the scenes, we can quite easily tell the biases in BOTH networks. EVERY news media are biased like what #24 says.
What I disagree with however, is the assumption that because SOME news sources are unreliable, and some western NGOs are undisputedly fronts for organisations of questionable agenda, therefore ALL western sources, NGOs, groups should be viewed with caution and distrust because they have a neo-colonial agenda. If you are as discerning and careful as you claim to be, you will realize that the most outspoken people against the ‘western’ agenda are very often governments of countries of questionable human rights issues.
For eg, whenever the issue of Tibet is raised, China goes up in arms over the Western agenda etc etc. Regardless whether the west is jealous of China’s rise, it doesn’t change the fact that the Tibetians have suffered profoundly under CCP rule. Yes, the period of self-rule before the invasion wasn’t a period where everyone sand kumbaya either, but two wrongs don’t make a right.
Similarly, whether or not the West has any agenda doesn’t change the fact that the junta carried out deplorable abuses of human rights against its people. This isn’t something you need to wait to clarify, investigate etc etc before you arrive at a conclusion.
Couldn’t you see how the debate has been steered? Whenever we speak out against an abuse etc, the words self-righteous and hypocrites and hidden agenda get immediately flung at the people who sounded the alarm? Have it ever occured to you that all these may simply be an excuse NOT to want to confront the uncomfortable reality there is out there? That it is far easier to deflect our collective moral responsibility away?
If you are as discerning as you claim to be, then you would also have seen tarring anything remotely linked to human rights as a malignant evil WESTERN agenda is also a tactic so commonly used by the perpetuators of the abuses.
Don’t get me wrong. I do understand the world is a very complex place and all… nobody at this moment wants a China NOT run by the CCP for eg… but the place to start is to call a spade a spade, even at the risk of being, as you have done for me, labeled ‘self righteous’. (i would add the word ‘prick’ to that :)) If we can’t even say for certainty what is right and wrong, while acknowledging at the same time all the shades of grey in between, then eventually we’ll lose the ability to even make a stand. Because you can NEVER know for certain if any news source is ever reliable.
Mr TruthWIllPrevail,
I feel greatly ironic that you are accusing Zefly of siding with the Western Press, especially since he is the usual “conservative” on TOC.
Anyhow about the letter, we can wait for SBG to respond, if they want to… I wonder …
Oh, by the way, AFP has confirmed the news:
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090318-129330.html
Singapore is the first country in ASEAN to honour a Burmese Junta leader and prehaps the first in the world as well !
Let’s hope the Burmese Junta return the favour to the famiLEE, so that
the ordinary folks in Myanmar will remember them forever.
Think about it folks, it has to take a despotic regime to honour a likewise despotic regime……………. “birds of a feather flock together “.
This is an eye opener for present and future generations of S’poreans.
#28,
bro, i think you hit the damn right spot on the HEAD!!
The Military regime of Myanmar does what it wants and they could not care less for the world. They are just afraid to open up as they they fear losing power & control.
How then do you engage them ? It is really good that Singapore and Indonesia can get Sr Gen T S to visit – naming an orchid may offence some, but whatever one can do to open up heart and mind is a step in progress towards influencing Myanmar to open up again as it did open up briefly in the years 1993 to 1999.
No, an orchid naming would not change a military junta; neither can condemation akin to western forms.
Before Malaya’s (including Singapore then) independence, Rangoon used to be the centre of medical care for South East Asia.
Myanmar is the only Asian country which still can stand up to the bullyings and patronising attitude of the west. by simply ignoring the west. This is something Asians must be proud of , and it is ASEAN’s duty to help alleviate the oppressed common citizens of Myanmar.
Singapore and Indonesia has a chance now engage the miltary junta at its highest level. Well done ASEAN.
The orchid has been named, “Dendrobium Thein Sein”.
See here: Singapore urges Myanmar to cooperate with world.
complete rubbish!!!!!!!!! nonsense. crap. mindless article.
“Myanmar is the only Asian country which still can stand up to the bullyings and patronising attitude of the west. by simply ignoring the west. This is something Asians must be proud of”
I am at a loss for words.
8) PAP Activist from AMK
“The picture does not reflect a protest.”
>> Can you prove what you say? Why not you prove the picture does not reflect a protest?
“So many monks relieving their bowels on the street.”
>> are you not insulting holy men? Is this not rude? Manners please. We are educated people, not babarians or uneducated mere mortals.
“The monks are breaking Myanmar’s law on sacred sanitary.”
>> Can you prove it? Or just talk only? Talk, anyone can.
“How can you guys believe in Western Media that this is a picture of protest?”
>> Same question back to you: Can you prove that this is not a picture of protest?
Over yo you number 8.
“Myanmar is the only Asian country which still can stand up to the bullyings and patronising attitude of the west. by simply ignoring the west. This is something Asians must be proud of , and it is ASEAN’s duty to help alleviate the oppressed common citizens of Myanmar.”
This sounds damn contradictory..
“It cannot be a case where the leaders just goes through the motion so that things will calm down, and then back to status quo ante. I just had a conversation with Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram three days ago. We were exchanging views and he said, “There can be no going back to status quo ante”. I told him, “I fully agree with you and that must be ASEAN’s position”.
- Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, in Parliament.
http://beyondsg.typepad.com/beyondsg/2007/10/replies-by-mini.html
——
In 2007 as well, George Yeo met Thein Sein in Burma to discuss the sale of sand from Burma to Singapore. This was after Malaysia and Indonesia declined to sell sand to us.
18 March 2009, Singapore Botanic Gardens names an orchid in honour of Burmese PM Thein Sein.
Status quo ante.
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Read this: http://www.bigozine2.com/fooled/burma.html
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CNN is not what appear to be. don’t swallow everything they say.
it is easy to talk (#36),
Can’t you detect sarcasm in post #8? You are over reacting.
lol… this is the first time someone calls me conservative. I thought I’m the usual flag waving bleeding hearts liberal…My position is actually closer to that of #32. The funny thing I noticed about these threads is that everyone seems to be taking an either/or position and assumes the other party is taking the extreme ‘other’ position.
For eg, the whole talk about the effiiciency of economic sanctions, whether it does more good or more harm … the assumption is that when we question if S’pore is cozying up with the Junta too much, we therefore want to see a revolution in burma, or want worldwide condemnation and economic sanctions.
I thought the recent Time article about how some African countries prefer business investment to aid shows how the well intention of us ‘liberals’ can be not really what the burmese want or need.
My beef isn’t with the SG govt being friends with the junta. Using the analogy of friends, SG being the ‘good rich friend’ and the junta being the ‘poor neighborhood bully’, the question is, is the good friend leading the bully the right way? How do we ensure our investments also benefit the general burmese population and not merely strengthen the junta economically? Or are we more of the ‘zhu peng gou you’ – the kind of ‘friends’ who don’t question what each other does as long as there is plenty of booze and fun?
AND even if we are friends, do we choose to ignore the sins of the friend?
The reason for my strong response to some of the post wasn’t because I disagreed with a less confrontational approach (if it works, why not?) – but the way the points were so callously put across that ASEAN solidarity must come before whatever crimes against humanity the junta commit. Because if we keep going down this road of prioritizing some economic/mutual good over moral standards, one fine day we’re gonna lose the ability to make moral choices. One fine day, if the junta commits their version of the Holocaust on their people, we’re still going to be talking about not imposing our beliefs on the practices of others.
The West turned a blind eye to the rise of Nazi Germany despite the strong warnings from some people, until Hilter started screwing them over.
41,
“One fine day, if the junta commits their version of the Holocaust on their people, we’re still going to be talking about not imposing our beliefs on the practices of others. ”
If ASEAN doesn’t grow a pair of brass ones in this instance, you can be sure it will be tossed aside by history.
Zef (#41),
1) Funny. You always came across to me as one of the govt’s defenders, although one of the more well-reasoned ones I have seen online. I didn’t seem to notice your “bleeding hearts liberal” statements anywhere.
2) Yes, there is a problem with such talk going overboard. But Myanmar is really a tough nut to crack. Sometime or later, ASEAN needs to take a tough stand. And yes, the Junta deserves the condemnation it gets.
3) Africa is Africa. Myanmar is Myanmar. Africa is a continent that possesses some good leaders who do not wish to be treated as pushovers. Myanmar is a country with a Government that totally cares nadir for its people. Business Investment will be more beneficial to Myanmar than Aid only once mechanisms to ensure the proper conduct of such investment are set up. Otherwise, direct aid to the People is still more effective. At least aid, if delivered properly, gets to the people directly. Investments – you will need to see where the returns go to.
4&5) A Good friend isn’t always lovey-dovey; sometimes Good Friends have to be tough and firm with each other. That’s what separates an acquaintance from a good friend; the latter will dare to criticize out of love; the acquaintance will just ignore faults and ignore you.
6) In truth, I think the real problem is that, ASEAN nations don’t want to face up to their own sins. If any ASEAN country were to take a stand against Myanmar, it can be guaranteed that Myanmar will start Raking out the Skeletons that particular Government keeps in its closet. The argument being, “You dare to criticize us when you are doing the same thing to your own people?” And no ASEAN Government, least of all Singapore, wants to lose face.
7) In a cruel irony, the reason why the West ignored Hitler is because they did not want to provoke him into war. This was an application of lesson-learnt from the First World War, which had been started because France attempted to confront German Expansion, and the aggressive nature of the Balkan States.
Zefly and Arix,
i just want to point to you guys our PM’s letter to Myanmar written in Sep 2007.
http://app.mfa.gov.sg/2006/press/view_press_email.asp?post_id=3141
29 September 2007
Dear Excellency,
In Singapore’s capacity as the ASEAN Chair, I write to express the deep concerns that other ASEAN leaders and I share over the very grave situation in Myanmar.
I have discussed this matter with all the other ASEAN leaders. We are most disturbed by reports of the violent means that the authorities in Myanmar have deployed against the demonstrators, which have resulted in injuries and deaths. The videos and photographs of what is happening on the streets of Yangon and other cities in Myanmar have evoked the revulsion of people throughout Southeast Asia and all over the world.
We agree that the confrontation that is unfolding in Myanmar will have serious implications not just for Myanmar itself, but also for ASEAN and the whole region. Hence, our Foreign Ministers issued a firm statement in New York, strongly urging your government to exercise
utmost restraint, and to work towards a political solution for national reconciliation and a peaceful transition to democracy. ASEAN also called for the release of all political detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I attach a copy of this statement.
The ASEAN Leaders fully support the mission by the Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ibrahim Gambari. He has gone to Myanmar to help all parties involved find a peaceful resolution. I would like to emphasise the importance which the ASEAN countries, and indeed the whole international community, attach to Mr Gambari’s mission. We strongly urge your government to grant Mr Gambari full access to all parties in Myanmar, as you have done in the past, and to work with Mr Gambari to try to find a way forward.
ASEAN’s concerns are for the welfare of the people of Myanmar, for a return to stability and normalcy, and for Myanmar to take its place among the comity of nations. I hope you will consider these views in that spirit.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
LEE HSIEN LOONG
To 44)
And wat did burma do during the ASEAN meeting? The burma envoy did not allow Mr Ibrahim Gambari to talk as ASEAN is as the name implies, an association. In short, u can’t do nuts in this association to pressure the other nation. LHL was super paiseh as he was the chair of ASEAN at that time and he expected the burmese envoy to allow Gambari to speak during the meeting